My original intention was to go with the highest end product mods at every stage with my Cooper S. For me, that meant replacing the stock suspension with Bilstein PSS9's. I had them on my Golf, and I absolutely loved the increased handling and only slightly compromised ride comfort. However, I never used them on the track as I had originally planned. In fact, I never adjusted the damper setting once after the install. Basically, it was a waste and I should have just saved $500.00 and gotten the PSS's.

I don't want to make the same mistake with my Cooper, and spend extra money for features I will never use. I thought that I'd just get the Bilstein PSS, but apparently they don't make them for our cars. I definitely want coils, because I would like to improve handling, and at the same time, save some weight over stock. I'd like to find some coils that are at a fairly soft fixed setting (as far as coils go) that I can have fun at the AutoX if I choose, but also drive in the city without feeling like I'm running steel 19s with run-flats...so basically, Ledas are out of the question. I would also like to spend $1200.00 or less. Do coils like this exist? I'm thinking H&R's base coils or KW Variant 1's may fit the criteria. Suggestions and/or experiences are appreciated. Thanks.

 

I think H&R or KW will also meet your needs but I don't have direct experience with them. I did put almost two years on a set of SPAX RSXs, which fall under your price cap. They are very, very easy to adjust front and rear and are a little lighter than the stock set up or the PSS9s which I now have. Don't have #s for full assemblies, but when you hold the one in each hand at the same time it was obvious.

With the damping set towards the soft end, say 8 to 10 with 1 being dead soft and 28 being full hard, the ride was just slightly firmer than the stock setup. Running 15 front and rear gave a firmer than stock but not uncomfortable ride on Indiana roads. Autocross settings near the top of the adjustment range were very notably stiffer than stock with reduced body roll and essentially no dive or squat.

Scott
90STX

 

I had KW V1's on my MCS for a few months and was so impressed that I ordered a set of their "Competition 2 Ways" and even they ride great on the street unless it's below 40 deg. F. A friend of mine with an STI Subaru liked them so much that he just ordered a set to replace the coilovers he just put on the STI 6 months ago. You can go back and read my old posts hear and on MINI2 but I don't like Leda's, been there, done that. Of the several coilovers I had experience with in several cars, the KW's are the one's for you!


p.s. I still have my V1's and would consider selling them if the price is right but even if you don't get mine get the KW's!

 

gowest- when you say it, it makes the KW's sound even better. :smile:

KW v1's are on my do-to list next... but probably need to wait until
next year. I need to buy some expensive tires for my other car and
tools this year for my home garage.

 

John here from Mayport FL.
Well I'm running the H&R coil overs and love them, also running a set of 18" and I feel that the ride is the same as running the stock runflats and stock springs. Just to let you know I found the springs on e-bay for $899 that was by far the best pice I could find. ordered from city-speed.com they do not have the mini springs on the site but you can just call them and do the order.

Later JOHN

 

gowest - Thanks for the KW info. How old are your coils? How many miles have you put on them. Were they ever driven in the snow? How much?

nocivic - Did you just get the H&R sport springs, or the H&R sport coil-overs. $899.00 is an amazing price.

 

Yea, got the coil overs for $899. As a matter of fact I just did a check on e-bay and city-speed has them listed now for $899. Just go to e-bay do a search for H&R coil overs and they will pop up

 

I got them at the end of 2002 or early 2003 and used them for 3-4 months and apx. 3k miles before the Competition 2 Way's got to me. They were never driven in the snow. I want $950 for them + shipping. I got them from Helix.

 

gowest - Sounds like a good deal. I'm not looking to buy immediately, though. I'll PM you when I have some cash scraped toegther.