Could use some informed opinions on suspension upgrade.
#1
Could use some informed opinions on suspension upgrade.
Hellooo everyone,
Over the last few months since i got my R50 (03 non S indy blue cooper), ive noticed a bumpier than desired ride. ive also begun to notice some mushrooming on the passenger side and a cracked strut tower rubber bushing.
Ive spoken to my mini mechanic and hes going to be installing the items i decide to go with. Since my mini will be all disected and it would save me on labor costs, He also suggested i go with some control arm bushings (poly urethane) aswell. i would also like to know some pros and cons on the polyurethane bushings. His solution to the mushrooming was to go with the craven speed plates too.
Personally, i was thinking about going with an M7 strut tower brace (has the anti-mushroom plates) or the craven speed and some camber plates. ive heard of camber plates that rid the need of the rubber strut tower bushings which is a definate plus! Now the handling of the car would be supreme if i did this but according to my mechanic, camber plates contribute to a bumpier ride. Now what i wanted in my ride is a smoother cadillac (almost) ride so i figured id get some different shocks for that. if i get different shocks would i be able to keep the OEM springs ? or would i have to purchase some springs aswell?
i would definately appreciate some feedback from you guys. I know some of you are very wise when it comes to mini modding. thanks million for taking time out and reading! hope to hear from some of you soon!
Over the last few months since i got my R50 (03 non S indy blue cooper), ive noticed a bumpier than desired ride. ive also begun to notice some mushrooming on the passenger side and a cracked strut tower rubber bushing.
Ive spoken to my mini mechanic and hes going to be installing the items i decide to go with. Since my mini will be all disected and it would save me on labor costs, He also suggested i go with some control arm bushings (poly urethane) aswell. i would also like to know some pros and cons on the polyurethane bushings. His solution to the mushrooming was to go with the craven speed plates too.
Personally, i was thinking about going with an M7 strut tower brace (has the anti-mushroom plates) or the craven speed and some camber plates. ive heard of camber plates that rid the need of the rubber strut tower bushings which is a definate plus! Now the handling of the car would be supreme if i did this but according to my mechanic, camber plates contribute to a bumpier ride. Now what i wanted in my ride is a smoother cadillac (almost) ride so i figured id get some different shocks for that. if i get different shocks would i be able to keep the OEM springs ? or would i have to purchase some springs aswell?
i would definately appreciate some feedback from you guys. I know some of you are very wise when it comes to mini modding. thanks million for taking time out and reading! hope to hear from some of you soon!
#6
Thanks a million guys. excellent suggestions! ill opt out for koni fsd shocks!
Master Chief, id like to drop my mini but idk if itll be a safe bet in the long run. looked at the springs on some minis and i did like what i saw. How long have you been running on the TSW springs !?
Very Respectfully,
ET2 Campos
Master Chief, id like to drop my mini but idk if itll be a safe bet in the long run. looked at the springs on some minis and i did like what i saw. How long have you been running on the TSW springs !?
Very Respectfully,
ET2 Campos
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Thanks a million guys. excellent suggestions! ill opt out for koni fsd shocks!
Master Chief, id like to drop my mini but idk if itll be a safe bet in the long run. looked at the springs on some minis and i did like what i saw. How long have you been running on the TSW springs !?
Very Respectfully,
ET2 Campos
Master Chief, id like to drop my mini but idk if itll be a safe bet in the long run. looked at the springs on some minis and i did like what i saw. How long have you been running on the TSW springs !?
Very Respectfully,
ET2 Campos
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Master Chief, Glad to hear about your mini. how much lower did your mini drop ? what size wheels do you have ? As for making first, I just made 2nd the last test earlier this year. I could use a SW pin to stand out as a 2nd :/ are you still active, Master Chief ?
Very Respectfully,
ET2
Very Respectfully,
ET2
#12
Master Chief,
Viewed your garage and boy does that mini have some tricks under its sleeves!!! WOW. I can only imagine how nice that thing handles and rides. As far as advancement exams go, ive been hitting it off on my first tries on the exams so far. Ive been learning about collateral duties in the fleet and finally have my own @ the reserve center. I still have my esws book from my last ship so ill study that in my free time (when im not studying for school!), then ill ask for an AT on a ship. My degree plan is in the linguistics field. Im getting to get my associates in arts then transferring to a university where i can pursue my studies in arabic (I can read/write and have a developing proficiency), farsi, urdu and pashto. once i can get certified in translating and interpreting in those languages i want to pursue a lifetime dream of serving in the seal teams :0] I really do love my navy.
Ive always heard of how some people make chief fast but ive never really remembered what the solid steps to get there. The advice you've given me has made it crystal clear, Master Chief. Thanks a bunch! your very resourceful.
