We're getting ready to begin the prototype phase on some linear rate lowering springs for the R56, a la our springs for the 1st gen platform...

Anyone want to weigh in with any suggestions before we wind the first prototypes?

We'll be aiming to make them play well with the R56 struts/shocks and have the same characteristics as our 1st gen springs.

 

Make the rates a whiff stiffer than stock; keep the rate split similar or raise the rear a bit. I'm guessing you're going for about 1.0" drop to have some lowering while still having some compression travel too? Do that and you'll have the best handling springs out there.

 

I don't know much about the technical stuff but I would like a spring option that was an inch or slightly less.

Also the R56 seems a bit higher in the back...springs that would even the car out would be nice...unless there a performance reason for the extra height in the back that I am not aware of.

-GP

 

yeah, 1" or 0.75" would be nice, right inbetween the JCW and everyone else. Besides, if the car drops over an inch, as great as it looks, all the scrapping is unbearable (for me at least)...

 

I just checked the txwerks site to look at the description of the springs for the R53....If you do the same (5/8 - 3/4 in the front and 7/8 in the back) for the R56 that would be perfect!

Do you have a target date for these springs?

Thanks,
- GP

 

I would've preferred stock ride height when I installed the H&R springs. I don't give a dang about the aesthetics of a lowered car; I just wanted stiffer springs to make the car stop wallowing.
We play rough in north Georgia and my R56 couldn't keep up with my R53... ...now it can. But it scrapes on driveways and what-nots.

 

+1

 

Wow, you guys won't be disappointed with these for sure!!

 

+2 for these comments.

If a nice 3/4 inch drop with a great spring rate which works with the non-sport shock and/or the sport suspension shocks, I think I would lower my R56.

I have some pretty deep curbage which the MINI at regular/stock height has some problems with scapeing the lower lip and bits.

Remember us older guys like to look proper, but we don't want to look slammed.

 

I'm in with Ryan. Keep the drop similar to what you do with the R53, even out the built in rake, and increase the rates a smidge.

Paul

 

Oh yeah, how about using a color for the springs other than black (or red for that matter)

 

A slight rake (Rear end higher than the front) can help with traction during hard acceleration (Weight Transfer isn't as harsh, and as quick).

 

What kind of ETA are you guys thinking on these? A month? 2 weeks? 6 months? A year?

 

May I have a free set please? I'll write a review... ...but I just bought the H&R's and the budget is blown for a while...

 

Shooting to have the protos wound and installed in 3-4 weeks... Then, we'll have to beat the crap out of them for awhile... I'd say 2 months ETA?

Seriously - another color but black? Why?

Y'all have pretty much nailed what we're going for... 7/8" drop up front and 1-1/8" out back. And, we'll definitely nail the spring rates...

 

The reason why I mention another color is because (drumroll please...).... HR already uses black! Try blue, or orange, or..... uhhh... teal (?)

 

I think the 1 to 1.2 inch drop has been done. I think people really want the compromise between the JCW and everyone else. This type of drop could be sold to anyone and probably is the best for the stock struts. The car will look great with this drop. I have the JCW drop which is .4 and I always thought it would be perfect if it was just a little lower. If this option was available I would have saved myself 1500 dollars.

.7 front

.6 rear

great combo for standard suspension and perfect combo for sport suspension

 

Dude, teal springs fo sho!

 

I think 7/8" in the front and 1 1/8" is perfect. That should even the car out and provide 3/8" more room than the alternatives up front...may 2 months pass briskly!

- GP

 

Due to the nature of front wheel drive cars and torque steer the mini and the JCW suspension have a slight rake for a reason. If you level out the car then these springs are purely cosmetic. The car has to minimize weight transfer under acceleration and cornering to keep the front tires on the ground.

I realize to much rake looks bad but it must be raked at least a few millimeters

.6 to .7 up front

.7 to .8 in back

 

Yup, I said that before. I have my car raked by about .25 inches.

 

Agreed, you do need a slight rake... However, a whole lot is just silly...

As with the R50/R52/R53 springs, we'll get the rake right. Last time I saw an R56, though, it looked like a dragster...

 

so how long will all this take . i would like to drop my mini a lil and make it look level. not too low because i have a long comute on crappy roads that beat you like a step child. and i have the stock suspension. so what will you guys be able to do for us out here. any hints? maybe a drop for the street and another version for the guys that want to get lower.

 

This is great news! IMO, the JCW springs don't give quite enough drop, but all the others go much too far. I'd prefer to see about 3/4" drop front and back, with spring rates slightly stiffer than stock. I actually like the look of some rake, and I don't care what color the springs are.

 

Uhhh... how much longer do we have to wait??? By the way, any word on the color (blue.... please?)....