Suspension Springs, struts, coilovers, sway-bars, camber plates, and all other modifications to suspension components for Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Suspension H-sport vs M7 springs?

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Old Jul 22, 2004 | 04:53 PM
  #26  
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sfjames2
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good stuff redpilldog, those are 16 inch rims right? I can't wait to get mine on we're almost there.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2004 | 04:56 PM
  #27  
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Great to hear that redpill, I mean...Are those the stock 16s??? Just curious...I'm getting mine installed tomorrow at Steve's, but I have 17s on so hopefully there won't be any rub.
 

Last edited by Panganiban; Jul 22, 2004 at 05:41 PM.
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Old Jul 22, 2004 | 05:03 PM
  #28  
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redpilldog
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M7 Springs... I have them

Yes, those are Stock 16" rims. My research indicated that the 16" ran Solo2 better so that's what i got. I really recommend Seve's. I've had all my work done there and his prices and service are excellent. Truth is i'd pay more for the lack of headaches i've had with the work that he's done. i have Stock sway bars till i scrape the money together. hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2004 | 05:06 PM
  #29  
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cool man, that means the 17's will close the gap even a bit more.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2004 | 10:18 PM
  #30  
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Alrighty, m7 springs are absolutely bad-a--. The front shocks went back on earlier this eve., had to take it out for a ride.
From the time we left our house and got on to Alemany Blvd. the improvement was noticed. These springs are smooth on those annoying bumps, have just the right amount of bounce when you hit dips and stuff. I was jamming down one of the roads around here that I don't usually take and hit a big a-- dip in it, it was two large steel plates that dipped in the middle pretty severely. Anyway,I imediately knew not to brake and just let it ride. My wifey got tossed up out of her seat i thought we left the ground for a second, but when we came down, it happened very nicely. My wife and I both were shocked that we did not bottom out. They absorb all of the vibration you get from rough roads. My wife loves them, she does not drive, but has been a great passenger... no nagging whatsoever.

Panganiban, we made the right choice. I've taken Brutus down there a number of times and know exactly what kind of roads your on. You will love them. I'll be emailing you the pics. shortly
 
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Old Jul 22, 2004 | 10:54 PM
  #31  
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SF James,

thanks for the report and bringing this option to light! These springs sound like what I'm really looking for...been holding off on the HSports, even though so far thats been my first choice...but I don't race, and the RIDE counts...

I'm a do-it-yerself-er, even though sometimes I learn the hard way...I'm very persistent, if not always patient..grrrr...if you had to do it again, would you install them yourself? What directions did you follow?

BTW, I still hope to buy you beverages, your wife included, for tipping me off to an EBay sale for a front bumper cover I was seeking...I will pay up!
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 12:05 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by sfjames2
Alrighty, m7 springs are absolutely bad-a--. The front shocks went back on earlier this eve., had to take it out for a ride.
From the time we left our house and got on to Alemany Blvd. the improvement was noticed. These springs are smooth on those annoying bumps, have just the right amount of bounce when you hit dips and stuff. I was jamming down one of the roads around here that I don't usually take and hit a big a-- dip in it, it was two large steel plates that dipped in the middle pretty severely. Anyway,I imediately knew not to brake and just let it ride. My wifey got tossed up out of her seat i thought we left the ground for a second, but when we came down, it happened very nicely. My wife and I both were shocked that we did not bottom out. They absorb all of the vibration you get from rough roads. My wife loves them, she does not drive, but has been a great passenger... no nagging whatsoever.

Panganiban, we made the right choice. I've taken Brutus down there a number of times and know exactly what kind of roads your on. You will love them. I'll be emailing you the pics. shortly
Man-o-man...I can't wait. I just gotta face traffic and hopefully, it'll be smooth sailing from there. Anyway, I'm glad you love the springs. Makes me feel like I made the right choice also. It's great to know that Peter and Randy are putting quality products out there. Good job on the development of the springs guys! In the meanwhile, we'll see how they turn out for me later on today.....
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 08:52 AM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by Panganiban
Man-o-man...I can't wait. I just gotta face traffic and hopefully, it'll be smooth sailing from there. Anyway, I'm glad you love the springs. Makes me feel like I made the right choice also. It's great to know that Peter and Randy are putting quality products out there. Good job on the development of the springs guys! In the meanwhile, we'll see how they turn out for me later on today.....
Dude I suck (sometimes), sorry for not getting you the pics. in time. Downloading this and that is such a pain.... , but I'm confident you'll like the springs.
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 09:22 AM
  #34  
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jmoser, :smile: very glad to be of help with that bumper. Now I need one . About the install, I'll def. do it again. I saved major cash and have been able to gain knowledge about my MINI. In the long run, it's a huge plus. I read Randy Webb's how to for encouragement and it paid off. It is actually not very dificult at all, strenght is required to take out that Damn driver side strut though, other than that, about 15 minutes at the other 3 corners of the car. I did not have a spring compressor, but have a cool a-- neihbor who was willing to take the shock assemblies in to his shop and switch the springs for me. Brutus sits so nice now.

