I picked up my car last week having installed my new Swift springs over JCW shocks/struts, Vorshlag camber plates and H-Sport rear camber links. Settings are -2.0 up front, -1.2 out back.
Due to weather and a host of other reasons, I really did not get a chance to try the new cornering ability out for a while. I have to admit that I was hoping for a little more drop, as it looks about the same as the previous JCW springs, but I didn't measure. Of course I didn't buy these necessarily for dropping, more for performance. Over the course of the first 6 days I did notice that the suspension is much firmer than the JCW setup, even jarring on expansion joints. I began to wonder if I had made a big mistake. I was hoping to attend a local autocross this weekend but was unable to to surprise visitors.
Then yesterday, everything aligned and I was able to make it up to the Dragon to try out the new springs. They did not disappoint! While I didn't drive the road at crazy speeds, I did notice that the turns were taken with much more ease than before. Much less body roll, better control. In fact it really highlighted how bad the stock "sport seats" are at holding you in. I found I could enter and exit the turns at a higher speed with much less drama and noise than before. I'd really be curious to see some skid pad numbers!
So my initial impressions for the first couple hundred miles are that the springs deliver in the performance category, but I would caution people that live with really bad roads that the suspension is much firmer. For the average person, the JCW suspension is probably a pretty good compromise.
Due to weather and a host of other reasons, I really did not get a chance to try the new cornering ability out for a while. I have to admit that I was hoping for a little more drop, as it looks about the same as the previous JCW springs, but I didn't measure. Of course I didn't buy these necessarily for dropping, more for performance. Over the course of the first 6 days I did notice that the suspension is much firmer than the JCW setup, even jarring on expansion joints. I began to wonder if I had made a big mistake. I was hoping to attend a local autocross this weekend but was unable to to surprise visitors.
Then yesterday, everything aligned and I was able to make it up to the Dragon to try out the new springs. They did not disappoint! While I didn't drive the road at crazy speeds, I did notice that the turns were taken with much more ease than before. Much less body roll, better control. In fact it really highlighted how bad the stock "sport seats" are at holding you in. I found I could enter and exit the turns at a higher speed with much less drama and noise than before. I'd really be curious to see some skid pad numbers!
So my initial impressions for the first couple hundred miles are that the springs deliver in the performance category, but I would caution people that live with really bad roads that the suspension is much firmer. For the average person, the JCW suspension is probably a pretty good compromise.
For those curious to the stance with the Swifts, here is mine after 1 week:
3rd Gear
I'm getting my Swifts installed next week along with Koni Sports. Looking forward to the switch but still debating the Koni setup, soft, firm or firmer?
I'm sure no matter which way I go there will be a period of adjustment to the drive.
Right now I'm leaning towards full soft, drive it for a summer and maybe change next year if required. Car is a summer drive, "03 and has under 24 k. on the clock.
I'm guessing you have 17" wheels, I think the gap is perfect. I have 16" wheels with stock suspension while I'm expecting a drop, my wheel gap will probably be greater. Lowering my Mini was not the priority, if it was I would have gone a different route.
I'm sure no matter which way I go there will be a period of adjustment to the drive.
Right now I'm leaning towards full soft, drive it for a summer and maybe change next year if required. Car is a summer drive, "03 and has under 24 k. on the clock.
I'm guessing you have 17" wheels, I think the gap is perfect. I have 16" wheels with stock suspension while I'm expecting a drop, my wheel gap will probably be greater. Lowering my Mini was not the priority, if it was I would have gone a different route.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the increased cornering capability. It's not a small difference, it's actually quite noticeable!
Former Vendor
Glad to see so many good reviews on these springs. We have sold a few sets and we have not heard any negative comments about these springs performance wise. We daily drive our car on these springs and while I do agree that it is noticeably stiffer than stock, in my opinion it is more comfortable as it is not as bouncy as the stock car.
Comparison between stance of Swift springs to JCW springs, both on JCW shocks/struts.
Swift:
JCW:
Swift:
JCW:
After about 1500 miles, I can gladly report that the springs have loosened just a bit and give a much better ride than new! 
These springs are still very tight, and I believe that my tires are now the limiting factor on my cornering ability. The suspension stays incredibly FLAT, which of course gives you much greater control up to the point where the tires finally loose traction.
Great springs!!
These springs are still very tight, and I believe that my tires are now the limiting factor on my cornering ability. The suspension stays incredibly FLAT, which of course gives you much greater control up to the point where the tires finally loose traction.Great springs!!
3rd Gear
davisflyer- Which Swift springs did you get? Progressive or Linear? Weight?
Eggburp- Wheel size does not have anything to do with wheel gap. Only rolling diameter will effect the gap. (not being a *****, just helping with info) :-)
Example:
Factory 17" uses a 205/45-17 with an aprox 24.3" dia.
Factory 16" uses a 195/55-16 with an aprox 24.4" dia
I am using a 205/50-16 with an aprox 24.1" dia
As you can see, the tire to fender gap isn't changing as all three tires are same height. (measure from ground, properly inflated, to top on tread... then to fender)
Eggburp- Wheel size does not have anything to do with wheel gap. Only rolling diameter will effect the gap. (not being a *****, just helping with info) :-)
Example:
Factory 17" uses a 205/45-17 with an aprox 24.3" dia.
Factory 16" uses a 195/55-16 with an aprox 24.4" dia
I am using a 205/50-16 with an aprox 24.1" dia
As you can see, the tire to fender gap isn't changing as all three tires are same height. (measure from ground, properly inflated, to top on tread... then to fender)
Quote:
These are the Spec R's, linear and approx. 5 lb springsOriginally Posted by SimTechDJ
davisflyer- Which Swift springs did you get? Progressive or Linear? Weight?http://www.swiftsprings.com/products-ss_spec_r.html