Perfect, so my stock shocks will work fine. Now where to find the FSDs for cheap..

Do you think the RSB is a mod that I will notice a handling difference with?

 

Yes, your old stock springs will work fine.
Which rear bar are you thinking of?
The R53 has a 17 mm rear bar, so an adjustable solid 19 mm bar might be a nice addition,
that's what I'm doing when the weather cooperates.
I have this one in my basement right now (22800R) :
http://www.hotchkis.net/product/2002...06&md=218&sm=1
http://www.motoringwerks.com/p-1191-...sway-bars.aspx
Note - this bar is advertised as hollow but it weighs and feels and looks like a solid bar to me, and to several other vendors.

A solid 22 mm or hollow 25.5 mm might be a bit much unless you're planning on Autocross where you need to get the rear end
around better on tight corners.

WayMotorWorks and MotoringWerks both have Koni on sale now including the FSD:
http://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-fsd-shocks.html
http://www.motoringwerks.com/p-3674-...sd-shocks.aspx

 

Thanks for the links I was actually looking into that exact one, or the Alta one. 19mm-22mm was the one I was interested in just trying to figure out which one. I agree hough ill prob just go with the 19mm Hotchkiss

 

Can't say anything bad about the 19mm Hotchkis bar, but if you are going with a 19mm check out our TSW 19mm bar as it is just as good, but a little more cost effective.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/tsw-rea...-bar-19mm.html

 

Thanks way I will look into it. Do you guys have Koni Fsds on sale at all right now?

 

On my former 2009 I ran H-Sport (19mm) with Koni FSD and stock springs. I did the mods in steps. First the RSB which you will read time and again remarkably improves the handling and is the "best bang for the buck". I ran mine on the middle setting which wasn't too harsh at all for daily driving and pretty much gave our '09 a neutral steer. Next I installed the FSDs and all I can say is "WOW"! It cornered like a champ. When I added summer tires/wheels all I could do was smile. I went with hotchkis comp RSBs for my 2013 this time around at Way's recommendation and will certainly install FSDs again when I get a chance. We never tracked our '09 with the exception of a Phil Wicks course (and probably won't track this one either) - I understand folks that do track use a different setup. Lots of posts about track setups. Way is the MAN! He'll steer you in the right direction based on your needs and he has great prices.

 

Good to hear as this is the exact setup I am considering buying soon. When you installed the RSB and Konis did you also have to switch anything else out like worn bearings or bushings etc? I think the handling on mine will be like night and day as its my DD and it has 125k on the original suspension..

 

I've always wondered, are the sport suspension's stock springs compatible with FSDs or is it strictly the non-sport springs?

 

FWIW...

I paired Eibach pro kit springs with FSDs and I'm at about 15k miles on this set up with no issue.

Supposedly works because eibach spring rate is near identical to stock, despite being lower. I have no clue what that spring rate number is...

Dropped my ride about an inch? This is a pic right after install.

Here's the thread I started about my quest for springs if you feel so inclined to read: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...out-there.html

 

Just gonna use my stock springs but it looks legit man!

 

I added the poly Powerflex bushings including NM Engineering's lower control arm bushing and engine mount bushing upgrade (again at Way's recommendation) and was VERY pleased with the results. One thing I noticed IMMEDIATELY is with the engine mount bushing upgrade, due to reduced engine (torque) rock, the shifting was even more precise. I STRONGLY recommend you give Way Motor Works a holler and chat with Way for recommendations to get the ideal setup to suit your motoring style and needs. Because you have an S (my he might recommend the H-Sport comp bars as well to take full advantage of your suspension but speak with him first. My 2009 was a normally aspirated ("Justa") but my 2013 is an S. With my former 2009, I really didn't need anything stiffer than the H-Sport RSB - at the time it was perfect for my needs. I definitely noticed the comp RSBs have a much stiffer ride than the H-Sport RSBs because they have a larger diameter - you might have to go with the "soft" setting on that so you don't get surprised by potential oversteer or have as harsh a ride for daily driving, but again chat with Way. I have A LOT of confidence in him because he hasn't steered me wrong yet. I will say before we went down to Kershaw for a one-on-one with Phil Wicks course in my 2009 I swapped out the brake fluid with racing fluid to keep it from boiling during heavy braking in addition to installing upgraded EBC brake pads with the stock break rotors. It's not necessary for the street but if you do intend to track it, upgrading your brakes is certainly something to consider. Again, lots of info about track setups on NAM. Happy motoring!

 

Thanks! I just PMed him now and look forward to working with him to find the proper setup for mine. Mine is a DD and wouldnt ever hit the track so I am thinking FSDs as I mentioned

 

Four months ago I added a 20mm rear sway bar, front extended lower ball joints and the FSD's with stock springs. Amazing transformation with ride as well tight turning. I was thinking however of getting the same height springs but a stiffer compression. Anyone tried a setup with stock height springs but stiffer?

 

So you really like the setup and the way it rides with the FSDs, rear sway and new ball joints??

 

I really do like it, and I have very bumpy roads right now do to the warmer weather. I do find it to be a little stiffer over the bumps but, does not throw me a round in my seat. The new ball joints were put in with these

http://new.minimania.com/part/NMS600...Mini-Cooper--S


I have tested the setup, but on winter roads and soft tires it is not a true test until the spring comes and I put on the summer rubber.

 

Yeah be sure to update us on your thoughts with summer tires and cleaner roads. I can't wait to switch it up as I am most likely riding on springs with 125k on original suspension!!

 

+1 ...I wanted to use FSD but didn't want to lower The car . I do wish to do a few track

Also with 125k I probably need new springs

 

Do you think new springs are needed as well? I have 128k and I was just going to be getting FSDs with the stock springs..

 

Stock springs rarely sag or fail.
They should be good for another 128k unless something really bad happened to them.

 

Thats what I thought, I was pretty sure I heard that on here a few times. That saves me some money though.. Thanks!

 

I do not think I need new springs which will save me money but I would like to know are stock springs good enough for track days?

 

Thats a good question I am curious with as well. Maybe JCW springs??

 

I just bought koni FSD from Race Consulting Agency, $520 shipped (2 days shipping), give them a call and talk to Adam. I have hotchkis rear sway bar and control arms installed already. Cannot wait to get FSD installed. Its gonna be paired with stock spring. LCA poly bushing will go in along with FSD. My car has 123k miles now. Will post result.

 

Sweet, let us know as I am very close to the same as where you on mileage and would like to see how you like the setup!

 

Got the FSD installed. what a different it made. The ride feels more planted and the ride is very solid. It feels silky smooth on the expressway. It doesn't bounce back and forth when going through a crappy section of road to work. All those dash rattles are gone. will take it for autocross next month to see how it handles. I used the stock springs with 123K. I still have not installed the LCA bushing. overall, I am very happy with it, it does not have a harsh ride over bumpy roads and very stable at high speed.