We have a 03 Cooper S. The car has 110k on it with stock springs and shocks. I feel while the car rides good it could handle a lot better with newer stuff. We autocross the car on occasion and would like to stay on the stock springs to not throw it into another class. What shock do you recommend? I see a lot about koni FSD's.. Are the springs still good at this point or do they need to be replaced as well?

 

If you have the funds I'd replace them both at the same time, especially if your paying for labor to do it..

 

Yea i can do the work myself. But yea I agree makes since to go ahead and replace them if I'm going to be in there. Is that a dealer only part now? I've searched around and can't seem to find anyone that sells a factor Cooper S spring.

 

There are a couple of vendors on here that can better answer that and or may have them...

 

If you take a look at our suspension section in our parts catalog here you will see lots of options to help stiffen up the chassis.

Otherwise, if you're only wanting a shock/strut replacement I would recommend Bilstein's here. The Bilsteins are a great performance shock absorber, and will give you a tighter feel over the stock units. The sport Bilsteins give a bit of a stiffer ride, and are best matched with stiffer springs and a lowered suspension.

I prefer coil overs for their adjustability and stiffness, but understand the want to stay within your classing. If you need DIY help with the install you can use these tech articles here:

Front Shock and Spring Replacement
Rear Shock and Spring Replacement

Let me know if you have any other questions.

-Luccia

 

Have a peek at the Koni "Yellow" model 8741 too - those served me very well indeed both on the street and on the autocross course.

Kind regards,

Charlie

 

The Koni FSD will have one of the best overall ride quality, you will need to use the stock springs , recommended without lowering springs. Which are also on Sale right now.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2003-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Suspension/Cup_Kits/




Another thing to think about its the B4 bilstein , they are priced great also. Good response and ride and a little more stiff.




I would check the upper strut mounts x 2 and rear strut mounts and replace those and the hardware while you are at it. For the rear you can get the inserts by themselves.

Front mounts


Rear mounts

 

With that kind of mileage the front lower control arm bushings are probably shot. These should be replaced. With that I would replace the front and rear sway bar bushings. I tried the FSDs for autocross and didn't like them; they didn't have enough control. I would go with the Koni yellows or the Bilsteins.

In the stock class you can replace the shocks but need to have the stock springs (no coilovers). Also, you can replace the rear sway bar and still stay stock. The 19mm would be good; although some would say the 22mm would be better but that can be a handful with oversteer. The 19mm will be a good step up from the 17mm you have and works very well in the right hands (I've seen it in action).

Lastly, a very often overlooked option is a set of CG Locks for the lap belts or a Schroth Quick fit harness.

Have fun.

 

For what your doing I'd recommend the Koni Yellows. They will give you the ability to adjust the rebound and stiffen the rear to get more rotation.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-ye...rt-shocks.html

Also if you get away from the stock class you can put lowering springs on them. Unlike the FSDs you can't.

Either way I would 100% suggest adding an Hsport Comp Rear sway bar. That will give you the best handling improvement by making the car more neutral and rotate.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/h-sport...-sway-bar.html

With that mileage for sure the front control arm bushings are worn out. Depending on how strict and how serious you are with the AutoX you can decide on the powerflex control arm bushings or not. Technically they are illegal in stock class by SCCA rules. But often in local regions and non national competition you can use them without issue from other racers. The powerflex are so far superior to stock ones. They will last forever and bring the new firm feel back to the front suspension.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/powerfl...shing-kit.html

 

Thanks for all the input guys I really appreciate it.

 

You are welcome,

The Schroth harnesses are a must to keep you planted.

 

Whatever you buy, it should have adjustable damping. Just dropping the car on springs isn't enough, nor are FSD's.

 

Ok so I got the koni yellows. With the stock springs where would be a good setting to start at front and rear?

 

Try looking in this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...in-sports.html

 

Thanks for all the help guys! She loves the way it handles. I have not driven the car yet as we just got it back but she said it was as different as night and day. In a good way lol. Much more responsive and tight. Not sloppy feeling. We did the koni yellows and the powerflex control arm bushings.

 

It's great when a plan comes together...

 

I agree with way on this.
The FSD shock is horrible.

 

So the factory cover for the upper strut mounts don't go back on because the adjustable part of the strut sticks through. What do you guys do to get that covered up so the bearing inside don't get dirty?