Viewed your garage and boy does that mini have some tricks under its sleeves!!! WOW. I can only imagine how nice that thing handles and rides. As far as advancement exams go, ive been hitting it off on my first tries on the exams so far. Ive been learning about collateral duties in the fleet and finally have my own @ the reserve center. I still have my esws book from my last ship so ill study that in my free time (when im not studying for school!), then ill ask for an AT on a ship. My degree plan is in the linguistics field. Im getting to get my associates in arts then transferring to a university where i can pursue my studies in arabic (I can read/write and have a developing proficiency), farsi, urdu and pashto. once i can get certified in translating and interpreting in those languages i want to pursue a lifetime dream of serving in the seal teams :0] I really do love my navy.
Ive always heard of how some people make chief fast but ive never really remembered what the solid steps to get there. The advice you've given me has made it crystal clear, Master Chief. Thanks a bunch! your very resourceful.
#13
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Master Chief,
Viewed your garage and boy does that mini have some tricks under its sleeves!!! WOW. I can only imagine how nice that thing handles and rides. As far as advancement exams go, ive been hitting it off on my first tries on the exams so far. Ive been learning about collateral duties in the fleet and finally have my own @ the reserve center. I still have my esws book from my last ship so ill study that in my free time (when im not studying for school!), then ill ask for an AT on a ship. My degree plan is in the linguistics field. Im getting to get my associates in arts then transferring to a university where i can pursue my studies in arabic (I can read/write and have a developing proficiency), farsi, urdu and pashto. once i can get certified in translating and interpreting in those languages i want to pursue a lifetime dream of serving in the seal teams :0] I really do love my navy.
Ive always heard of how some people make chief fast but ive never really remembered what the solid steps to get there. The advice you've given me has made it crystal clear, Master Chief. Thanks a bunch! your very resourceful.
Viewed your garage and boy does that mini have some tricks under its sleeves!!! WOW. I can only imagine how nice that thing handles and rides. As far as advancement exams go, ive been hitting it off on my first tries on the exams so far. Ive been learning about collateral duties in the fleet and finally have my own @ the reserve center. I still have my esws book from my last ship so ill study that in my free time (when im not studying for school!), then ill ask for an AT on a ship. My degree plan is in the linguistics field. Im getting to get my associates in arts then transferring to a university where i can pursue my studies in arabic (I can read/write and have a developing proficiency), farsi, urdu and pashto. once i can get certified in translating and interpreting in those languages i want to pursue a lifetime dream of serving in the seal teams :0] I really do love my navy.
Ive always heard of how some people make chief fast but ive never really remembered what the solid steps to get there. The advice you've given me has made it crystal clear, Master Chief. Thanks a bunch! your very resourceful.
#14
Okay i was out for a run and i was getting into my car after i was done then... it happened. i proceeded forward and i hit this giant pothole that hurt me to my very core. i moved to a clearer spot with more light (it was dark) and i checked the tire and under the car to look for leaking (everything looked good). i poped the hood and i noticed i cracked the drivers side strut tower rubber bushing. earlier last year i had a similar run in and the passenger bushing is ripped aswell. the passenger strut tower is showing mushrooming but the drivers side is flat.
What i wanted to ask some of you saavy motorers was whether i should go fixed (correct mushrooming issue) or adjustable camber plates.
if i go fixed i have the worry of cracking and replacing the rubber bushings in the future and thats not cheap :/
with the adjustable it eliminates the need for rubber bushings but im worried about calibrating the camber on the auto every so often and if it has a tendency to lose alignment.
you guys input would be greatly appreciated!
What i wanted to ask some of you saavy motorers was whether i should go fixed (correct mushrooming issue) or adjustable camber plates.
if i go fixed i have the worry of cracking and replacing the rubber bushings in the future and thats not cheap :/
with the adjustable it eliminates the need for rubber bushings but im worried about calibrating the camber on the auto every so often and if it has a tendency to lose alignment.
you guys input would be greatly appreciated!
#15
#16
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+1 on the IE plates. Put them into my 07S and the handling went from great to GRRRRREATTT . However, the bushing in the plate is stiffer and there is a bit more noise and a bit of harshness. But after a month that went away (you get used to it ). Maybe that will be helped with the FSDs - those are on my list too
#17
So the IE plates do not rid the needs of the strut tower bushings and they cause noise.
im going with some camber plates but im still undecisive at this point. i just want to know if there are any alignment problems with the adjustable (inclined to the possibility of purchasing these since some rid the need for the strut tower rubber bushings)
does anyone have any experiance with adjustable camber plates ?
im going with some camber plates but im still undecisive at this point. i just want to know if there are any alignment problems with the adjustable (inclined to the possibility of purchasing these since some rid the need for the strut tower rubber bushings)
does anyone have any experiance with adjustable camber plates ?
#18
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iTrader: (1)
So the IE plates do not rid the needs of the strut tower bushings and they cause noise.
im going with some camber plates but im still undecisive at this point. i just want to know if there are any alignment problems with the adjustable (inclined to the possibility of purchasing these since some rid the need for the strut tower rubber bushings)
does anyone have any experiance with adjustable camber plates ?
im going with some camber plates but im still undecisive at this point. i just want to know if there are any alignment problems with the adjustable (inclined to the possibility of purchasing these since some rid the need for the strut tower rubber bushings)
does anyone have any experiance with adjustable camber plates ?
