Hi ppl! I'm considering getting a Rear sway bar and Strut bar installed and needed some advice please. For context wrt my experience, I've never had any suspension related work done ever to any of my cars ... so this will be my first.

I've done some research based on prior posts and see that there are 3 RSB options (VIP, WMW and NM Eng.) price range $220-$300, and 1 Strut bar option (VIP) for $200.

I've been quoted 3 hrs labor from a local suspension expert garage, at $150 per hour (Bay area, CA).

My questions:
- Has anyone had both strut and RSB installed? If so, is it worth it? Should I only get one or the other? I'm currently leaning towards getting both from VIP.
- Does the labor effort and rate sound reasonable? I plan on getting some more quotes soon too.

Thanks in advance!!

 

I did both. Both are noticeable, the rear adjustable sway bar especially so. Strut bar might only take you minutes, and does make initial turn-in a bit quicker and flatter (less wallow). Rear sway bar is a 2-3 hour job if you haven't done it before (dangle back end, wheels off, disconnect sway bar, shocks off, remove all but one subframe bolts, loosen but don't remove remaining one, lower subframe a couple inches, swap to new bar). At the stiffest setting the rear sway bar effect is huge (I bought the Way black one). Small steering wheel movement and the vehicle jumps into the next lane. With traction control off and taking corners at various speeds up to 50mph back end still doesn't step out, so you still will have less oversteer than a MCD with an aftermarket set of sway bars... but it will be a bit more unstable if you rapidly steer back and forth.

 

We love to sell parts, but I personally would recommend just starting with the rear sway bar. It is by far the biggest improvement in handling. Strut bars don't make much difference on MINI's, we found more improvement with the lower chassis brace. Plus there will be more options come out for strut braces later and something better will prob. come along.

 

Just ordered the WMW bar. Can't wait to get it in. Install quotes range from $140-$450!! Will pick one soon and reply back with my feedback.

 

Wow, I'd love to be paid $450 to install a rear bar - does that include an alignment?

Unless you're going to track your car, I'd recommend not setting it to it's stiffest setting right off the bat, learn how it works first.

I've found I do need it set all the way stiff on my car on track days, mostly to get the front inside tire not to spin coming out of slower corners. but once I'm back on the street I find it uncomfortable and harsh, so I go back to the softest setting till the next track day.

 

Wouldn't bother with a strut bar, unless it's the OMP version, which is pricey.

I would recommend a Lower strut bar. Those range in price, but you can get one for just under $100 even. They help way more than the top strut bar IMO.

I got a full brace kit here from Donald-the-bonald on eBay, and Wow! What a difference!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Cooper-2002-06-Lower-Strut-Tower-to-Sub-Frame-K-Brace-/200843625077?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACooper&hash=item2ec3368275&vxp=mtr

 

If you are still looking to install the rear sway bar, get a hold of me. You can come over and we can do it. I am in the east bay.

Jason

 

Hey Jason, I'm so sorry, I totally missed your offer and only just saw this now. I got this installed nearby from a Lotus/Mini specialist for $140. I've had it for 2 weeks and love the change!!

Thanks so much for your offer, very kind of you sir!

Best, kp

 

So I just purchased a '12 CMS4. It's my 3rd Mini but very different handling, obviously as my other two were lowered. Sounds like installing the rear sway is the best handling upgrade....is the consensus the Way sway?
Also seems like the strut is 50-50...need it or not. Advice appreciated.
Still haven't changed by pic as I've been traveling...but glad to be back in the NAM community!

 

Rear sway is a huge difference to my car to date

 

Thanks!
Hadn't thought about lowering a CM, seemed counter intuitive, but I've seen and read rave reviews from others??

 

Good info here. Thanks guys! Now to decide which one.....