Anyhow, whutcha doin tomorrow? We's going to Tahoe with a bunch of MINI heads for a FAT cruise around the Lake.
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 10:37 AM
  #35  
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meanboy
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Originally Posted by sfjames2
Alrighty, m7 springs are absolutely bad-a--. The front shocks went back on earlier this eve., had to take it out for a ride.
From the time we left our house and got on to Alemany Blvd. the improvement was noticed. These springs are smooth on those annoying bumps, have just the right amount of bounce when you hit dips and stuff. I was jamming down one of the roads around here that I don't usually take and hit a big a-- dip in it, it was two large steel plates that dipped in the middle pretty severely. Anyway,I imediately knew not to brake and just let it ride. My wifey got tossed up out of her seat i thought we left the ground for a second, but when we came down, it happened very nicely. My wife and I both were shocked that we did not bottom out. They absorb all of the vibration you get from rough roads. My wife loves them, she does not drive, but has been a great passenger... no nagging whatsoever.

Panganiban, we made the right choice. I've taken Brutus down there a number of times and know exactly what kind of roads your on. You will love them. I'll be emailing you the pics. shortly
So you were by that part of Alemany...were you going to Cortland street to get some coffee from Marthas?:smile: BTW, the plates have been there for a couple of months now. So you would rate the M7 springs as a buy now type of spring?
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 10:53 AM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by meanboy
So you were by that part of Alemany...were you going to Cortland street to get some coffee from Marthas?:smile: BTW, the plates have been there for a couple of months now. So you would rate the M7 springs as a buy now type of spring?
Yup, we were doing at least 40 over those plates and no problem. I actually live right off Cortland, I usually make that U-turn on Alemany instead of continuing on to those stoplights. I'd def. recommend these springs. I've been wanting them for awhile and am glad I took Peter's advised on holding out for what M7 had in the making. I was going to go H-sport, but wanted to lower the car a bit more without having it bounce all over the place. :smile: what are YOU doing tomorrow........ ?
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 11:00 AM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by sfjames2
Yup, we were doing at least 40 over those plates and no problem. I actually live right off Cortland, I usually make that U-turn on Alemany instead of continuing on to those stoplights. I'd def. recommend these springs. I've been wanting them for awhile and am glad I took Peter's advised on holding out for what M7 had in the making. I was going to go H-sport, but wanted to lower the car a bit more without having it bounce all over the place. :smile: what are YOU doing tomorrow........ ?
I am oncall unfortunately...have to be within one hour of S.F.

We live on the other side, near silver and I take Cortland M-F in the mornings. I like to drop the MCS a little but still be comfy. Dampers are okay?
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 11:49 AM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by meanboy
I am oncall unfortunately...have to be within one hour of S.F.

We live on the other side, near silver and I take Cortland M-F in the mornings. I like to drop the MCS a little but still be comfy. Dampers are okay?
Dampers seem fine, there's a slight bounce, that I like, but no shock whatsoever. These springs turn that section of Alemany into it's better sections pretty easily. If you want to go for a spin, let me know. That way you can check em out and decide. take care
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 12:19 PM
  #39  
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I just might take you up on that offer when if I decide to buy springs. The other side of Alemany where the farmer market is located really needs repaving. It makes the MCS rattle badly. Your MCS is LY..what color is your top?
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 12:28 PM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by meanboy
I just might take you up on that offer when if I decide to buy springs. The other side of Alemany where the farmer market is located really needs repaving. It makes the MCS rattle badly. Your MCS is LY..what color is your top?
Brutus is actually Dark Silv. w/ black top. Your right about the rattle, but now its almost all gone, seriously. Let me know if you want to come buy and check him out, I stay right at the bottom of the hill of Cresent and Banks St. :smile:
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 02:11 PM
  #41  
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Almost gone? Just from the springs? Sign me up!:smile: Maybe, in a couple of weeks I'll pm ya and see if you have a couple of minutes. We got the LY/W MCS which could be tinted by this weekend. I am going to xpel it once I get the replacement stripes sorted out...unless I buy something else with the ##.
 
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Old Jul 23, 2004 | 02:17 PM
  #42  
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Well...After facing brutal traffic on the 5S on the way back from Steve's Auto Clinic, I have to say that the M7 springs are more than worth a shot at. The ride back felt better than it did on the way there in my stock CVT Cooper. The ride accommodated to all the little bumps that were on the 101 and 5 I have to admit. As far as drop goes, from what it is so far it's very clean. Clears out the wheel well with about maybe room for one finger if anything with my 17s that I have on.
As far as the install goes, was maybe about 2.5 hours with alignment and everything. I highly recommend Steve's now that I've been there. Great place to bring your Cooper...Steve and Randy are very cool, down to earth guys that know a lot about the mini. Randy even took me for a spin his very own S and that was an experience. Your car rips around those corners man !! Also, met a guy named Scott with an awesome red S. All-in-all, my hour and thirty minute drive was worth it. Nice meeting all of you guys and I hope to see you guys in the future.