#19
My camber plates made the car slightly rougher on rough roads, but the benefit is well worth it! I have the IE Racing Plate and I love them. The plates did lower the front end a bit, but I am not sure as to how much it lowered the front end, maybe a half inch?
The control arm bushings are a must imho. I haven't done mine yet, but coming this spring, Otis will receive a set for sure. I am also replacing the steering bushing and the front sway bar bushings with Powerflex at that time.
I have the M7 plates up top still to prevent mushrooming, but the camber plate install should eliminate the need for them! I kept mine because I liked the look under the hood. Plus, a little extra insurance never hurts right?
Here is the rundown of my suspension, which I think has made my Mini into the Driving joy that it is:
Texas Speedwerks Springs
OEM Sachs Shocks
M7 Strut Tower Defenders
IE Racing Camber Plates
Alta 19mm Rear Swaybar
Alta Adjustable rear swaybar Endlinks
OEM Cabrio Braces
OMP Lower Front Stress Brace
H&R 5mm Spacers at all 4 corners
I will be installing those bushings on top of this setup. Overall, I am pleased with the outcome and couldn't have asked for better results! When you put this with non-runflat tires, the results are great.
The control arm bushings are a must imho. I haven't done mine yet, but coming this spring, Otis will receive a set for sure. I am also replacing the steering bushing and the front sway bar bushings with Powerflex at that time.
I have the M7 plates up top still to prevent mushrooming, but the camber plate install should eliminate the need for them! I kept mine because I liked the look under the hood. Plus, a little extra insurance never hurts right?
Here is the rundown of my suspension, which I think has made my Mini into the Driving joy that it is:
Texas Speedwerks Springs
OEM Sachs Shocks
M7 Strut Tower Defenders
IE Racing Camber Plates
Alta 19mm Rear Swaybar
Alta Adjustable rear swaybar Endlinks
OEM Cabrio Braces
OMP Lower Front Stress Brace
H&R 5mm Spacers at all 4 corners
I will be installing those bushings on top of this setup. Overall, I am pleased with the outcome and couldn't have asked for better results! When you put this with non-runflat tires, the results are great.
#20
The IE fixed camber plate is a BMW bushing from a Z3 a much heavier car,adj camber plates are a tad noisy.I have adj and whish i had installed the fixed plate.Other than that 2yrs and i'm happy camper.
All Powerflex bushes except for the one behind the tachometer oem replacement
H-sport 19mm rear bar
H-sport lower control arms
IE adjustable plates
M-7 STB'S
Koni FSD
No regrets
All Powerflex bushes except for the one behind the tachometer oem replacement
H-sport 19mm rear bar
H-sport lower control arms
IE adjustable plates
M-7 STB'S
Koni FSD
No regrets
#21
Wow guys. nail right on the head there and now i furthermore understand the role the strut tower bushing plays in the assembly. im feeling good about going for the fixed Irish Engineering camber plates at this point and replacing my strut tower bushings. excellent suggestions. thanks a gazillion!
heres another thought,
should i wait to buy the FSD shocks for my mini aswell to save on labor costs ? any thoughts on that ? im not the richest man in the world but ill say im more so the frugal type.lol (but id rather eat rice for a month to buy those nice things for my mini)
heres another thought,
should i wait to buy the FSD shocks for my mini aswell to save on labor costs ? any thoughts on that ? im not the richest man in the world but ill say im more so the frugal type.lol (but id rather eat rice for a month to buy those nice things for my mini)
#22
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Wow guys. nail right on the head there and now i furthermore understand the role the strut tower bushing plays in the assembly. im feeling good about going for the fixed Irish Engineering camber plates at this point and replacing my strut tower bushings. excellent suggestions. thanks a gazillion!
heres another thought,
should i wait to buy the FSD shocks for my mini aswell to save on labor costs ? any thoughts on that ? im not the richest man in the world but ill say im more so the frugal type.lol (but id rather eat rice for a month to buy those nice things for my mini)
heres another thought,
should i wait to buy the FSD shocks for my mini aswell to save on labor costs ? any thoughts on that ? im not the richest man in the world but ill say im more so the frugal type.lol (but id rather eat rice for a month to buy those nice things for my mini)
#23
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Just some more 2c - Your choice of springs will determine how much camber you can set. With stock springs or stock-style lowering springs you can set only about -2 deg camber. Beyond that the springs hit the tower. With coilovers you can go up to about -3 deg or a little more before they hit. The coilovers have a smaller diameter spring. However, they will be stiffer; ride and noise will suffer. Also, somewhere between -2 and -2.5 deg and above tire wear will start to suffer significantly. If you are a serious racer you will want between -2.5 to -3 deg. For the street, casual autoX, HPDEs about -2 is really nice. I have the IE fixed camber plate and with the Gen 2 slot-shift I have about -1.6 deg camber and love it for the street. It is good at my level for HPDE , but more is needed for autoX .