Sorry, I'm more of a sportbike guy then a car suspension guy.. you don't lower a sportbike for cornering ability....
If I lower the mini via springs only.. the camber will be off correct????
If so, are there stiffer springs that retain OEM ride height? I have been unable to find any yet.

 

Do you have a MCS or MC ?

 

MCS

 

MINI sells the JCW kit for both cars, but I have only researched data for the R53.

The kit goes for about $900.00 over the counter of most dealers which include springs which are sold separtely. The kit lowers the car just 1/2 inch which should not throw off your camber enough to require other upgrades to the control Arms. I have also been told that the kit comes with upgraded rear sway bar busings as well.

The springs for these JCW kits are actually sold separately ( 100.00 each ) from the kits due to the different variations of spring rates needed for each car made.
(ie) Sunroof-to compensate for added weight, and MFG Date of your car. Your VIN number is required to order the springs.

This poses an interesting question.....Can the JCW springs be loaded into your stock Sport Plus Suspension set up or not...I would contact Morristown MINI Parts Dept in NJ and ask if this is possible. If anyone would know for sure, they would.

Personally, other than these, I have never heard of stiffer springs which actually do not lower the car.....

Let us know what you find out.

 

You can also save money and skip the JCW stuff and you'll still need an alignment. What's the build date of your MINI? Found in the drivers door jam?

 

Manufacture date is Sept '02.

Does anyone know what the stock spring rate is?

 

Call Way Motor Works out of Atlanta at 1-317-201-8670. They know EVERYTHING about suspension for these cars. Or go to their website at www.waymotorworks.com

 

All aftermarket springs lower the car, some like H-Sport and (oem) JCW springs are only a 1/2 inch drop. And even with these you'll eventually want rear control arms, cause even oem MINI alignment specs have a bit of negative camber.
Do you want your car lower?
Or stiffer?
Or less body roll?
If less body roll is goal, a 19 or 22mm rear sway bar is all you need. And if its an 02 an alignment is probably needed too.