hi newbie that is back in the MINI fold (had a 2008 MCS) after 4 years with other vehicles. glad Im back with my 2013. this time I wanted sunroof and nav and all that stuff I never had with my '08. love it, BUT ... too much body roll and not as "go cart" as I remember. can someone PLEASE remind me exactly what I had on my '08 with SPORTS SUSPENSION - besides 17" wheels (I know I will need to get the 16's off). roll bars front and rear?? what size were they? was it lower? all that stuff. MANY THANKS, jim (oldbimmercoupe)
Springs and struts and sway bars I believe. I wouldn't worry about front sway bar change, unless you want to change out bushings in that area. Rear swaybar you can get Sport, JCW, or go aftermarket. NM Engineering is popular with its 22mm. I went with the Hotchkis Competition RSB. Its a Hollow 25.5mm ( lighter than 22mm, but just as strong.) You could just do springs and see how that feels before going full struts. But most people like Koni Yellows with a complimenting spring set. And yes going from 16 to 17 will change the feel. Your 2008 might have had runflats on those 17" wheels. That will give you a very "go-kart" feel to . But ultimately they grip less. so going to 17" and a sumer sport tire with a stiffer sidewall will help get that feel back without sacrificing grip. There are plenty of Vendors available to purchase from, just check out the sponsors tab up top. Happy Motoring!
You already have some great advice to think over ...and Welcome to Motoring Alliance the onlyest MINI forum you'll ever need !!