I ordered the new R-speed swaybar last week, and it arrived in just a few short days for install. Thanks Joseph for great service:smile:

I followed Randy Webb's install instructions with a few modifications that make install on a cooper much easier than on an S.

You don't have to remove the strut, so you don't need a 21mm socket. I also found it easier to use a 17mm to remove the wheels instead of the 16mm .
You will also need a 3/16 allen wrench to install the retainer coller that comes with the kit.

The Kit come with a forged black powdercoated bar, bushings, lube and retainer collers. The bar weighs 9lbs.



I removed the spare, not necessary, but made it easy to trim out the gummyweld.

Remove the drop links and lower the subframe. On a cooper you can pry down the subframe on the passenger side, and move the old bar around the springs without removing the strut.



Before you install the new one, lay it flat on the floor and see if there is a slight bow from the forge process. You should install the bar with it bowed downward. Doesn't have anything to do with the performance, but if you put it upward, it may rub on the gummyweld and squeak. While you are in there, you can trim the excess material.



Install the new bar from the drivers side.



The new bushings are way bigger than stock, but that is true of most aftermarket bars.



This next step is uneccessary unless you want to be picky about details. There is a corner of the underbody that pushes against the bushing. The bushing doesn't move so it isn't a source for noise, but I didn't like it.


A few minutes with a dremmel, and away it goes. Remember to cover up your brakes, put some body colored silicone over the grind, and don't forget to wear safety glasses:smile:



I used a jack to raise the subframe back up to start the bolts. You will be able to see where the subframe mated to the uderbody, so it's pretty easy to keep your alignment. Install the retainer coller with 2 3/16 allen screws, and you're done.



I am starting with the bar on the softest setting. I want to review all three choices. Steering response is noticably quicker. Ride is no rougher on straight roads. I took a short test drive, and then about 15 miles of twisties. On the soft setting, the car is much more responsive. Still understeers, but much less than stock. Acccelerating out of turns in 1st and second gears, the front wheels spin easily. Overall, in the twisties, it is a great improvement over stock. The car feels more stable, and more predictable.

This is a great mod, even on the softest setting. I am going to change to the middle setting and test later this week. No track days scheduled until November, and that will be great fun

If you are in the market for a swaybar, be sure to check this one out.

Andy

 

even with the pulley, ecu, intake etc on my car... the sway bar (my first mod) still always gonan be the champion of all mods i did.. just that grin you get when the rear end starts to slowly come around, then just giving a tad more gas brings it back neutral is surreal! almost like a rear drive... to see the faces of street ricers when i do a drift is....... too satisfying!

sway bar makes the mini handle the way it should! if you have a mini and is wondering what mod to make... this is one you won't ever regret.....


by the way, real nice instructions! i didn't trim anything on my h-sport and it didn't seem to ever squeak or anything