There are threads like this, but considering that I have my own speshual needs, I thought I'd just create a new one. All responses appreciated.

It's an '06 MCS.... Tire / wheel combos are being explored, my specific questions here are purely suspension. The MINI is my daily driver. I autocross it, a lot. But it's purely for fun, I'm not concerned about classing. I want a good autox car that's still really driveable on the street. Budget is def. limited.

I've already bought the 22mm alta rear swaybar, but are going to put off installing it till spring. And while I'm in there, I might as well do anything else that's related.

I'm seriously considering springs, and this is mostly cosmetic (the 1" drop). Undecided at the moment. Camber plates are on my radar. So I'm thinking, budget allowing, to do the swaybar, springs, and camber plates all in one go. What am I missing here, what's needed? I want the most bang for my buck.

Thanks

 

I think you've got it. I just did the rear swaybar and H sport springs on my '03, and it made for a great autocross car (STX) once I added the 17x7.5" wheels and sticky tires.

Do you have the LSD? Other than that, make sure to get an alignment after you get the suspension changed, and you'll be good to go.

 

Have LSD, and yes, want to do a good alignment for autox once I'm at a good initial set-up.

 

If you do springs and front camber plates, you really need to have rear adjustable control arms.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=81381

Your car needs less negative camber in the rear then the front to help it rotate. Most auto-x # are @ -2.2 front, -1.5 rear.
Lowering springs affect the rear more than the front giving the rear like -2.0. You would then have to adjust the front to -2.5 or so to have the rear come around. That would increase tire wear.
Also I know the 05and 06 have some rear camber adjustment, but I don't think it's very much.

Hope that makes sense.

 

I'd advise against the H-Sport springs, at least for the front. The fronts are actually softer than stock. This causes more nose-diving and bouncing off of the stops and 3-wheeling. I actually changed the fronts to H&R. Much nicer on the autocross course but choppier on holey Western PA roads.

 

that's interesting. Randy Webb's favourite choice out of all the springs are the H-Sports

 

The H-Sports just didn't work as well with my setup and driving style. YMMV