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Suspension R53 with Koni FSDs (Pictures Requested)
SuspensionSprings, struts, coilovers, sway-bars, camber plates, and all other modifications to suspension components for Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
After all the rave reviews (and my current busted suspension), I’m thinking of upgrading to the Koni FSDs. The one thing I’m hesitant of is that the height of my car will increase. Searching around, I’ve only found a couple of pictures showing R53s with Koni FSDs installed. I was hoping some of you with the same set-up would share side profile pictures showing the height. Thanks in advance!
You have to use OEM springs with the FSD/SAS shocks. The height of the car shouldn't increase or decrease if you are not changing springs. Springs define the height, the shocks just control the dampening rate.
You have to use OEM springs with the FSD/SAS shocks. The height of the car shouldn't increase or decrease if you are not changing springs. Springs define the height, the shocks just control the dampening rate.
Completely understand that, but many have commented that the FSDs increase the overall height over the OEM struts.
I put them on about 5 years ago, R52 not much different than the 53, with no change whatsoever and wouldn't have it any other way. I'm getting a slight hint that your's may be lowered? If so, you need the yellows and not the FSD. Also, while you have it jacked up would be a good time to add a stiffer adjustable RSB either 19 or 22 MM. You won't believe the difference in handling. This is a 3 year old shot of our little guy somewhere on "The Loneliest Highway" so you can see there's no height difference..
I put them on about 5 years ago, R52 not much different than the 53, with no change whatsoever and wouldn't have it any other way. I'm getting a slight hint that your's may be lowered? If so, you need the yellows and not the FSD. Also, while you have it jacked up would be a good time to add a stiffer adjustable RSB either 19 or 22 MM. You won't believe the difference in handling. This is a 3 year old shot of our little guy somewhere on "The Loneliest Highway" so you can see there's no height difference..
Thanks for the pic! I currently have a stock set-up and am happy with the look and ride. From some the old conversations I read, I thought there might be some huge gap between the top of tire and fender.
Thanks for the pic! I currently have a stock set-up and am happy with the look and ride. From some the old conversations I read, I thought there might be some huge gap between the top of tire and fender.
Did you change your springs?
Negative. Everything on the suspension is OEM except for the dampers and RSB.
You will greatly appreciate the difference in handling with the FSD and RSB upgrade.
Last edited by Fly'n Brick; Aug 13, 2018 at 07:25 PM.
Dampers absolutely can raise the ride height. Most performance dampers are gas charged. They come with the shafts held in place for shipping and as soon as you remove the straps the dampers will extend to full length. As to the amount of difference, very little.
Completely understand that, but many have commented that the FSDs increase the overall height over the OEM struts.
I think the reason for this is because people replace worn out parts and the car returns to it's original ride height. We install FSDs all the time and notice that high mileage cars that were all worn out do tend to stand back up. But not ever seen FSDs increase the ride height over stock.
We have FSDs in stock too https://www.waymotorworks.com/koni-fsd-shocks.html
Dampers absolutely can raise the ride height. Most performance dampers are gas charged. They come with the shafts held in place for shipping and as soon as you remove the straps the dampers will extend to full length. As to the amount of difference, very little.
gas charged yes, but not pressurized against the piston like that. I can push FSD and Yellows down with my hand
Just installed. This is after a couple sessions on the track to settle them. I'd say the height went up nothing in the front and about 0.25" in the rear, and that's because my foam mounts were well worn and I replaced them as well.
I try not to put foot in my mouth, but here I try. The FSD should not increase ride height. Yes, after you put the dampers in, and lower the jack the ride height might increase because of stiction and stronger damping - if you didn't slam the car down fast.
