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-   -   Suspension Installed KW V2's on GP2 (https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/suspension/262289-installed-kw-v2s-on-gp2.html)

MarioKart Dec 7, 2013 12:58 PM

Installed KW V2's on GP2
 
5 Attachment(s)
Took me awhile to figure out what Coilover system to replace my stock Bils/H&R GP2 Coilovers. I wanted a system that went lower and rode nice because this is my daily driver. I chose the KW V2's and I love them. Easy to install and set up, but I am going to go with some custom SWIFT springs next month. Here are some pix. I do admit the front CF lip can make it challenging to get out of my own house:))

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KilmerPT Dec 7, 2013 03:47 PM

It looks fantastic Mario!

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WayMotorWorks Dec 7, 2013 04:15 PM

FYI our TSW spec KW's V2 come with custom linear springs on them, that could have saved you the trouble of taking them back off and the expense of buying more springs.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/kw-vari...r55-56-57.html

jibber11 Dec 7, 2013 05:41 PM

Looks cool

Which wheels and splitter is that?

afadeev Dec 7, 2013 07:08 PM


Originally Posted by MarioKart (Post 3851457)
Took me awhile to figure out what Coilover system to replace my stock Bils/H&R GP2 Coilovers. I wanted a system that went lower and rode nice because this is my daily driver. I chose the KW V2's and I love them. Easy to install and set up, but I am going to go with some custom SWIFT springs next month. Here are some pix. I do admit the front CF lip can make it challenging to get out of my own house:))

Watch out for those a-corns! :lol:

What rate (and length - 7"?) springs are you after?
I assume fronts only, since rears (8" long 230 in/lbs) are on the stiff end of TC Kline (renown BMW/MINI race shop) recommended setup: http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details689.cfm


a

P.S.: IIRC, Way also plays with KW spring rages, but doesn't tell anyone what his preferred setup is.
P.P.S.: I have a set of KW v3s ready to go on the car, though I wont dare go that low on NJ/NY roads.

MarioKart Dec 7, 2013 07:28 PM


Originally Posted by jibber11 (Post 3851553)
Looks cool Which wheels and splitter is that?

Thanks buddy 18" NM REs12 wheels and M7 CF lip

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MarioKart Dec 7, 2013 07:28 PM


Originally Posted by afadeev (Post 3851594)
Watch out for those a-corns! :lol: What rate (and length - 7"?) springs are you after? I assume fronts only, since rears (8" long 230 in/lbs) are on the stiff end of TC Kline (renown BMW/MINI race shop) recommended setup: http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details689.cfm a P.S.: IIRC, Way also plays with KW spring rages, but doesn't tell anyone what his preferred setup is. P.P.S.: I have a set of KW v3s ready to go on the car, though I wont dare go that low on NJ/NY roads.

Not quite sure what Swift springs I'm going to pick, but they will be more on the

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MarioKart Dec 7, 2013 07:30 PM


Originally Posted by afadeev (Post 3851594)
Watch out for those a-corns! :lol: What rate (and length - 7"?) springs are you after? I assume fronts only, since rears (8" long 230 in/lbs) are on the stiff end of TC Kline (renown BMW/MINI race shop) recommended setup: http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details689.cfm a P.S.: IIRC, Way also plays with KW spring rages, but doesn't tell anyone what his preferred setup is. P.P.S.: I have a set of KW v3s ready to go on the car, though I wont dare go that low on NJ/NY roads.

Not quite sure what Swift springs I'm going to pick, but they will be more of a Daily Driver set up. Girlfriend friendly!

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Mindspin311 Dec 7, 2013 09:58 PM

I thought standard KWv2s came with the wider, progress rate springs up front? Your pics show the constant diameter springs along with the helper springs.

Way, can you confirm?

MarioKart Dec 8, 2013 02:30 AM


Originally Posted by Mindspin311 (Post 3851649)
I thought standard KWv2s came with the wider, progress rate springs up front? Your pics show the constant diameter springs along with the helper springs. Way, can you confirm?

I think you might be right. I called KW about my V2's and they told me the fronts are progressive at 299lb and ride height. I wonder why mine don't have that tapered look?

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minsanity Dec 8, 2013 03:53 AM

Progressive springs don't have to be tapered. Coil winding distance just isn't uniform.

Green Flash Dec 8, 2013 05:27 AM

Great Information
 
MarioKart,

Thanks for taking the time to share your experieces - complete with photos. Many of your posts are filled with information that can help other MINIacs with decisions on their cars. Wish more people would share dyno data as you have done in another thread.

There are many suspension systems on the market, aimed at meeting different expectations. Saw one MINI with 450 lb springs on the rear - much, much too stiff for a daily drive. I, too, would like to improve the handling, but keep a decent ride.

