I would like to improve my current suspension right now since my R53 has been feeling a little too stiff than usual and is now making weird noises too. What would be a good replacement, or at least what should I be searching for that would give me a better ride but not loose too much of its sports like suspension. I don't really use mine in track and but I don't want to completely loose the go-kart feel either.

Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated.

 

Koni sport or FSD with the stock springs IMO.

 

Bram, is that what you're running? I'm trying to tell what your wheel gap is like from that picture.

 

Swift springs and Bilstein sport dampers.
Mild drop and excellent handling.

 

I am running a completely stock sport suspension. When I do change it, I will go with the FSD shocks. I have heard nothing but good things about these shocks. I do not want to lower my MINI so that it is why I will use the stock springs. I do use a 215/45/17 tire also.

 

Way Motor Works just installed FSD's and 19mm rear sway bar plus the rubber duckie thing that tightens the torque mount. For my situation I will say that I am extremely pleased with the results. Picked up tighter handling plus a nicer more refined ride. Normally you give up one for the other. Thanks Way!

 

FSD's will increase your handling over stock and ride better. The Swift Spring/Bilstein sports setup will make your car handle phenomenally but sacrifice some ride.

 

One more for FSD's.
Got them from WMW about two months ago and could not be more pleased.
Great improvement with stock suspension.

 

I have to disagree with davis flyer. Ive had the FSDs for 1.5yr. They do not corner as well as stock after a year, they do at first. They also get a little bumpier. They are better than stock overall but i wish i had taken collins advise 2yrs ago and got the bilstiens with swift sport springs. Try to find a local mini owner with each and go for a ride.

 

I just put on Koni yellows with stock springs on my 03 MCS. The stock shocks were completely blown. I drove 2000 miles round trip to LA 3 days later and couldn't have been more happy with the ride. I don't do track days, at least not yet, but I do drive very aggressively on back roads. I went with the koni yellows because I will be going to a stiffer, lowering spring. Probably WMW springs when they get them back in stock. I think it would be a great idea to go for rides in minis with various suspension set ups as mentioned in the previous post.

 

fourblades, I suggest that you take your MCS to a good tech for a detailed inspection before throwing money at a new set-up. Your suspension should be getting softer with age and mileage, not stiffer and making noises.

 

I prefer Koni Yellows (Sports) to the FSDs.

Stock is awful.

Bilstein Sports + Swifts sounds like a great combo but is probably pretty stiff.

- Andrew

 

+1 I agree. It appears as though things are happening in the opposite order of how they normally do.

And remember fourblades....a good tech will ALWAYS take the car for a test drive. Don't let them just rely on a visual inspection.

 

Oh that's really good to know. Well I won't be replacing that that soon since the suspension isn't too bad but just makes weird noise when I go weird bumps.

On a side note, my sis enjoys my sporty suspension on the high way even if it does feel like it vibrates on bad paved road. Makes her fall asleep she says. I just like to sing long notes cuz my voice vibrates too.

 

I don't know if I want to lower the car...yet... Probably just replace the suspension if I really need to. Gonna take the advice of figuring out my suspension issue first as advice by others before spending money.

I am still debating about changing to a different size wheels than 16" to 17" or 18". I know that will affect handling as well since the tires will be lower profile. I have moved away from runflats so I admit it's already a lot smoother and quieter ride.