Suspension Springs, struts, coilovers, sway-bars, camber plates, and all other modifications to suspension components for Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs.

Suspension Gallery! Show me your lowered MINI!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #801  
Old 02-07-2010, 11:13 PM
KevinC's Avatar
KevinC
KevinC is offline
5th Gear
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Originally Posted by J_'09s
I was so torn between the Yellows and the FSD's. They are both very reputable products but i didn't want to risk blowing out the FSD's with lowering springs. So i went with the Yellows. Was this a sound decision?

Now i'm waiting on the shocks and struts to get here but i'm now left with yet another quandary... what lowering springs to get? I've heard great things about the NM RSa's??? Any suggestions?
I looked into FSDs but backed off for the same reason - not for use with a lowering spring, except for a couple of applications Koni makes specifically designed for them.. and our cars are not one of those applications. I wound up going with the H&R Touring Cup Kit. The springs are H&R "OE Sport" springs, which claim 1.4" lowering on our cars. The shocks are Koni Yellows, painted metallic grey to match the springs, with an H&R sticker on them but the Koni stampings still in place. Even the adjustment **** for the fronts is the standard Koni **** complete with their nomenclature.

I have mixed feelings about the setup. It greatly improved ride quality, but the springs seem a tad soft. I started with the shocks at full soft (which is what you're supposed to do with Koni Yellows, adjustments are meant to take place as they wear), but have since cranked the fronts up a half turn. The rears would have be removed and disassembled to adjust, so they aren't going to be monkeyed with anytime soon. For a street setup, this is fine, and is infinitely better than the horrific stock setup. But it leaves me wanting a bit more control. But for $600 (on sale) for the entire kit, it's a screaming bargain. Priced separately, the cost would have been much higher.
 
  #802  
Old 02-08-2010, 04:53 AM
jimmyd1's Avatar
jimmyd1
jimmyd1 is offline
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rochester,NY
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
nope I have my springs sway bar, strut tower bar and waining for my new rims to show up but I dont have heat in my garage and it has been way too cold here in NY to do it yet. I will post mine as soon as I possibly can though
 
  #803  
Old 02-10-2010, 09:32 AM
Gilboyto's Avatar
Gilboyto
Gilboyto is offline
4th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: I live everywhere I sleep
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My Konigs are still for sale with/without tires..but I figured I would throw up an update with my new wheels

 
  #804  
Old 02-10-2010, 09:54 AM
VicSkimmr's Avatar
VicSkimmr
VicSkimmr is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 9 Posts
O.M.F.G.

Are you rubbing in the rear with that setup? And by rubbing I mean on the metal under the arches.
 
  #805  
Old 02-10-2010, 09:55 AM
Blainestang's Avatar
Blainestang
Blainestang is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,478
Received 59 Likes on 49 Posts
Originally Posted by Gilboyto
My Konigs are still for sale with/without tires..but I figured I would throw up an update with my new wheels

One of the nicest MINIs, period. The new wheels/stance look great.

So, did you get your second seat, yet? :D
 
  #806  
Old 02-10-2010, 10:10 AM
Gilboyto's Avatar
Gilboyto
Gilboyto is offline
4th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: I live everywhere I sleep
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Vic. I rub in the rear currently but I am only running like -1.2 degrees of camber (or whatever stock is). I just went out to check my tire pressure and there was inner plastic fender rubbed off like CRAZY. Luckily its on the inside hehe. I dont think Im hitting the metal, but how can I tell??

And Blaine, thank you for the comment! Its much appreciated . I havent gotten my second seat tho LOL I hope my tax return will fund it though...
 
  #807  
Old 02-10-2010, 06:24 PM
VicSkimmr's Avatar
VicSkimmr
VicSkimmr is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 2,276
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 9 Posts
Oh you would know It's very loud.
 
  #808  
Old 02-10-2010, 06:27 PM
glnr13's Avatar
glnr13
glnr13 is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Gilboyto
I dont think Im hitting the metal, but how can I tell??
also your tire tread will have a new tread line.

the metal will actually cut a new line into the tire. very bad, scary
you'll have to do some minor rolling of the metal.
 
