I am interested in upgrading the suspension on my MCS. I would like to do it in steps. The best bang for the buck first. Could someone direct me to the proper thread or give me some advice. THANKS.

 

Koni FSD

 

Going to move you to the Mod - Suspension area. IMO if the question has been asked about a Gen1 MINI, it is here with over 85,000 threads.

Your question needs more information, mainly like what is your budget and what are you trying to accomplish? There are MINI JCW strut/spring kits, Koni FSD that are better if the car is not lowered, Koni Yellows are good and when you add some lowering springs even better, camber plates, coilovers etc. The cheapest is a stiffer rear sway bar.

A MINI in stock form is a pretty good curve cutter. A good driver in a Justa will run rings around allot of cars with more horsepower. The Countryman, yes what some may say are big and blotted, is a great handling car.

 

THANKS r53coop

 

I have had my MINI for 5 years. My goal is to have fun with the car. It is great fun now but I would like to make it better. I want to do the upgrades in steps as my driving skills improve. Ultimately take it to a track day. The car has 158,000 miles on it and I absolutely love it.

 

IMO if you are going to track it then you want something that will lower and also put some camber in. Just remember that lowering the car can impact the axles. With the age of the car, I would not put allot of money into the suspension. There will be those that disagree but a Megan type coilover that has camber plates built-in is good low cost coilover. Would need some rear arms as well.

mega72 is a member here and does both track and autocross (autocross champ here in North Carolina). I would think he will chime in over the next couple of days.

 

A smaller supercharger pulley and a stiffer rear swaybar can add allot of smiles without emptying your wallet.

 

THANKS all for your insights.

 

He is correct as these are by far the most cost effective mods that are bang for the buck.

A set of Koni FSDs will really improve the ride too.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-fsd-shocks.html