For awhile now I had convinced myself to get a set of NEX coilovers, which can be had on the Bay for very cheap (think ~$600). But lately I've swung back to deciding on doing the spring+stock damper set-up. My reasoning behind it was better to have a quality spring set than the cheapest coilovers I could find. Besides, height adjustability isn't a huge consideration for me. (And the NEX don't allow for damper adjustment.)

But now I'm back to the problem I had earlier – deciding on springs! I've searched, and everyone is usually pretty happy with whatever they buy. And I probably will be too, but there are a lot of more informed people on here than I, so I put the question to you all.

Upgrades to my MINI are for 60% daily driver, 30% autocross, and 10% ***** compensation. This means that I want:
* firmer than stock
* preferably linear rates
* around a 1" drop
* same drop front / back (or – more up front)

The TSW springs are very attractive but for the slightly underwhelming drop (and I know the reasoning behind it, but see the "10%" bit above). For a long time I was leaning towards the M7s, but they're progressive and I'm unsure of how well that'd fair on the autox course. The H&R look attractive, but they drop more in the back than in the front. This would be fine but for the fact that I have some RDR camber plates to slap on in the spring, which will already reduce rake. So I would like something that drops equally (or more in the front). I need some rake.

 

JCW springs are linear, and are firmer than the stock ones. Paired with FSDs they work great.

Unfortunately you're only looking at 0.5" drop... the red color does help with the 10% part, though.

 

I don't know anything them yet but here's another kit ..... just to make your decision even more difficult (). AC Schnitzer - sold by Bavarian Autosport (and probably others).

 

You could simplify your decision by ignoring the annoying more-drop-in-the-rear-than-the-front biz and buying some spacers for the rears. I know MINI Mania sell them but I think the price is a bit steep - seems like I've seen them offered by others (for much less). That way you might be able to use the H&Rs and keep the drop even.

 

look at the texas speedworks springs. I have them with FSDs and love the ride

 

If I "live with" less than a 1" drop, then it is TSW all the way. And yeah, I've thought about the spacers-in-the-back. Are there any downsides to using said spacer though, performance-wise?

ed: ouch, those AC Schnitzers are $400..

 

Have you looked at the Tein S-tech? I believe it meets all your criteria.

http://www.tein.com/mini.html

 

Sorta looked at, but bad vibes and not the greatest reputation..

*hmm*

 

Okay, so maybe I didn't make your decision more difficult with those after all. They better be the best spring out there for that kind of $.

I've never tried them. The spacers I've seen go at the top of the assembly, so there's no change to spring length, etc, and I would expect the spring to work just as it would without the spacer. As to changing height, I just think of it like choosing your own height using adjustable coilovers - has an effect (+ or -) on CG, etc, but in this case its just getting the car to the height (and associated characteristics/dynamics) you've already decided you want.

Then again, I've never used them, so I'm only guessing. There was a thread somewhere on this forum where a guy was planning to have spacers custom made. That guy might actually have something constructive to say about them.....if only I could remember which thread.....

 

Found it "Want to go higher!"

 

Just came across this from new site vendor Import Image Racing - "Progress Sport Springs" - claim is 1.3" lower in front and 1" rear.

---------------------------------
edit: oops - forgot you want linear

 

"10% ***** compensation."

i suggest H-Sport springs or TEIN S-Techs.

 

At least it's only 10% . Is this a new way to measure spring drop?

 

Thanks guys. I have a set of H-sports sitting in my kitchen waiting for a big install day a month or two from now. They were a big compromise but I expect to be happy with them. The deciding factor was webb motorsport's endorsement of them and the amount of cars currently with them / satisfied. The 1" drop isn't quite as extreme as the M7s, and I'll probably prefer the progressive wind for day-to-day driving.

 

finish off with 22mm+ rear swaybar if you haven't already.

 

It's sitting in my kitchen.