I ran same psi in front and rear (about 44). This was with Falken Azenis tires on an otherwise stock SS+ Cooper.

 

44 psi???? Is that a bit high? I have been running 34 F&R in my 205/50-16 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S with FSDs and SS+ springs. Tire wear seems even between the side and center of the tread patch; so, it would seem that for me, 34 psi is the sweet spot.

 

Of course, I bleed approximately 10-12psi out before I leave the autocross

 

Just wanted to chime in. I got the FSD/JCW combo put on this last weekend. It's perfect for me. It lowered ever so slightly. Maybe .5" but probably less which is exactly what I wanted. I like that it takes the little bumps and grooves with incredible confidence and grace. It takes the cruves with little body roll (the USS, RSB & strut tower bar help alot too). Dives on braking are almost non-existent and same for pitch when launching. All in all it's an incredibly attractive solution that I think anyone would have a hard time ripping out after installing. A little pricey to be sure so that would probably be the biggest sticking point.

 

True (about the pricey-ness), but also true about the part where you would have a hard time removing/reversing the installation....

 

I guess I should qualify that claim as it would be hard to remove it because you like it so much. Technically it would be just as easy as any other shock/spring add/remove.

 

Here's my own experience to date with the FSD's/stock springs/h-sports on my 2006 MC

Set-up #1: Stock Struts/SS+ Stock Springs
Set-up #2: Stock Struts/h-sports
Set-up #3: Koni FSD Struts/SS+ Stock Springs
Set-up #4: Koni FSD Struts/h-sport springs

This is my full suspension/wheel/tire set-up currently:

• Koni FSD Struts
• H-sport Springs
• Camber Plates (-2.0)
• 19mm Rear Sway
• SS+ Front Sway
• 15x7 Konig Rewinds
• 205/55 R15 Yokohama V4S tires

Given the above, I would rank ride comfort as follows:

1. Koni FSD Struts/Stock Springs
2. Koni FSD Struts/h-sport springs
3. Stock Struts/Stock Springs
4. Stock Struts/h-sport

There is a noticable difference between the FSD's with the stock springs and the h-sports, primarily in the response to higher frequency response to ripples in the road surface (the 405 for anyone local).

The ride quality with the FSD/h-sports is better than the 2006 MC SS+ stock springs/stock struts, but it is also not quite as compliant as the stock springs were when paired with the FSDs.

 

interesting. I wonder how the JCW springs on FSD's would fall in that comparison.

 

Probably between the FSD + Stock Springs and FSD + HSports. The JCW springs have a higher rate, but are still linear. The HSports are both higher rate and progressive.

 

The stock struts are actually quite obnoxious. I didn't realize how much until I replaced them with the FSDs.

 

Exactly. The benefits between linear v progressive rate springs are in the application. In other words, are you tracking or autox your car? I'm strictly street so that is why I stayed with the JCW springs. There's nothing wrong with the progressive rate springs for strictly street though. I believe the linear provide a more comfortable ride.

 

After much reading of posts and consideration, I'm going with JCW springs (the softest ones most likely, since my MC is lightweight, no sunroof, etc.) and the FSD shocks. A .5 inch drop would be just perfect, and my car is strictly street driving - want a bit better handling and a firm but relatively comfortable ride. Springs are on the way from Classic, and I'll have Scott (thread originator here) at Central Coast Coopers do the install. I'll post when done, probably mid-Oct.

 

Actually, if you are looking for the softest springs, I think the stock springs in your MC are softer than either the JCW or SS+ springs. All you would need to do is swap out the stock shocks for the FSDs.

 

I'll second that! Keep your stock springs. The FSD's will work beautifully for them. Besides, for some reason I'm not sure of I don't think JCW springs will work with an MC. Don't ask me why. It's just something that came from the dark recesses of my memory. Chilling, dark, deep recesses.

I could easily be wrong though.

 

snid is running the JCW springs on his MC.

 

The stockers are linear.....how 'bout the JCWs?

 

Same (linear).

 

Excellent.

I'm still trying to figure out why anyone who wants to keep body roll down (or even better, decrease it) would switch from linear to progressive. I suppose if the initial rate of the progressives is at or near the rate of the linears, it would keep the ride from being harsher under most circumstances and still improve handling in corners, etc. Hmmm, did I just answer my own question? Of course that only works if (only if) that initial rate really is as high as the stockers you're switching from.....right?

I haven't been able to find rates for the JCWs anywhere - anyone? And mini552 says he's "going with JCW springs (the softest ones most likely)".....so, are there multiple JCW rate options?

 

No, there's only one JCW spring. It's stiffer than stock so if you're still looking for the softest then ... I kept my stock springs (SS). Who knows maybe I'll play with them and see what the FSD's are like on SS compared to JCW. But not for a while as I'm throughly enjoying the JCW+FSD combo.

 

There are three spring rates for the JCWs.

 

3 part numbers as well? and should we assume they are all linear?

 

Don't leave us hangin'. Do you know the rates.....any of the three sets of rates? Spill!

 

Yes, they are all linear rate springs with different part numbers. The difference in rates is to account for differences in vehicle weight based on as delivered opitions. No, I do not know the rates, but I do have a caliper.

For my vehicle which is as basic as an MCS can get with another 50lbs removed and then 30lbs of sound deadening material added, the spring rate was high, Once another 60lbs of roll bar was squeezed in the ride mellowed to about perfect.

 

That's what I figured - it's the same for non-JCW springs - different rates to help counter the weight of optional extras.

Thanks, I didn't actually expect numbers (no one else seems to have any of them either), but like they say, if you don't ask.....

 

Interesting about the different JCW springs. I'll have to bug my source as to which one I got. Hmmm....

Thanks k-huevo.