I have been reading as many threads as I can on this subject and I find myself still unsure about whether to swap out my stock bits for IR fixed plates, or some other variety adjustable.

My concerns are that my MINI, if like others, won't have the same camber side-to-side right from the start. It's only got 1200 miles on it so it's a baby. Going with fixed plates might limit what I can do to 'correct' any issue like that or if I find that it is too much camber/tire wear for how I end up driving my MINI. My concern with some of the adjustables is around harshness - it seems some are just metal plates w/o the rubber (or other) bearing, but I can't be sure and the pictures are sometimes unclear.

So, given that - what is the opinion for adjustable plates, knowing that once I find a setting I like I don't intend to mess around with them.

How do these KMAC plates compare quality-wise? Other suggestions? I don't want to make the ride so harsh up front that the dashboard shakes itself to bits (something that could happen on older VW's with too-stiff front rides).

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...DUCT_ID=195116

Sorry for the long post - MINI newbie alert...

 

I wouldn't say the ride is much more harsh - you definitely hear more of the road and bumps, and there are some more odd noises happening that weren't happening before in parking lot turns and whatnot. I don't know that you could put an aftermarket part like an adj. plate on a car and have it sound/behave exactly like stock.

All that said, the ability to put some negative camber in the front is worth it for the driving experience. I don't know the logistics of whether or not the car has to have the same from side to side; it seems like most are different from the factory.

mb

 

However, does it add to the ride height?

 

some will add to the ride height, others dont. The ireland units dont, at least not appreciably, like 1/8 i think or somthing i have heard. By the way, they arnt steel plates, they are steel monoballs, which is sort of like a big ball bearing, with a hole in it to mount the top of the strut threw, and usually ride in a delrin (super hard plastic) cavity with zero compliance. The rest us a ploy instead of rubber, stiffer, but has some compliance, so noise and vibration doesnt go therw the roof. I think im about to bite the bullet on the monoball ones, but the streets around me are really quite smooth (although not according to anyone else inthe area, but they have never seen the average road from almost anywhere else). I also dont mind it. I would recomend staying away from mono ball types if your concerned about ride quality or noise at all.

Beecher

 

thanks beecher - any comments on the kmac in specific?

 

I have had the new Hotchkis (H-Sport) camber plates for over a year now and haven't had any problems. Noise level increase is nominal. NO rattles or clunks. I really really like that fact that they DO NOT RAISE RIDE HEIGHT! The spherical bearings they use are easily replaceable. Camber adjustment ranges from 0 to -2 degrees (-3.6 degrees with linear coils) in infinite increments.

Good Luck with your search!
Cheers!

 

msjulie33
One way to find out what you have for disparity is to get an alignment done before you deside. If you just wanted to know your front camber measurements without adjustment they probably wouldn't charge full price. If you plan on keeping stock size springs you will only be able to get a max of -2deg. If you ever want more than that you will have to have smaller diameter springs which would mean coilovers. I thought long and hard before going with the Ireland fixed plates. I was fortunate to have -0*45" both sides before adding the plates.
Steve

 

thanks, i'll see about finding out what the car has from the factory

 

I can not comment on the kmac but can on the IE Fixed Plates as I have them on my 2006 JCW MCS with the JCW suspension. The ride height remains unchanged and the tire contact patch is increased. The overall ride is improved as well as the road feel being improved. They do not increase the NVH and frankly the car handles the rough surfaces much better than stock due to the size of the rubber bushing in the IE Fixed Plates. It's my understanding that the rubber bushings are from one of the BMW's but what series I don't know.

I just returned from the MVIV 4 and ran close to 2000 miles. All smiles by the way and was very impressed with the way the car rode and handled as I ran the stock run-flats with the newly installed, one week before leaving, camber plates.

If you don't want to keep changing the adjustments or spend a lot more money I think the fixed plates are a good way to go. Myself I did not measure the stock camber as I had no interest in changing it more than the fixed plates would. I was satisfied with the factory settings but wanted just a little bit better without the chance of mis-adjustment or hassle-free as some have said.

My opinion was it would be an improvement, it is, as well as remaining stock looking, it does, and hopefully I would not get any flack from the dealership. The cost, reasonable, and appearance, stock looking, were some of my concerns.

Hope this helps...

 

thanks for all the info and replies - I'm going with the IR plates. Checked my car today and out of the box it is .4 and .2 (positive!) camber so for sure I need them..