  #809  
Old 02-10-2010, 06:27 PM
tmo8462's Avatar
tmo8462
tmo8462 is offline
4th Gear
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rota, Spain
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Gil deff one sexy mini.... mad props on it bro. Cant wait to get the wheels/tires in the mail and the coil overs on!!!!!!!!
 
  #810  
Old 02-10-2010, 07:41 PM
Blainestang's Avatar
Blainestang
Blainestang is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,478
Received 59 Likes on 49 Posts
Originally Posted by Gilboyto
And Blaine, thank you for the comment! Its much appreciated . I havent gotten my second seat tho LOL I hope my tax return will fund it though...
You're welcome... it's much deserved, too. Good luck with the second seat.

BTW, I kinda remember you saying you weren't going to be at MOTD (here or on MU). If you are, though, I'd like to try sitting in that seat to see if I could use one comfortably, if that's OK. Not sure if I could at 6'1" 23X lb.


Originally Posted by VicSkimmr
Oh you would know It's very loud.
Just don't take turns faster than 5mph or hit any bumps, and you should be A-OK!
 
  #811  
Old 02-11-2010, 08:35 AM
Gilboyto's Avatar
Gilboyto
Gilboyto is offline
4th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: I live everywhere I sleep
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^^ If I was going, I woul have no problem you trying out the seat. My friend here Jason actually sat in the seat and loved it, an hes maybe 5'10" and 240lbs.

I actually took a feel last night in the rear wheel well, and I am hitting the metal LOL. The felt wheel liner has a strip thats ripped off....AWESOME

I need to get some camber kicked into it today at an alignment shop,

Does anyone know the best way to roll the metal out some? I dont have a fender roller anymore :(
 
  #812  
Old 02-11-2010, 12:14 PM
jimmyd1's Avatar
jimmyd1
jimmyd1 is offline
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rochester,NY
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Gilboyto
Vic. I rub in the rear currently but I am only running like -1.2 degrees of camber (or whatever stock is). I just went out to check my tire pressure and there was inner plastic fender rubbed off like CRAZY. Luckily its on the inside hehe. I dont think Im hitting the metal, but how can I tell??

And Blaine, thank you for the comment! Its much appreciated . I havent gotten my second seat tho LOL I hope my tax return will fund it though...
see thats what i am worried about is there any way around the tire rub?
 
  #813  
Old 02-11-2010, 02:34 PM
empire0007's Avatar
empire0007
empire0007 is offline
2nd Gear
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Beverly Hills
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
still adding more. Almost finished with the GT28RS and tune next week.
 
Attached Thumbnails Gallery! Show me your lowered MINI!-mini.jpg  
  #814  
Old 02-11-2010, 02:53 PM
Rally@StanceDesign's Avatar
Rally@StanceDesign
Rally@StanceDesign is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: oh10
Posts: 8,337
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by jimmyd1
see thats what i am worried about is there any way around the tire rub?
run a conservative stance
 
  #815  
Old 02-11-2010, 04:50 PM
jimmyd1's Avatar
jimmyd1
jimmyd1 is offline
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rochester,NY
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Rally@StanceDesign
run a conservative stance
I have the stage 1 mania sistension kit with the springs and 22 mm sway bar and 18x7 piaa mesh wheels that i intend to put on once it gets warm enough out. Will a conservative stance be automatic with what i bought?
 
  #816  
Old 02-11-2010, 05:49 PM
Rally@StanceDesign's Avatar
Rally@StanceDesign
Rally@StanceDesign is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: oh10
Posts: 8,337
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Yes, you won't have any worries rubbing with 7" wide wheels and a spring ride height.

He's rubbing cause his wheels are 1.5" wider than yours and a low offset. He's also really low.
 
  #817  
Old 02-11-2010, 06:15 PM
jimmyd1's Avatar
jimmyd1
jimmyd1 is offline
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rochester,NY
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Rally@StanceDesign
Yes, you won't have any worries rubbing with 7" wide wheels and a spring ride height.

