any feed back on the choices out there?
H&R: double springs, adjustable ride height, no dampening adjustments
K&W, variant 1: single spring, two pitch spring winding, adjustable ride height, no dampenign adjustment
K&W variant 2: adds compression and rebound dampening adjustment;

spax?
Koni?
Bilstein?

 

H&R - available later this month
KW Variant 1 - available now
KW Variant 2 - not available yet (to my knowledge)
Spax - coilovers are out for series 1 (pre march 02 build), but none for series 2 (post march 02 build)
Koni - doesn't have coilovers, but they do have struts for Series 1. I haven't seen Koni's for Series 2.
Bilstein - No Coilovers or struts available for series 1 or series 2.

Based on my previous experience with VW/Audi, I'm waiting for the H&R's. My $0.02

Dave

 

Eibach has, or is coming out with coilovers for the MINI, for both generations as far as I know. We were supposed to be getting some from them last month, but we have only received the springs.

I'll keep you guys updated.

Tom

 

jlm,

Here's what I've found out so far:

Eibach
Adjustability - ride height only
Body construction - steel
Available - first quarter

Adjustability - ride height, compression, rebound
Body construction - aluminum
Available - mid-year

H&R
Adjustabilty - ride height only
Body construction - steel
Available - now

Bilstein
In development
Available - next year

Koni
Struts only (yellows)
Adjustabililty - rebound
Body construction - steel
Available - now

Hope this helps.

Randy

 

favorites, but what is the cost?

 

RE: KW coilovers. I bought a set of KW coilovers for my "S" and they will not fit without wheel spacers of at least 15mm, otherwise the bottom of the shock will hit the tires on the front. I have stock 17x7 8 spoke Mini wheels with run flat Pirelli tires and was told they would fit... but they don't. If I put the 15mm spacers on all four wheels, not only will they cost an extra $236 with the lug bolts but the rear tires will probably rub. I am sending them back. If anybody else has any better way of making these work please let me know.

 

>>RE: KW coilovers. I bought a set of KW coilovers for my "S" and they will not fit without wheel spacers of at least 15mm, otherwise the bottom of the shock will hit the tires on the front. I have stock 17x7 8 spoke Mini wheels with run flat Pirelli tires and was told they would fit... but they don't. If I put the 15mm spacers on all four wheels, not only will they cost an extra $236 with the lug bolts but the rear tires will probably rub. I called KW and they said that they would take care of any spacers required and would call me back tomorrow...
Cost of the coilovers from KW was $1,195US.

 

>>H&R - available later this month
>>KW Variant 1 - available now
>>KW Variant 2 - not available yet (to my knowledge)
>>Spax - coilovers are out for series 1 (pre march 02 build), but none for series 2 (post march 02 build)
>>Koni - doesn't have coilovers, but they do have struts for Series 1. I haven't seen Koni's for Series 2.
>>Bilstein - No Coilovers or struts available for series 1 or series 2.
>>
>>Based on my previous experience with VW/Audi, I'm waiting for the H&R's. My $0.02
>>
>>Dave


Hey Dave - Good news! The series 2 Spax coilovers are in production. I had 2 sets (RSX580, if memory serves correct, I'm on the road) airfreighted over for our 2 S's, and they'll be installed when we get the rest of the Hotchkis/H-Sport stuff - adjustable rear arms, hollow stabilizer bars, and adjustable camber plates.

I gave gowest some of the info from the kits, as he was looking for spring rates. I figure if they're good enough for JCW, they're good enough for me.

_________________
forrest@mothers.com

 

FYI, KW VARIANT 2 - INSTOCK NOW (IN HONG KONG)

 

Glad to hear the Variant 2's and the Spax are available. The more choices the better. Here's to hoping that all of these options are more widely available soon.

 

As far as some of these listed coilovers go. If you want true handling, you will have to get a Full threaded coilover that is true. I am guessing the EIBACH coilovers is not a real coil but actually a "sleeve" type coil. It will go on top of a shock such as Bilsteins or Konis and you adjust the ride height by turning the sleeve. They do the job, but definetly not something those of you that want to AutoX and do other speed events should invest into. Normal coilovers go for around 1,000 and upwards. KW and H&R are race proven coilovers along with the Bilstein PSS9's (I have them on my golf :smile:

Pine

 

Just a simple thought but sounds like you have not done any racing yet or at least no autocross yet. This can be good and bad for your decision process but if you are new to autocross the best improvment is to get the center of gravity low and the un sprung weight down. Both things can be done at a small enough price and will look great. Next the rear sway bar and some time around the cones, with more time on your wheels you will feel what is missing or what should be missing. It's very easy to get lost in the tech side of racing and lose out on some of the fun side. From what I have seen in racing a good car with a great driver will do better than a great car with a good driver. Granted there are exceptions.

 

The new Eibach coilover line is a true coilover. They will have 4 offerrings (for most cars at least): 2 made of steel and 2 made of aluminum. Each type (steel and aluminum) will have 2 variations, 1 w/ adjustable height only (fixed damping) and 1 w/ adjustable damping also. The one they showed for the new Civic Si (EP3) at SEMA looked very nice. The weld and build quality was amazing...and much nicer than most of the coilovers in the same price range.

 

H&R coilovers in stock! Thank you Dave for your order!

I have had the H&R coilovers on my 'S' for a little while now. They work extremely well. Ride is firm but comfortable. Does not require wheel spacers like others to fit factory wheels. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions.

H&R Coilovers Mini $1199.99
H&R Coilovers Mini S $1199.99

Thanks.

 

just tried the KW Variant 2 on a mini with 215/35/18 p-zero nero........my impression is more comfortable than stock but it'll flatten the car during hard cornering....almost no roll when comparing to stock...this mini doesn't have strut brace or sway bars......very impressive cornering stability / speed.......hope i'll get a chance to try the H & R or i'll go for the KW.

 

Can anyone update the info on coilover choices in this thread?
Bilstein now has the PSS9 for MC and MCS.

 

I can only tell you that I have PSS9s and am very happy. I added the front sway bar and my steering seems neutral and quite flat. I have taken turns about as fast as I think "safe" and I can't get the front or rear to favor breaking away. It seems they both want to give at the same time, which is pretty fast for me. Prior to the front bar I felt way to much roll to be comfortable at the same speeds. The ride is stiff but compliant...if that makes sense.