PS...what bolts or pieces are primarily removed when installing springs? I was about a few miles from exit and all of sudden something went under my car and made a pretty decent banging noise . As soon as this happened, I looked in my rear view mirror and I saw some bolt like piece from what I could tell. There was a big rig in front of me, so hopefully it came from there and not from my car. I drove it for a little bit after and everything seemed fine(knock on wood).
Anything you guys suggest that I look at to make sure everything is in place???

Anyway, I'll post pics up when I get the chance so you guys have an idea of the look the M7s give.
 

Last edited by Panganiban; Jul 23, 2004 at 02:34 PM.
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 06:43 AM
  #43  
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panganiban-congrats on your install!

As far as that bolt thing you saw behind the big rig...that's probably
one of the pins they use to anchor down things on the trailer. You're lucky,
I punctured my tire with one of those huge pins that was on the pavement in
an industrial area (actually 16 days after I got my new wheel set) check
out the size of this thing! The tire was repairable so using it on the rear.

If things were loose on your car from the install, you'll hear rattles all
over especially while going over bumps...so you're probably okay.:smile:

 
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 07:53 AM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by kenchan
panganiban-congrats on your install!

As far as that bolt thing you saw behind the big rig...that's probably
one of the pins they use to anchor down things on the trailer. You're lucky,
I punctured my tire with one of those huge pins that was on the pavement in
an industrial area (actually 16 days after I got my new wheel set) check
out the size of this thing! The tire was repairable so using it on the rear.

If things were loose on your car from the install, you'll hear rattles all
over especially while going over bumps...so you're probably okay.:smile:

Yup...That's what it kind of looked like. Stupid big rigs!!! Sheesh...That was a close call. Thanks for the input kenchan...
 
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 08:50 AM
  #45  
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Wait looks can be deceiving. That's a Laser Disc and not a 12cm CD/DVD, right??? Cause then it's huge!!!!


Originally Posted by kenchan
panganiban-congrats on your install!

As far as that bolt thing you saw behind the big rig...that's probably
one of the pins they use to anchor down things on the trailer. You're lucky,
I punctured my tire with one of those huge pins that was on the pavement in
an industrial area (actually 16 days after I got my new wheel set) check
out the size of this thing! The tire was repairable so using it on the rear.

If things were loose on your car from the install, you'll hear rattles all
over especially while going over bumps...so you're probably okay.:smile:
 

Last edited by OctaneGuy; Jul 25, 2004 at 11:35 PM.
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Old Jul 24, 2004 | 11:12 AM
  #46  
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>Wait looks can be deceiving. That's a Laser Disc and not a 12cm CD/DVD, right??? Cause then it's huge!!!!

nono, that's a regular CD. Its actual size. When I punctured the rear
tire, it sounded like KAPOOOOOOM! then TAP TAP TAP TAP and I knew
what just happened. I didn't see the pin on the street.

I have a brand new spare GS-D3 sitting in my basement though, just in
case something like this happens again. :smile:
 
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 07:36 PM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by OctaneGuy
Wait looks can be deceiving. That's a Laser Disc and not a 12cm CD/DVD, right??? Cause then it's huge!!!!

Also, I got a question about loading. I'm considering the M7 springs, but I also occasionally haul around 100 to 200 pounds of cargo in my rear. Most of the weight is distributed on the rear wheels and mid section of the car--on top of the rear seat backs. With this loading, I'd drive maybe 30 miles or so on the freeway.

Would it be a bad idea to add new springs esp. since it'll be lowered?

Thanks
Hey there, OT question, are the decals you have static cling or ? And how much did it cost to make?

And on topic, what do M-7 springs cost for those that have them.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 07:41 PM
  #48  
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Only the #95 Meatballs are static cling. The rest are standard vinyl used by sign companies. I spent around $250 for the stripe, logos, URL's (windshield, and rear window), and meatballs (price included installation). Well I installed the Meatball myself, but you know what I mean. I bought the meatballs from Finishline Inc. in Florida, and the rest were done locally at a Signarama!!

Richard

Originally Posted by meanboy
Hey there, OT question, are the decals you have static cling or ? And how much did it cost to make?

And on topic, what do M-7 springs cost for those that have them.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 08:21 PM
  #49  
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The retail on the spring set is $215. Steve's Auto Clinicare doing the installs for $150 and that includes a 4 wheel alignemnt.
Randy
Team M7
www.m7tuning.com
 
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Old Jul 25, 2004 | 09:31 PM
  #50  
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meanboy
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That's a good price for installation and alignment. Unfortunately, I live in Northern California. I assume Steve's shop is in Socal? If so, maybe, a road trip is in order.
 
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