If I got it right from reading previous posts - the addition of a rear sway bar is the first suspension mod to do.

So for street purposes - which rear sway bar do you guys recommend? ?mm / brands?

Appreciate the input.

Bart

 

I have a 19mm rear Eibach and I can tell you it made a great improvement in the handling

 

I am very happy with my 22mm Mini Madness adjustable Sawy Bar.

 

I have an H-Sport set up on my car and have been really impressed. It’s the largest and lightest on the market. The bar diameter is 25mm and is three hole adjustable. It includes greasable poly bushings and mounting brackets. As an added bonus it also has an available front bar that is a great match to it, making your mini a great handling streetcar! Also goes well with H-sport springs. A very well rounded compatible package.

http://www.detroittuned.com/products...20050219180336

 

Bart,

You have an 03 MCS used for the street. For street use you don't have to get the lightest bar which is the H-sport competition (25mm tubular thin walled with stiffness = 22mm bar).

Colors vary and so do prices. They all go in with an hour's labor. Many are 3 hole adjustable- choose the softest or middle setting for street use.

Most owners of MCS choose the 22mm bar by Rspeed, RDR, Alta, H-sport, or Madness. Doesn't really matter which for your purposes.

The newest is the Rspeed which is pretty stiff due to materials. That will work fine on the softest setting ( the hole closest to the end of the bar) at a reasonable price.

If there is a MINI club in your area you can meet up with them to see the bars in person and to go for a ride. Then decide.

 

I'll tell you what sway bar not to get - do not get the Ireland Engineering infinitely adjustable sway bar.

 

Size your bar to the rear spring rates; stock springs/19mm bar. H-Sports/22mm bar, for example.

 

How about JCW springs?

 

Im using the Alta 22mm adjustable on the stiffer setting.
I can make the tail come around on command. I also use H-Sports.

 

Your input has been invaluable to me . Thank you

Once I finish up my boost gauge project, I will be doing the rear sway bar. The boost gauge has just been one pain in the as.

Bart

 

does any one have the stage 1 suspension kit from Minimania? How is it on daily street?

STAGE 1 SUSPENSION UPGRADE KIT - STREET

The Stage 1 Suspension Kit offers a noticable improvement in handling over the stock. The Lowering Springs lowers the center of gravity making the car more responsive to transitions from straight line driving. The progressive rate rear springs maintains the 'stock like' ride making this appropriate for the daily driver.

The adjustable rear anti-sway bar allows reduction of the 'understeer' characteristic of the stock suspension, making your MINI more 'balanced' and neutral in the corners.

These two upgrades combine to improve turn-in response, offer more 'balanced' cornering, and gives your MINI a more aggressive 'lowered' look.

For more details on the individual parts, look up NMS1003 and NMS2002.

Professional installation is recommended.

 

What is wrong with the Ireland Engineering swaybar?

 

I'm using Madness 22mm three position rear sway bar

 

Here's a deal you simply can't beat: ALTA 19mm or 22mm 2-position adjustable for under $150. I have a H&R 19mm 2-position adj bar and will upgrade to one of the ALTA 22mm units as soon as tax season is over...

http://www.jscspeed.com/mini/suspension/amp_swaybar.htm

No affiliation, just satisfied with these folks and passing on a good deal.

Marty

 

JMHO, but if you're new to performance driving I would strongly suggest a 19mm rear bar. Even more so if you plan on taking your car to the track and/or autocross and don't have much experience with either. I've seen countless numbers of MINI drivers with 22mm bars get into trouble at the track and go off, some being more fortunate than others (yes, with stock springs, aftermarket springs, and coilovers) - not being used to the rear end stepping out (oversteer), or worse, inducing snap oversteer when they panic mid-corner and lift off. For autocrossing, it's no big deal as there's usually nothing to hit - at the track, it's a whole 'nother ball game. The faster you go, the less time you have to react.

If you're an experienced performance driver, or have track time and/or autocrossing experience, the 22mm bar is probably fine. It's highly subjective, but my opinion is that a 22mm rear bar is overkill for the MINI with a stock front swaybar - stock springs or otherwise, street or track.

In either case, be sure to play with the settings so they match your driving style...

And much of which bar you choose depends on your eventual suspension plans, too.

 

which brings me to point out that Im using 205/50/16 GSD3's on
16x7.5 wheels.