Alright! TSW springs installed, along with IE fixed camber plates up front and IE lower control arms in the rear. I haven't put many miles on the set-up yet - it's been raining all day and all of my driving so far has been in slow commute traffic - but nice first impressions!

The back end of my car is definitely about 1/2" lower than before with the JCW springs - exactly what I wanted. The front is actually sitting slightly HIGHER than before, but I had some gnarly mushrooming before. The shop pounded down the strut towers before installing everything. Also, my old upper strut bearings were pretty worn and squished down. I expect that after I put some miles on the car and everything settles in, I'll be about where I was before with the front - perfect.

I'd never have believed it, but The car DOES ride a little better than before, even with the rear end noticeably lower than before. I can still feel all of the bumps, big and small, but they feel a bit softer. Not so jarring. I drove over some spots on my regular commute that usually make me cringe, and they weren't so bad this afternoon. The suspension seems less bouncy - it soaks up a bump, then it's done. Nice.

With the fixed plates, front camber is at -2.0 deg. left and -1.9 deg. right.

Rear camber is set at -1.2 deg. both sides.

The steering feels new again. Very solid on-center, and really quick turn-in. Can't wait for the weather to dry up so I can really attack some corners.

I took some "before" pics yesterday when I dropped the car off. I'll see if I can take some "afters" in a couple days, and get them all posted next week. Old school - film. Gotta get it developed and cd-ed.

Many thanks to Jeff and Scott at TX Speedwerks for all their help.

Also, Sacramento area motorers should check out Valley Motorwerks for aftermarket installs and alignment. First time I've been to their shop, and I am really happy with the service I got. They also installed my DT bpv and removed the flap from my JCW airbox. They are a BMW service/tuning/race shop, but they do MINIs, too.

More to come....

Oh yeah, another nice side benefit of the IE fixed camber plates is that they have nice long studs that will easily accomodate the thick plates of the M7 strut tower brace that I have coming.

 

Excellent to hear! I'm going with virtually the same setup in the next week or so except I'm adding Koni FSD's. Looking forward to your pics.

-Tim

 

That's exactly what I have... You will love it!

 

The front will drop a bit more as you put some miles on it - no worries!

Glad you like it... A little more camber in the front really, really does make it feel like a whole new car!

 

Glad you like 'em! We really did sweat the details on these springs.

 

and all I can say is WOW! With the springs, IE fixed plates, and FSD's it now feels like I actually have a suspension and at the same time feels faster and more in control in the corners. Amazing! My wife actually likes riding in the MINI now!

Here's a pic:


Measurements with a few days driving on the springs are 1/2" lower front and rear. Front looks just right to me and I'm guessing the rear will drop a bit more after a few more miles.

-Tim