He's rubbing cause his wheels are 1.5" wider than yours and a low offset. He's also really low.
ok good . thanks for the info
 
  #818  
Old 02-11-2010, 07:25 PM
Blainestang's Avatar
Blainestang
Blainestang is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,478
Received 59 Likes on 49 Posts
[quote=Gilboyto;2979863]^^ If I was going, I woul have no problem you trying out the seat. My friend here Jason actually sat in the seat and loved it, an hes maybe 5'10" and 240lbs.

Well... maybe next year.

Jason having tried it and liked it at a similar size is encouraging, though.


Originally Posted by Gilboyto
I actually took a feel last night in the rear wheel well, and I am hitting the metal LOL. The felt wheel liner has a strip thats ripped off....AWESOME

I need to get some camber kicked into it today at an alignment shop,

Does anyone know the best way to roll the metal out some? I dont have a fender roller anymore :(
Good luck with that. I'm having and will have similar problems with my Foxbody Mustang. I'm running 1" wider control arms in the front and 17x9's w/ 275 width tires and a sitting quite a bit lower than stock due to the coilovers. The only reason mine doesn't rub is that the coilovers are stiff enough that there's not much movement in turns or over bumps :D.


Originally Posted by empire0007
still adding more. Almost finished with the GT28RS and tune next week.
Car looks really good, empire. Sounds like you've got the performance aspect taken care of, too.

Originally Posted by Rally@StanceDesign
run a conservative stance
Or take my simple suggestion of not taking turns or hitting any bumps. Easy.

BTW, Rally, can you drive at all with the Clubman's suspension at it's lowest setting?
 
  #819  
Old 02-12-2010, 05:24 AM
Gilboyto's Avatar
Gilboyto
Gilboyto is offline
4th Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: I live everywhere I sleep
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Empire, your car looks GREAT! I always love the completely stealth look, but I could never achieve it properly like you did!

Rally, maybe you can shed some insight for me on how you arent rubbing in the wheel well at all with your stance, seeing as you tuck tire (although you are also running 16s....

Clean cut? I was hitting that metal BAD so I took a big EFFING hammer to bang out the lip a little bit...I think Im just going to cut it off today.



But What do you guys think about the "inner fender" if that makes sense. Above the lip that cut my fender liner, it bulges out a little bit...it that something that can roll towards the outside a little?
 
  #820  
Old 02-12-2010, 12:09 PM
Rally@StanceDesign's Avatar
Rally@StanceDesign
Rally@StanceDesign is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: oh10
Posts: 8,337
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
BTW, Rally, can you drive at all with the Clubman's suspension at it's lowest setting?
Yup. I wouldn't do it out on the street cause the oil pan is about an 1/8th inch off the ground, but I can still roll around without rubbing at that height.
 
  #821  
Old 02-12-2010, 01:11 PM
jimmyd1's Avatar
jimmyd1
jimmyd1 is offline
4th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rochester,NY
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
thats crazy, I gotta drive my baby
 
  #822  
Old 02-12-2010, 01:12 PM
Rally@StanceDesign's Avatar
Rally@StanceDesign
Rally@StanceDesign is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: oh10
Posts: 8,337
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
I drive mine all the time. He was just asking if I drive it at the lowest setting. I don't, but it's possible without rubbing tires. I usually drive it at my preset ride height. Keep in mind that my ride height is infinitely adjustable from the driver's cabin.

This is the lowest setting. No rubbing though

 
  #823  
Old 02-12-2010, 01:14 PM
Oxybluecoop's Avatar
Oxybluecoop
Oxybluecoop is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (-1)
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Washington D.C.
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Rally's a pan scraper at heart though
 
  #824  
Old 02-12-2010, 01:22 PM
tmo8462's Avatar
tmo8462
tmo8462 is offline
4th Gear
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rota, Spain
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Low and slow right Rally? Cruise mod until you hit the curves.
 
  #825  
Old 02-12-2010, 01:24 PM
Rally@StanceDesign's Avatar
Rally@StanceDesign
Rally@StanceDesign is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: oh10
Posts: 8,337
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by OXYBLUECOOP
Rally's a pan scraper at heart though

haha indeed. I installed my skidplate in september and it's already torn up

Should be going lower in the spring once the snow melts and I can get to work on the subframe

Low and slow right Rally?
yup
 


Quick Reply: Suspension Gallery! Show me your lowered MINI!



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:17 AM.