What's needed for lowering?
 

What parts and services would I have to perform to lower my mini? it's a 05 MCS. I do mostly daily driving, to and from work, but I will do a few runs too. What would you recommend.

I plan on running Konig Imagine 17" X 7 with 215/45/17 for comfort. I may go 215/40/17. Pros and cons of the two if any? Will I rub?

Also I'm looking at the m7 springs because of the progressive rate. I'm open to others too. I have looked at Randy Webb's site already. Just looking for more indepth knowledge!

thanks,

DM

All you need are the lowering springs to lower your car. Most of the brands available are progressive rate springs too.

I have the m7 springs and enjoy the ride everytime I drive and would recommend them to anyone. H-sports are the next springs I'd recommend, but the ride is harder as the springs get compressed. As for rubbing, I don't think you'll have a problem as I run stock 215/45/17 s-lites w/15mm spacers without any rub. good luck, hope this helps:thumbsup:

I love my H&R's and they give the most drop of any spring (40 mm)... It's a bit harsh on the road (according to my wife, doesn't bother me at all), but they are killer for autocross and track days.

Will I need spacers? Where would I buy some?

James just uses the spacers for the looks (I think :confused: )... you wont need them. I run 215x45x17 on a 17x7.5 with a 45mm offset. Lagston has a similar setup except hes got 215x40x17 and he complains a bit about the ride quality.

Spacers would only be necessary if the offset of the wheels you will be using require them. If you are using stock whlles or say a 17/7 with a 42 mm offestt you should not need them either. If you do need spacers and just a 5mm for example you can get those at any decent wheel shop. If you have to go bigger than that you should go with hub centric spacers such as those sold by MBP Design/Pro Mini.

Thanks guys!!

He's right, it's just for looks.:thumbsup:

You might want to consider rear lower control arms to control your rear camber. When I put the h-sports on I had -3.1 degrees in the back... WAY too much.

Huuuhhh????

English please... I'm not very techy with the suspension...yet.

Lower control arms (I reccomend the H-sports) will let you adjust the angle of your rear tires which is often altered when you lower your car. The control arms will let you set this back to the stock angle or adjust it for your needs.

When you have alot of negative camber in the back your tires will wear a bit quicker and not evenly.

somewhere down the line just plan on getting some hsports lower control arms, about $240. There are some for under 200 out there too. fyi

When you lower your car, the rear wheels will gain some negative camber (they'll appear to be tilted inward at the top of the wheel), causing uneven tire wear. Adj. control arms will let you dial some or all of that camber out.
I waited a couple of months before I got adj. arms and rotated tires every 3000 miles and that kept the uneven tire wear to a minimum. Search the site for tips and facts on Camber settings and susp. setups. You and I still have a LOT to learn, but man it's never been so fun.:thumbsup:

don't listen to this guy...:lol:

I get it now. Thanks guys..

Will the Neg. Camber affect the handling? How?

No no, dont listen to this guy :lol:

Adjusting camber can have alot of different effects on handling... Too much or too little and your handling could be adversely affected.

usually, more neg. camber = more grip. lesser amount of neg. camber = less grip in the rear of the car, ideal for rotation around turns. Trippy as hell at first, but once you get used to the feel of the rotating, you'll feel what being on rails realy feels like.