Hello!

I need to replace my control arm bushings. I am looking at purchasing for Way since they come pressed. I am also replacing the strut mounts since one has small tear. Anything else I should be replacing?

I also plan on installing H&R touring cup kit at the same time.

 

If you are going to drop the subframe then ball joints and you should check to be sure that the oil pan is not leaking while you are there.

Rich

 

I was looking at this:

http://www.waymotorworks.com/powerfl...ll-joints.html

Is it a good deal?

 

Also looking at these:

http://www.waymotorworks.com/powerfl...-bushings.html

 

Inner ball joints, sway bar bushings, power steering hose clamps & maybe new CHF-11S fluid while subframe is out. Take note that PU bushes would need periodic lubrication. Check w/ Way on this. Not too difficult a DIY job.

 

Do a rear sway bar.
shocks are already coming out, its pretty straight forward.
and if you want more handling, think about camber plates vs strut mounts.
i have found H&R cup kits to be soft and bottom out easily when pushed.

 

Do a rear sway bar.
shocks are already coming out, its pretty straight forward.
and if you want more handling, think about camber plates vs strut mounts.
i have found H&R cup kits to be soft and bottom out easily when pushed.

 

which camber plates can i use with the h&r kit?

i was looking at these:

http://www.waymotorworks.com/ireland...e-r50-r53.html

but its only with stock suspension

 

Stock style, such as the stock size springs and the H&R will be, I strongly recommend against them. and would recommend swift springs.
they are set out for more handling and are plenty low.

 

The IE fixed camber plates are a must do for all R53 1st gen minis (that don't run adjustable plates). I love them on my car.

I have Koni yellows with Tein H-tech springs. I like it, but would consider the Swifts if I were doing it again. The H&R kit is probably too low.

- Andrew

 

okay. so the fixed camber plates are out. i am looking at the h&r setup because of the price. its less than $700 and from the reviews i read should work just fine for me. i don't track my car since there is no where local i can do that. so for street h&r should work. plus i like the stance this drop provides. i am also saving up for other mods such as pulley, rear sway bar, wheels, etc. so budget wise h&r seems the way to go.

i am looking at buying everything this weekend. so is a good deal: http://www.waymotorworks.com/powerfl...ll-joints.html

or kind i find it lower anywhere else?

 

what about these to replace the strut mounts:

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...t+Up+To+6%2F06

1/2 the price that replacements from way?

 

Stock topmounts suck. They break and they cause mushrooming and you get very little camber. Get the IE fixed top mounts. They'll last a long time, prevent mushrooming, and you will make a big improvement in handling.

Seriously, get them. The not intended for lowering springs thing is not true.

- Andrew

 

so i can run IE fixed top mounts with the h&r touring cup kit? i was going to purchase some plates or the m7 strut bar for the mushrooming. but if this fixes the mushrooming problem and it makes it handle better the i can kill two birds with one stone.

 

Yes. I have them on my car with Koni Yellows (which are the same struts that the H&R cup kit uses, just the H&Rs are grey). I also run lowering springs with a mild drop. You'll end up with around -1.75 degrees negative camber.

- Andrew

 

what springs are you running?

 

Tein h-tech. They don't drop much but are good for what i wanted. If I were buying springs now I'd take a good look at Swifts. I live in baltimore city so a big drop isn't for me since these cars don't have much travel to spare.

- drew

 

for the budget you have and what your looking to do you might want to consider the megan racing coilovers as they are adjustable ride height, adjustable shock bodies, adj rebound, and include front camber plates and rear upper shock mounts.

I've never liked the ride of the H&R's and I wouldn't recommend them.

 

thanks way! i am actually sticking with h&r. don't know much about megan and have used h&r on other vehicles with good results. i am still picking up the ball joints and powerflex bushings from you.

what do you guys think of these:

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...t+Up+To+6%2F06

much cheaper...

also, still up in the air about using ie fixed plates with h&r touring cup kit. don't mind spending the money just want to make sure it works and its an all around better choice.

 

I don't get it, you ask way what to get he says don't get H&R. so you decide to do it anyway
don't get me wrong, i am not a big way fan but seriously its what he dose for a living.
id trust it.
I hate these threads where its like hey i want your opinion but im going to blow it off anyway.

 

Okay. So i have been off the forums for a while because of the holidays. Bought myself an IE cat back for Christmas just for grins. Anyhow, my suspension has been put on hold for a month or so. I bent a rim this month and will be ordering some Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 17x8 wheels this week.

Back to the suspension...

Colin - Since you are called me out on this. What are you running for your suspension?

Seriously do not care for all the features the Megan's offer. My experience about coil overs is that you set them once and forget it. Unless you are doing track days which I am not. To be honest I could care less for cheap Taiwanese coil overs.

Way - Why Megan's and not ST's? Never mentioned a budget. I could go higher if needed. I actually have been looking at H&R coils and they run around 1k.

 

Take a look at the H&R RSS. I really like them. They handle really well.

 

thanks! you are the only one that has replied. I am looking at ST or H&R Street-Perf. Coil-Over. you have the rss. are they really that stiff? price difference is only a couple of hundred...

have to make a choice next week or two. just installed team dynamics pro race wheels and i am loving them! IE cat back is awesome! not the prettiest but sounds great.

 

I would rather not bash anyone other than mention that there are some valid points above.

I did months of research in this realm of which suspension system to pick. Some things that I read/heard about I will enclose below:

- low satisfaction rate with H&R's good coilovers
- H&R's "Touring" kit is probably similar to stock suspension
- Koni Yellow Sport seem to be a good option for cheap around ~$615, but do not include springs or upper strut towers. These are also "Sport" which usually indicates its not for the extreme enthusiast.
- Koni FSD shocks are for the person who wants a little sportier but still comfortable ride. Seems some people find the dynamic system to fail at times which results in Cadillac suspension sometimes when you wanted to take a corner quick.
- I ultimately went with the Megan coilovers which I found for $800 plus shipping. Fully adjustable (and appears it only takes 5 mins to adjust the rebound on them). They include the strut towers and coils, obviously, so if you have had mushrooming like I have had, this might be a good solution. I wanted something that I could adjust easily, was not over $1000, and had a good reputation. My Mini mechanic recommended these over any of H&R's products. I haven't yet installed them, because of timing issues; but I will report my findings.

I also picked up a 22mm Alta rear sway bar to do at the same time. I did the front control arm bushings a few months ago (PowerFlex bushings) and that was fantastic right off the bat. My shocks I'm running on are completely blown and Les Schwab wants $1200 to do OEM shocks, and this explains why I ended up purchasing aftermarket coilovers.

More later, including my ultimate verdict about the Megan's.

(Forgive type-o's, I'm typing this on my iPhone)

 

I was also looking at H&R coilovers but after speaking to way, I decided that they may not be for me. I also am over hauling my suspension pretty fierce this month. I decided to go with Koni Sports since they are designed to work with lowering springs and they offer dampening adjustment. I paired them with Texas Speedwerks Springs which are linear, ride well with any shock, and offer a sharp stance at a reasonable price point. Then, I rounded off the package with some Vorshlag camber plates and H Sport Rear Control Arms. This provides me the ability to adjust the camber according to where I will be driving, whether that be track or street. Also, suspension feel and response are greatly enhanced. I already have an adjustable sway bar in the rear with adjustable end links and power flex control arm bushings, and I am very happy with all of this!

To me, coil overs are not necessary unless you are tracking the car frequently or just looking to slam your car to the ground. Just my .02