Suspension Koni FSD with JCW Springs installed
#53
I wish I knew the actual Spring Rates for the various MINI springs. Our Cooper " sits almost 1" lower than our "S" with "Sport Suspension" and I suspect that is due to increased/stiffer spring rate. Where the "JCW" springs are in relationship to an "S" w/"Sport Suspension" is certainly a mystery to me.
Anyone know????
Anyone know????
Last edited by SMOG; 03-01-2014 at 06:48 AM.
#54
#55
Sounds like MINI is being very specific with it's Suspension Tuning. It is a pity that ride comfort was not a consideration along with good handling.
So my automatic "S" with "Sport Suspension", no sunroof, could be different than anything but the same config. Interesting!
I like the way the FSD's handle for the driving I do, just not thrilled with the clunk. So, after much hassle I have one more thing to try before I rip them out and send them to KONI-USA with a terse note...
So my automatic "S" with "Sport Suspension", no sunroof, could be different than anything but the same config. Interesting!
I like the way the FSD's handle for the driving I do, just not thrilled with the clunk. So, after much hassle I have one more thing to try before I rip them out and send them to KONI-USA with a terse note...
Last edited by SMOG; 03-01-2014 at 06:49 AM.
#56
#58
Just to clarify - the ride height is not affected by spring rate.....you could lower your current springs by 1" (cutting them) and it would only affect the height - the rate would still be the same (unless they are progressive springs).
Not sure if i'm reading some responses right, but it seemed some people are implying that ride height and rate are related (unless you are cutting progressive springs).
Not sure if i'm reading some responses right, but it seemed some people are implying that ride height and rate are related (unless you are cutting progressive springs).
#59
#60
Just to clarify - the ride height is not affected by spring rate.....you could lower your current springs by 1" (cutting them) and it would only affect the height - the rate would still be the same (unless they are progressive springs).
Not sure if i'm reading some responses right, but it seemed some people are implying that ride height and rate are related (unless you are cutting progressive springs).
Not sure if i'm reading some responses right, but it seemed some people are implying that ride height and rate are related (unless you are cutting progressive springs).
Bob
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930 Engineering (07-30-2021)
#63
When cutting springs, you need to be conscious of preload on the springs. When I put my TSW's on, the car looked like it was too high in the front. This is partly an illusion, because the wheel arches are not identical on the MINI, so the wheel gap was larger in the front, even though the rocker panels were about level with the ground.
I cut 1/4 coil off of the front springs, and there is very little preload (like 20 lbs) on the springs. My only point is that if I wanted the car lower, I would have problems keeping the springs in the seats. The TSW's are not progressive, so it may be a different case with progressive springs. FWIW.
Mike
I cut 1/4 coil off of the front springs, and there is very little preload (like 20 lbs) on the springs. My only point is that if I wanted the car lower, I would have problems keeping the springs in the seats. The TSW's are not progressive, so it may be a different case with progressive springs. FWIW.
Mike
#65
#67
Very good read! Glad I found this thread.
I was planning on FSD's and Eibach Pro-Kit springs for my 07 MCS. With the proper bump stop height, I bet I could get away with it no problem. BUT with Koni themselves putting it in writing, I doubt I'll go for it. Such a shame as these are struts I really really like the look of in performance and streetability.
I was planning on FSD's and Eibach Pro-Kit springs for my 07 MCS. With the proper bump stop height, I bet I could get away with it no problem. BUT with Koni themselves putting it in writing, I doubt I'll go for it. Such a shame as these are struts I really really like the look of in performance and streetability.
#68
#69
I'm a big fan of the yellow's on most cars that I've been in or owned(Other than E30 BMW's. SOOOOO many better shocks out there for those it seems). I just really like what I'm reading about ride comfort from the FSD's. I imagine with TSW springs an cut bump stops, the FSD's should work fine.... but then again, it's a gamble on $800 I don't want to take lol.
#70
I have never had yellows, so I can't comment. Given the warning from Koni, I am not sure if I would go with TSW springs. 45mm is a lot more lowering than 10mm.
I was amazed/surprised by the ride quality. I thought I had make a huge step in the wrong direction regarding performance when I first installed them - the ride was so soft compared to stock, how could it possibly handle well?
I was amazed/surprised by the ride quality. I thought I had make a huge step in the wrong direction regarding performance when I first installed them - the ride was so soft compared to stock, how could it possibly handle well?
#71
Well the link previously posted sounded like it was specifying first gens.
Then there have been some mixed OPINIONS. So I just called Koni tech support and asked.
