Lowered suspension?

[zimbo]

Anyone on here know who would be the best thing/make to use? Springs,struts (or both) or coilovers? I see that a lot of people seem to be using H&R lowering springs, anyone used them before and if so what do you think of them?

It's one of my next planned mods... ;):D

[Sweeney]

All depends how low and how hard you want to go.

Coilovers will always be the lowest, hardest and mostly costly setup.

Lowering springs just use standard shocks already fitted and lower by a given amount, stiffen the ride a bit etc

[Ivano]

I am running KW Variant 1 Coilovers.. These are great and because they have factory set damping the ride is not too harsh and i felt was quite a comfortable ride. I have had them set at all kinds of heights from lowered 50mm through to my current Winter Set up of around 20mm.

Zimbo they only thing i would say is that watch how low you go MINIS can sometimes suffer from Vibrations through the steering and body if you tend to go lower than 30mm.. This happened to my MINI when i dropped it 50mm (Saying that though it is very isolated and does not affect all MINIS, alot of the guys on NAM, Motoring Underground run there cars at 60/70mm drops with no vibrations.

Also if you plan to go lower than 30mm it is recommended you sort out the camber and castor by fitting Camber Plates up front and Adjustable Rear Control Arms at the back. I made the mistake and did not do this when i dropped it 50mm and i had uneven tyre wear on the front and back and wore away a front set of tyres in 5 months not nice especially when they were 18" Run Flats...

I may have my KW Variant 1 Coilovers up for sale in the next month or so (11 Months old with 10,000 miles on them)as i have decided to go with JCW Suspension set up i think. Still pondering it. JCW Wheels and KW Coilovers dont bode well together, the JCW Alloys have a high offset and set quite inboard on the hub and my wheels were catching on the Coilover rings and did a bit of scuff damage to both my wheels and Coilovers (but they are still adjustable and work perfectly ok) I tried 5mm Spacers but felt they were still catching... So i guess i have had enough hence why looking the JCW Suspension option....

I believe Aftermarket Alloys are ok because the offset is not as high therefore there normally is perfectly enough clearance....

Hope this info helps you if considering the Coilover option and i will keep you posted if decide to sell the KW's I wouldn't look for too much money for them given they have slight scuff damage on the Coilover rings. The rings can easily be replaced i believe for £20 or £30

PS Eibach springs work very well with stock struts too as i had them on my previous MINIS. Great Ride and they only lower the car approx 20/30mm

[KenL]

Anyone on here know who would be the best thing/make to use? Springs,struts (or both) or coilovers? I see that a lot of people seem to be using H&R lowering springs, anyone used them before and if so what do you think of them?

It's one of my next planned mods... ;):D

Was it not your good self who posted that they could not afford to change your car to an R56?

If yes, why are you wasting money? :p :eek:

Stick it in the bank and save for that R56, you know it makes sense ;)

[Big Gordy]

PS Eibach springs work very well with stock struts too as i had them on my previous MINIS. Great Ride and they only lower the car approx 20/30mm

I wholeheartily agree with Ivano;) Eibach springs are the dogs:D Had them on the Mundane and Ross' MG ZR and they are brilliant. Only drop the car by about 25/30mm and because there progresively wound the ride is really good for a performance coil:) Remember you WILL need to get your wheel alignment done if you fit lowered springs:eek: ;)

[john]

Open the bonnet and you will see a big space behind the engine (under the wipers)
also a rasonable space in the boot.

Simply fill this space with sand antil the required hight is reached.

Easily adjusted and should not affect the warranty.;)

[zimbo]

Open the bonnet and you will see a big space behind the engine (under the wipers)
also a rasonable space in the boot.

Simply fill this space with sand antil the required hight is reached.

Easily adjusted and should not affect the warranty.;)

Mmmm well there is a beach about 5 minutes drive from my house!! :D

Ken, yes it was me who posted about not being able to afford a new R56, but I've come to the conclusion that I am just obviously not meant to get one and that I am meant to keep the little beastie that I have just now, I mean when I went to get the prices for the R56 my little ONE gave me the best MPGs I've ever had from him 47.8 thats THE BEST I have ever had in my R53, almost as though he knew what I was planning on doing... :D

[The Dogfather]

My Mazda has the Eibachs, really improved the handling without buggering up the ride comfort

[Aberdeen Al]

I have the Eibachs - lowered the car approx. 25mm - I find the ride better than stock setup!

[zimbo]

Thanks for all the replies folks, so its looking like eibachs are doing pretty well on the favourites list so far... :D

[Sweeney]

If you can afford to, i'd have the bushes etc done while your at it

[ajamesj]

Eibachs it will be then on the case for you :)