Suspension R53 coilovers vs lowering springs
#1
R53 coilovers vs lowering springs
Just recently bought a 2005 Mini Cooper S R53 I already have wheels for it and am wondering about if I should go with coilovers or lowering springs? Not looking to race my car just have it s little faster and look clean! Also what size should I get with 17" rims on? How far can I drop the car? Don't know what's better or if it even matters.
#3
Don't put lowering springs on OEM struts / dampers. "Do it right, or do it twice", as they say. For dampers, look at Koni Yellow (adjustable damping) or Koni Orange Srt Series, and add springs of your choice. Otherwise, decent Megan coilovers can be had for $700, or ST coilovers for $850. Just save some cash and do it right.
#4
Don't put lowering springs on OEM struts / dampers. "Do it right, or do it twice", as they say. For dampers, look at Koni Yellow (adjustable damping) or Koni Orange Srt Series, and add springs of your choice. Otherwise, decent Megan coilovers can be had for $700, or ST coilovers for $850. Just save some cash and do it right.
#7
Well, for what it's worth, ST coilovers come with a 5 year warranty, whereas Megan only offers a 1 year. http://www.waymotorworks.com/megan-r...coilovers.html
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#8
I was in the same boat but will do coilovers. I want the low look and did some looking around, for abouit $100 more than the STs you can get Yellow Speed http://www.redlineperformance.ca/02-...eed-Coilovers- They are $950 but they come with camber plates and 33 way adjustable damper. This may be overkill though for you. I am doing track days and auto cross so the camber is nice, but stance life these would do good.
#9
Take it from me, don't cheap out. I initially put my springs on stock struts and they were leaking after only 1k, and they only had about 50k miles on them to begin with!
#11
#12
Young or old, you're putting unnecessary wear on various parts when you stance; flush; poke; slam, whatever, your car. If you just want some hellaflush, slammed, cambered-out MINI, buy some garbage coilovers and be on your way. Let us know how your wheel bearings, axles, and tires are wearing in 6 months. Vmaxx or FK Streetline has some crap for ~$500.
If you want a respectable car that functions like one, don't be impatient, and just save enough $$ to do the job right the first time.
Also, those Yellow Speed coilovers are not a high quality piece. There's a reason they come with camber plates and 32-way adjustable damping for $950. More adjustment doesn't equal a better damper, and there's a reason why even the most high-end coilovers (Bilstein, Ohlins, KW) only have 10-15 adjustability points on their units. I'm not trying to flame anyone, but the old saying "haste makes waste" applies here.
If you want a respectable car that functions like one, don't be impatient, and just save enough $$ to do the job right the first time.
Also, those Yellow Speed coilovers are not a high quality piece. There's a reason they come with camber plates and 32-way adjustable damping for $950. More adjustment doesn't equal a better damper, and there's a reason why even the most high-end coilovers (Bilstein, Ohlins, KW) only have 10-15 adjustability points on their units. I'm not trying to flame anyone, but the old saying "haste makes waste" applies here.
#13
#14
Young or old, you're putting unnecessary wear on various parts when you stance; flush; poke; slam, whatever, your car. If you just want some hellaflush, slammed, cambered-out MINI, buy some garbage coilovers and be on your way. Let us know how your wheel bearings, axles, and tires are wearing in 6 months. Vmaxx or FK Streetline has some crap for ~$500.
If you want a respectable car that functions like one, don't be impatient, and just save enough $$ to do the job right the first time.
Also, those Yellow Speed coilovers are not a high quality piece. There's a reason they come with camber plates and 32-way adjustable damping for $950. More adjustment doesn't equal a better damper, and there's a reason why even the most high-end coilovers (Bilstein, Ohlins, KW) only have 10-15 adjustability points on their units. I'm not trying to flame anyone, but the old saying "haste makes waste" applies here.
If you want a respectable car that functions like one, don't be impatient, and just save enough $$ to do the job right the first time.
Also, those Yellow Speed coilovers are not a high quality piece. There's a reason they come with camber plates and 32-way adjustable damping for $950. More adjustment doesn't equal a better damper, and there's a reason why even the most high-end coilovers (Bilstein, Ohlins, KW) only have 10-15 adjustability points on their units. I'm not trying to flame anyone, but the old saying "haste makes waste" applies here.
#15
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#16
If you want to dramatically improve the handling as well, buy something with adjustable damping and add front camber plates. Yes- the Megans have both and will do the job, but don't confuse them for a high-end coilover.
I think the thing to remember here is to have enough patience to not waste your money on a short-term fix. You said $700 is too much, and that's fine. Just know that you're not going to get new, quality suspension for under that. Shop the classifieds section for stuff, and maybe you'll luck out on some low-mileage stuff. GL!
#18
In many cases lowering springs are adequate rather than coil springs. Springs are much simpler if you just want a certain height change. If you do not plan to adjust the height more than initially or corner balance the weight distribution than probably no reason for coil-overs.
I used H&R springs with stock shocks for 45,000 miles with no shock issues. The shocks were new when springs were installed. I crashed the car so I do not know how long the shocks would have lasted.
If you car has many miles, it is probably time for new shocks anyway. Lowering springs and new shocks are a good way to go verse cheap coil-overs. Many people have had issues with cheap coil-overs.
I used H&R springs with stock shocks for 45,000 miles with no shock issues. The shocks were new when springs were installed. I crashed the car so I do not know how long the shocks would have lasted.
If you car has many miles, it is probably time for new shocks anyway. Lowering springs and new shocks are a good way to go verse cheap coil-overs. Many people have had issues with cheap coil-overs.
#19
#21
As far as tires, not sure the size, but mine 215/45 r17 would rub against Megans in the front without spacers.
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Mini Devil (06-03-2020)
#23
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