Suspension Springs, struts, coilovers, sway-bars, camber plates, and all other modifications to suspension components for Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Suspension Slotting the front strut top mounting holes: how much negati

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Old 03-07-2004, 07:50 PM
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I am still having a hard time paying 2-1/2 to 3 times what I pay for domestic car camber plates just because our cars have BMW in their family tree somewhere. So, if anyone has slotted the three bolt holes in the strut tower, how much negative camber can you pick up? I can see that there is a definite limit to the amount you can slot, as the inside hole is roughly 1/2" from the side of the strut tower. But that 1/2" should translate to noticeable negative camber change. This mod is allowed in STX, so I am very curious what the total amount I can expect would be... anyone?
 
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Old 03-07-2004, 08:11 PM
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If I remeber correctly 1/4 inch of movement should net you around 1 degree of change. The question is how much can you move the upper strut bearing over before it bangs on the strut tower?
 
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Old 03-07-2004, 11:27 PM
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I wonder if slotting would cause any weakening of the strut tower.
Also are the bolts long enough to move their position and still have enough thread to tighten the nut securely?

If you don't hear from anyone try calling Randy Webb- maybe he has seen someone try this.
What happens if you cut the slot wrong??
 
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Old 03-08-2004, 07:41 AM
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Slotting should work. The limiting factor, as far as range of movement, is the coil spring/spring retainer contacting the inner wall of the strut tower. There is about 1/2" to 5/8" inward travel available which gives about 2 to 2.5 total negative camber. Most are reluctant to start cutting up the body, hence the adjustable plates. I would add 5/16 id fender washers (larger od) under the flange nuts
 
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Old 03-08-2004, 08:21 AM
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You may want to double check the stx rules on this... I know bolt in camber plates are legal but I am doubtfull that slotting the factory holes is.... Def. double check the 04 rulebook!!!
 
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Old 03-08-2004, 09:24 AM
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The rules state that slotting is allowed: http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Rule...t_touring.html

17.8 C. On vehicles with strut-type suspensions, adjustable camber plates may be installed at the top of the strut, and the original upper mounting holes may be slotted. The drilling of holes in order to perform the installation is permitted. The center clearance hole may not be modified. Any type of bearing or bushing may be used in the adjustable camber plate attachment to the strut. The installation may incorporate an alternate upper spring perch/seat and/or mounting block (bearing mount). Any ride height change resulting from installation of camber plates is allowed. Caster changes resulting from the use of camber places are permitted.
 
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