I'm sure this has been covered, but I can't find it using the search function.

Regarding the use of aftermarket lowering springs/performance springs, how well do the spring rates work with the factory non-sport dampers? Usually, when you buy a lowering spring for a given vehicle, they feel like garbage due to the manufacturer not matching spring rates with oem dampers. I'm wondering if this is the same for MINIs, or if a certain maker has taken the time to match the two. I don't have any one maker in mind, just wondering in general.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Mike

 

TRW springs work very well with OEM shocks... Better with Koni's!

 

Melangell,

Do they offer any kind of drop over the factory springs? Also, do they have a website? I searched the net, but all I got was a sites offering the springs for sale.

 

LMAO, just realized you meant 'TSW'; I R Smart.

 

Oops, obviously I ain't! I wasn't even drinking!! Here you go:

TSW Springs

Look around Way's site. He sells just about everything one could want.

 

I had NM springs on stock shocks on my old R55. Never again! I am not lowering my car (for looks)... While living in a big North American city (not suburbia) suffering on bad urban roads is not what I want to do again. I will live with "ugly wheel gap". Even with NM springs, every time I would hit the pot hole it would be unpleasant... I began doing slaloms to avoid disaster. Lucky, I was never stopped by police for doing it...
Lowering springs? Don't believe the hype!

 

LOL, No worries.

I've already spoke with Way about a few things; luckily I live very close to Atlanta, so I can stop in to the shop!

 

Ha, that's been my same exact experience with lowering springs. I'm not one to do anything for looks really, I like the old adage of form following function. However, I was curious to see if maybe some one had finally started paying attention to spring rates when it comes to making lowering springs "designed" to be used with OEM dampers.

 

I have NM springs with the Sport Suspension. . . Other than removing some of the ugly wheel gap I saw no adverse effects to handling or ride quality. . . the ride is still firm. . .and the shocks seem to match well with the shorter springs. . . (personally since I got rid of the Toyota FJ for the MINI I always try to avoid the potholes)

 

Have you tracked the car at all? Do you have anything that proves better handling? I'm not doubting you one bit, I'm firm believer in the power of the butt dyno, just curious.