Your MINI is looking and performing great. Keep us informed. Thanks :thumbsup:

countryboyshane Dec 8, 2013 09:19 AM

Bravo. You're doing it right. That's what should have came with the GP2 from the start. No more terrible wheel gap and now you've got much better suspension:cool: Now the GP2 looks like a racer instead of a daily driver :grin:

MarioKart Dec 8, 2013 03:23 PM

2 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by Green Flash (Post 3851690)
MarioKart, Thanks for taking the time to share your experieces - complete with photos. Many of your posts are filled with information that can help other MINIacs with decisions on their cars. Wish more people would share dyno data as you have done in another thread. There are many suspension systems on the market, aimed at meeting different expectations. Saw one MINI with 450 lb springs on the rear - much, much too stiff for a daily drive. I, too, would like to improve the handling, but keep a decent ride. Your MINI is looking and performing great. Keep us informed. Thanks :thumbsup:

Thanks GreenFlash,
These cars are very addicting, but the forum information is a little lacking. I guess I'm used to 1000hp Cadilac's and the BMW world, where there is endless amounts of information and risk takers. I hope I'm can contribute to all of our Mini addiction :).
Send me a PM and I will let you know how the car drives as a Daily Driver.
Btw here is my Caddy and my old M6
Thanks again
Mario

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batdevice_ Dec 8, 2013 07:48 PM

Nice car! Looks great. I love the wheels.

WayMotorWorks Dec 8, 2013 08:50 PM


Originally Posted by Mindspin311 (Post 3851649)
I thought standard KWv2s came with the wider, progress rate springs up front? Your pics show the constant diameter springs along with the helper springs.

Way, can you confirm?

Yes the KW V2s from KW or any other online site come with progressive springs.
The ones on our site are the smaller constant diameter because they are linear.
What is on this car I can't tell ad we can't see the top of the front springs.

MarioKart Dec 8, 2013 09:12 PM


Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks (Post 3852037)
Yes the KW V2s from KW or any other online site come with progressive springs. The ones on our site are the smaller constant diameter because they are linear. What is on this car I can't tell ad we can't see the top of the front springs.

I will take better pix and try to get some numbers. I wonder why mine are different?

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MarioKart Dec 8, 2013 09:28 PM


Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks (Post 3852037)
Yes the KW V2s from KW or any other online site come with progressive springs. The ones on our site are the smaller constant diameter because they are linear. What is on this car I can't tell ad we can't see the top of the front springs.

I did buy them used, from and the guy just told me he purchased them from Way Motor Works. So the question is, do you change both the front and rear springs? So if I want something more DD and cushy, should I try a different springs?
Thanks and mystery solved
Mario

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andyroo Jan 8, 2014 12:08 PM


Originally Posted by MarioKart (Post 3852049)
I did buy them used, from and the guy just told me he purchased them from Way Motor Works. So the question is, do you change both the front and rear springs? So if I want something more DD and cushy, should I try a different springs?
Thanks and mystery solved
Mario

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Those are definitely linear springs with a helper, so they probably are Way's version.

IMO if you want something more DD and cushy, you should raise the car because you are slammed too low for ride and handling.

- Andy

MarioKart Jan 8, 2014 02:58 PM


Originally Posted by andyroo (Post 3864159)
Those are definitely linear springs with a helper, so they probably are Way's version. IMO if you want something more DD and cushy, you should raise the car because you are slammed too low for ride and handling. - Andy

The car rides better than the stock C/O and handle incredible. No bump steer and alignment. Is near perfect.

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andyroo Jan 9, 2014 11:02 AM


Originally Posted by MarioKart (Post 3864234)
The car rides better than the stock C/O and handle incredible. No bump steer and alignment. Is near perfect.

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Good to hear. :) KWs are good stuff. It would get better with a little more ride height and I don't know that changing springs would have as much of a difference in comparison.

- Andy

MarioKart Jan 9, 2014 08:36 PM

2 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by andyroo (Post 3864596)
Good to hear. :) KWs are good stuff. It would get better with a little more ride height and I don't know that changing springs would have as much of a difference in comparison. - Andy

It's damn low!!

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squawSkiBum Jan 17, 2014 05:56 PM

How do you adjust the rears? Did you drill holes at the top so you can get to the adjuster?

MarioKart Jan 18, 2014 01:26 AM

3 Attachment(s)

Originally Posted by squawSkiBum (Post 3868150)
How do you adjust the rears? Did you drill holes at the top so you can get to the adjuster?

The fronts are 18 adjustable from the top, super easy. I didn't drill from the top for the rears and KW doesn't sell a remote style coil. I played with the front and back height, and rebound/comp for three days. I think I had the rear Coilovers completely in and out close to a dozen times. I have become very good and removing the rear Coilovers, got it down to 18 minutes. :)). Since I don't track the car, I don't see a need to adjust them anymore
Thanks Mario

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squawSkiBum Jan 19, 2014 08:44 PM

Thanks for the explanation. I'm planning on going to the track 4-6 times/year, so I need to be able to easily adjust. I don't like the idea of drilling holes in the body to be able to adjust the rears, so I need rears that adjust from the botton which leaves me with either PSS10s or Ohlins as the only possibilities. Enjoy your GP2!


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