By far the best upgrade I've done yet. I have a MC with stock suspension. I have only tried the bar on the middle setting. Completly eliminated all of the understeer. Truly drives like a rear wheel drive car. Steering response is much improved. There's no delay from when you turn the wheel to when the car reacts. It's virtually telepathic. This bar is the strongest on the market. RSpeed, as usual, did extensive R&D and it truly paid off. THe whole bar is forged (not just the middle section). This is an unusual trait as it causes the manufactuer to go through a drill bit every few bars but it results in the strongest bar on the market. COmes with a lifetime warranty just like their exhaust. THe 4 pounds you gain vs. a hollow bar are well worh it. If you haven't put a bar on you car yet or even if you have give RSpeeds bar a look. For a mere $200 you can have a new car. I'd say my MINI is now by far the best handling car I've ever driven. I let a friend of mine drive it before and after the bar. He was speechless. He said he couldn't drive the car because he would get thrown in jail. It's too much fun for him me said. As far as Joe, Hector and everybody else at RSpeed they still provide excellent customer service. If you haven't checked 'em out stop by or visit their website or give them a call.

 

I agree with you 100% Royce. I have had the rspeed bar on the middle setting for about a month now, and love it. Many have suggested that a 19mm bar would be better with a stock MC suspension. I'm glad I went with the 22. As you stated, understeer gone. Very predictable and controllable when lifting in a corner. I am planning on a track day at Sears Point/Infineon on the 29th. Can't wait Should be lots of fun with the rspeed bar. I don't think I will try the stiffest setting. The middle is just right.

 

Does this also fit an S or is it just for a cooper?

 

I put the 22mm R-Speed bar on my S-Cabrio with the M7 Springs and I just can't wipe the grin off my face after making the Dragon meekly tuck in it's tail. Had the Bee to Carolina Motorsport Park for a couple track days and it performed wonderfully with the stock shocks and the bar on the middle setting. The really marvelous part...it is still more compliant than stock over every day roads and bumps. I really love how this car handles and a professional MINI driver felt the car showed no signs of decreased rigidity common in cabrios. He obviously made the car sing at the track shoving the AC Cobras out of the way (almost literally!) This bar is heavy but it sure does it's job well. The lowered look that the M7 Springs gives this car is phenomenal. It is a great combination.
Mick

 

HAHA! THis is going to be my next mod in the next couple of weeks, my friend with an 02 mc has a bar and his car is insanely tight, i love it, but Im also pretty sure royce here must work for Rspeed, he has three posts and they are all for Rspeed products with the same type of description, It doesnt really bug me, I just thought it was funny

 

OK Royce, fess up. Are you an rspeed employee? If so, keep up the good work.

 

Not an RSpeed employee. The reason all my posts (3) are for RSpeed products is because my research always leads me to RSpeed. I did extensive amounts of research when it came to my exhaust, bar and shift ****. I would never shell out the cash and install something on my car if I hadn't done my research. Oh, and SCMCS the bar fits both the S and the regular. The people at RSpeed do their research too and are stand behind their products- the reason why I believe their products are superior. True quality. I'm looking forward to doing an autocross with the bar. Considering a set of wheels. Anybody have any advice/personal experience as far as wheels and tires go (diameter and widths)?