Do any of you kind folk remember what the camber setting was after installing H-Sports? In particular, I'm interested in the front setting. Ryan, TonyB???


I've been told recently that rear camber is adjustable for all 05 Mini Coopers; I need to confirm this. If I can bring the rear back to stock while retaining a more negative post H-Sport install up front, I'll be happy - no camber plates...

Ciao,

Michael

 

The 05 has the same rear arms as 04, there may be some ajustment in the toe and possibly a slight ajustment on camber but not enough to bring it back to stock specs.

 

I picked up the reference to the adjustable rear camber while reading about a JCW suspension review in Motoringfile. Since I've not been under the car yet I thought I would throw that out there.

 

meb, I'm not the right guy on this one... I'm not running with H-Sport springs. However, I seem to recall that lowering brings rear camber to negative 1 to 1.2 or so, which many find perfect; so they don't feel the need to get adj control arms...

Randy of course would know And, I think there is a thread or two that mentions the camber had from H-Sports...

 

Ooops! Forgot about the search button...double drat! Thanks Tony. How's it going?

 

I just had an '05 in with rear arms that looked like you would be able to adjust camber with the outer bolt mount - NOT all '05 cars have this. This was the first I've seen, and I have another '05 (convertible) in the shop that mounts the same as an '04.

That is great news!

For camber after, it varies on what you had before. You can see anywhere from 1.3 or so to 2.5! If you have more than 1.6, I'd say to go ahead and get some adjustable arms to keep from wearing out the insides of the tires.

Hope that helps!

Randy

 

So there does appear to be tow different types of rear control arms/links?

Randy, my set-up is stock. As we spoke on the phone, I'll retain the stock dampers. 1.5-2 degree neg up front is probably all I can handle given my 65K miles per.

 

meb, things are going well. Working on my MINI :D Glad Randy has chimed-in here to help ya out... He called me earlier also, just to touch base on a couple of items... Ciao

 

Randy,
The drive home ROCKED, just low enough and a nice even feel. Will take it into the hills this weekend to give it a better test. Thanks for everything!

Now go home and get some SLEEP

Thanks again!!!!!

Kevin

 

Not sure what it would be in an '05 MINI but
In my '03 MCS with H-sport springs, after installing the springs and before alignment, front camber was -0.5 degrees and rear camber was -2.4 degrees. Rear adjustable lower control arms allowed me to set rear camber into the stock range for the rear (from -1.0 to -2.0 degrees). Front camber cannot be adjusted without front camber plates.

Front camber at -0.5 degrees (stock range -0.1 to -0.9 degrees) and rear at -1.5 degrees is fine for street driving but lacks enough front camber for serious autocross or track use. You simply lack the camber to use the "full" front tire, you're using the outer half to two thirds of the tire on turns. Wear patterns and tire temperatures show this.

 

Thank you. I'll get the camber plates. It looks like the front camber remained squarely in the middle of the stock settings after the shorter spring install? and that the rear drop yielded more aggressive changes. Leads me to believe the Mini has a very aggressive rear camber curve. In other words, rear camber is very very important to transitional handling.

 

 

Thanks Randy.

The lower picture looks like the upper control arm I installed in my 99 Si, albeit a bit longer. Any ride concerns with heim joints?

Left you a message today regarding engine packages. FYI

Ciao,

Michael

 

The upper picture is of the Webb front camber plate- reasonably priced and well made. Adjusts only front camber not caster (which is fine). It's good to have a durable and easy to install camber plate.

Middle picture is of the H-sport rear lower adjustable control arm. You can change all four control arms in the rear but only the lower two are needed for adjusting rear camber. These are good for street and autocross use, not too stiff. Durable but some have reported bushings that wore out with track use so check them each month. Mine have held up very well for the last 18 months.

Lowest picture is of the Alta lower adjustable control arm. Heim joints are stiffer, fine for track and autocross but a bit rougher for street use. Your choice.

 

Michael,

The ride is firmer with the heims, but unless you are really sensitive, not too much. They are teflon race heims.

I was swamped with instals today, and it the same through Saturday! I'll make sure to give you a call when I have some time to spend answering your questions. I hate calling folks back just to call them without being able to devote some time to the call.

Talk to you soon!
Randy

 

Michael, being that I've decided to go with heim control arms, on all 4, I'll be parting with my H-Sports (pair). They've been good to me, no complaints at all; but since I'm after minimal compliane, and I don't care much if the ride gets still more harsh, that's what I've decided to do... I got them from Randy, of course .

If you might be interested, let me know so I don't have to dork-around with advertising... Price...? Well, after looking, it seems that 120 bucks is about right. And I might be enticed into free shipping for a fellow Pisan :smile: . I can snap a photo or two over the weekend. PM me if this interests you...

Randy, if this happens, I will want 4 Altas brought to the Pulley Party...

 

I'd just add that for anyone with STS/STX autocross in mind, there are pretty strict rules about replacing control arms and bushings (not that you can't do it, but there are specific rules governing it, rules which I am probably not smart enough to properly interpret). Actually, of course, all of the classes have rules relating to this, but most Mini owners dont' seem real interested in SP or Prepared or DM or EM (not that I blame them, I wouldn't want to run a Mini in any of those classes). SM is pretty lax, though.

 

Understood Randy, never a problem. That was my first call to you. I
wasn't sure I was connected to the correct party...hence my note. Take your time, I'm in no rush.

 

Hey Tony,

I may opt for the hiem joints too. That application in my last ride didn't really bother me. I asked because every car is a bit defferent. But, thank you, I appreciate the offer.

Ciao,

Michael

 

No problem. Let me know if you change your mind... Randy, I will catch-up with you later regarding these arms, and the status of your v2 plates... A good weekend to everyone!