Do you need to change the LCAs when using the TSW springs? They only lower about the same as the JCW springs, from what I've read, and they(JCW) use they stock LCA's. Don't want to eat up tires. Thanks

 

From my tease arch, you don’t “Have” to get adjustable arms, but if you want to get better alignment numbers you should. Even with a little bit of lowering, you will end up with about 2 degrees camber in the rear. Seems like you want between 1-1.5 in the rear, and 1.5-2 in the front to get the best out of the suspension in the Mini.

 

Pretty sure the JCW springs are a 10 mm drop where Way's TSW are 20 mm.

Don't know too much about that newer fangled Gen2 but they may have the adjustable RCA that the facelift Gen1s have.

 

There is some adjustment in the lower control arm, but only about ±0.5°. The aftermarket arms allow for ±4°.

 

The drop will not affect camber a tremendous amount. You won’t tear up your tires driving to the alignment shop. Get it on a machine and see what the numbers are. See the least amount of camber your tech can get, if you are less than -2.0, you should be fine. As stated above -1.5 may be ideal. I’ve seen some people need LCA, others don’t. One way to find out.

Don’t forget to trim your bumpstops. You want at least 1-1/4 in of bump travel in the rear before you hit the bump stops, or you will regret the change.

Have fun,
Mike