Will they work with stock MINI springs or are they too large in diameter for the stock springs?

 

PSS9s are coilovers, and thus include both damper and springs. They completely replace the stock springs and dampers (shocks). They will work with either the stock top mounts or with camber plates.

Scott
90STX

 

I understand that, but, if I can use the stock springs, I can stay in GS SCCA autocross class. I suspect the Bilsteins have a larger diameter and so the stock springs won't fit. As is the case with Leda shocks for the MINI.

 

Gotcha. If I get the chance tomorrow I'll measure the shock body diameter for you.

Scott
90STX

 

Not sure if you would be able to stay in GS anyway, due to the lower perch being adjustable. You would nee to get something like Koni's or the regular Bilstein Sports (not PSS9)

 

He would have to fix the adjustable perch at the stock ride height, but as long as it is locked there and no longer adjustable it is legal.

Scott
90STX

 

The reason I'm NOT going with Konis is that I want to be able to easily adjust the rear shock settings. The other Bilsteins are not adjustable. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

Lefty,

No joy. The stock springs are too large in diameter up front (would need to make a larger diameter spring perch) and too small to go over the damper body in the rear.

May have another option for you. I've got a set of SPAX RSX rears here (fronts too, but the springs and shaft are cut up) and the stock springs fit over the damper. The lower spring perch would need to be modified to fit the bottom of the stock spring, and the stock spring is longer than the SPAX spring, but this may be possible. The SPAX rears adjust at the bottom just like the PSS9s, and actually are easier to use as the clicks are far more distinct. I certainly haven't tried this out, but if I had to take a wild guess I would say you could probably reachieve the stock ride height in back so this might be viable.

If you are interested in pursuing this option, let me know. I'd be willing to let the rear SPAXs go fairly cheap. The fronts are no use to anyone without being rebuilt (including new shafts).

Scott
90STX

 

Although I don't know Mini products yet, I'm under the impression - based upon all my past experiences - that a spring designed for coilover purposes cannot be used with a non-coilover perch. Coilover springs are flattened at the top and bottom.

 

MEB,

You're correct. They're flattened on coilovers to facilitate rotating the spring perch to adjust height.

Since this particular application would require a "custom" spring perch which would not be rotated, the rounded coil could be dealt with though it does make the machining a little more interesting. It would be illegal to modify the spring.

Rules and racing tend to create interesting approaches.

Scott
90STX