Suspension Options for 2008 JCW Convertible
 

Hi all, I’ve got an 08 JCW convertible with an aftermarket suspension added by the prior owner, and I’m not happy with the setup — it’s way too stiff and low for my preferences and purposes.

Current setup:

• Koni yellow shocks
• H&R springs
• H sport rear control arms
• front control arm bushings (aftermarket, I think)

I know the above is a little vague, but that’s all the info I have.

Anyway, the current setup is way too stiff and too low, so I’d like to change it up.

I’m thinking about two different scenarios: a return to a stock OEM setup, or maybe a highly adjustable aftermarket setup.

WRT the stock OEM setup, what’s unclear to me is whether there are special parts that are specific to an 08 JCW convertible… or what. In other words, which parts would I need to buy? I’ve tried looking on various parts sites but I’ve not had much success understanding my options, nor what my car was originally equipped with from the factory.

I might also want to consider an aftermarket setup, if there’s an option that would have a similar ride and compliance levels to a stock setup while daily driving, but could then be adjusted to make it much stiffer for weekend racing. This seems to be complicated by the fact that the car is a convertible; the current Koni shocks are adjustable but I’ve yet to figure out how to access the tops of the rear shocks so as to adjust them. So I guess I’d need a set of coilovers that’d be adjustable via the wheel wells? If that’s right, are there any coilover setups that have such a wide range of adjustability, such that they’d ride like a stock car during the week and like a “race car” on the weekends?

I’d very much appreciate any help understanding my options in either of these scenarios! Thank you!

Does anyone have specs on the H&R springs... even their website doesn't have any of this info, other than lowers by 1.4" ??

Wondering...For the H&R 50452's....

Are they Progressive or linear rate?

What are the rates, F&R ??

What is the installed height?

What is length to coil bind?






.

There are no aftermarket springs with stock ride height, all of them lower at least some, so just get the oem springs.
The convertible oem springs do differ from other models, and several parts are available that match to approximate curb weight depending on options.
The difference is getting the ride height the same rather than changes in spring rate.
From the VIN, the particular set that matches your car can be determined. I think there are 3 different possible sets of fronts and rears.
The JCW should be the same as a similarly equipped S unless you have the JCW suspension kit,
(which you don't since you have Koni Yellows and H&R springs now).

To adjust the rear Koni Yellows you have to drop the shock to get to the top. It's actually pretty quick and easy..
Two bolts hold the upper mount to the body, and it's easier if you also remove the bottom shock bolt and take the whole assembly out .
(Be careful not to cross thread the lower bolt, since the trailing arm that it goes into is softer aluminum and it's not too hard to mess up the threads.
For that matter, don't cross thread the upper bolts either) .
You should be able to undo the top mount, pull down a little, and adjust it blind if you don't want to take the whole thing out.
Some people have drilled a hole in the body to get to the adjustment area, but the method above is easy enough that it's not really worth doing.
You don't have to re-align after taking the rear shock assembly out and putting it back in.
Put both rear sides up on jack mounts. If you just do one side at a time the sway bar will pull up on the side you lift.

The Michelin P S A/S3 is a fairly comfortable riding all season tire. Not the best in the deep snow or ice but one of the best all season choices the other 3 1/2 seasons of the year.