The rep basically came to this conclusion:
It's not so much a whether you can or cannot use FSD's when lowered. It's that the more suspension travel, the better the FSD's perform. Lowering the car can adversely affect their ride quality, but as long as the bump stops are trimed accordingly so there isn't a frequent bottoming out issue, they're not going to prematurely fail.
In the end, he said to ensure the best ride quality and performance with lower than stock springs, Yellows are the safest bet. It's what they were designed for.
Then there have been some mixed OPINIONS. So I just called Koni tech support and asked.
The rep basically came to this conclusion:
It's not so much a whether you can or cannot use FSD's when lowered. It's that the more suspension travel, the better the FSD's perform. Lowering the car can adversely affect their ride quality, but as long as the bump stops are trimed accordingly so there isn't a frequent bottoming out issue, they're not going to prematurely fail.
In the end, he said to ensure the best ride quality and performance with lower than stock springs, Yellows are the safest bet. It's what they were designed for.
#72
#73
Yeah. Well I'm not "lowering" my car for the sake of making it look lower. And I'm certainly not buying into the stupid slammed/stretched tire/poking out the fender trend that's going on. I am looking at most likely the Eibach Pro-Kit springs for 1.2-1.5" drop providing better handling and a lower center of gravity. I feel that's a solid drop for a daily driver that might see a solo event from time to time.
From what the tech told me, it really does sound like Yellow's are going to perform AND ride better than FSD's for me as the FSD's are, honestly, designed to function the best at stock ride height.
From what the tech told me, it really does sound like Yellow's are going to perform AND ride better than FSD's for me as the FSD's are, honestly, designed to function the best at stock ride height.
#74
After having Koni replace the first set of FSD's under warranty because of some pretty nasty internal clunking noises the second set is starting to do it.
It seems to take about 2,000 miles for the clunk to start in the right front and then by 3,000 miles the left front is making noises. The rears are always solid.
With everyone happy with their FSD's I cannot help but think the "Sport Suspension" springs are what is causing this. The car rides higher than our other MINI by almost an inch and the other MINI does NOT have the "Sport Suspension".
Bilstiens HD's w/Swift springs is going to be the next try. I do not track the car and I certainly do not need to lower it. I drive on dirt roads on occasion and over a lot of speed bumps, not to mention the radical driveway aprons , and I like the clearance. Leaving money on the pavement is not a goal...
I loved the way the FSD's handles but apparently they are not designed for those springs that came optional when I ordered my MINI. Pity...
It seems to take about 2,000 miles for the clunk to start in the right front and then by 3,000 miles the left front is making noises. The rears are always solid.
With everyone happy with their FSD's I cannot help but think the "Sport Suspension" springs are what is causing this. The car rides higher than our other MINI by almost an inch and the other MINI does NOT have the "Sport Suspension".
Bilstiens HD's w/Swift springs is going to be the next try. I do not track the car and I certainly do not need to lower it. I drive on dirt roads on occasion and over a lot of speed bumps, not to mention the radical driveway aprons , and I like the clearance. Leaving money on the pavement is not a goal...
I loved the way the FSD's handles but apparently they are not designed for those springs that came optional when I ordered my MINI. Pity...
#75
After having Koni replace the first set of FSD's under warranty because of some pretty nasty internal clunking noises the second set is starting to do it.
It seems to take about 2,000 miles for the clunk to start in the right front and then by 3,000 miles the left front is making noises. The rears are always solid.
With everyone happy with their FSD's I cannot help but think the "Sport Suspension" springs are what is causing this. The car rides higher than our other MINI by almost an inch and the other MINI does NOT have the "Sport Suspension".
Bilstiens HD's w/Swift springs is going to be the next try. I do not track the car and I certainly do not need to lower it. I drive on dirt roads on occasion and over a lot of speed bumps, not to mention the radical driveway aprons , and I like the clearance. Leaving money on the pavement is not a goal...
I loved the way the FSD's handles but apparently they are not designed for those springs that came optional when I ordered my MINI. Pity...
It seems to take about 2,000 miles for the clunk to start in the right front and then by 3,000 miles the left front is making noises. The rears are always solid.
With everyone happy with their FSD's I cannot help but think the "Sport Suspension" springs are what is causing this. The car rides higher than our other MINI by almost an inch and the other MINI does NOT have the "Sport Suspension".
Bilstiens HD's w/Swift springs is going to be the next try. I do not track the car and I certainly do not need to lower it. I drive on dirt roads on occasion and over a lot of speed bumps, not to mention the radical driveway aprons , and I like the clearance. Leaving money on the pavement is not a goal...
I loved the way the FSD's handles but apparently they are not designed for those springs that came optional when I ordered my MINI. Pity...