Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Coil-over suggestions

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by agranger, Dec 15, 2010.

  1. JCC

    JCC New Member

    Dec 15, 2009
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    Its not for everyone. I wouldn't be able to do it by myself. I wouldn't know where to start nor would I have all of the tools required.
     
  2. BlueToy

    BlueToy New Member

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  3. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    So they are the KW springs and not another manufacturer's?
     
  4. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    Yep...kw coil-overs and kw springs. Just a different spring weight specd by Dr. Mike of TSW.
     
  5. sooper_cooper

    sooper_cooper New Member

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    Nice thread you've got going over at NAM. I'm just waiting for my new tires to arrive before I make an appointment to have everything installed. As soon as I do I'll post a before and after comparison.

    BTW, I'm currently running the JCW factory suspension, which I've been impressed with so far. If I wasn't going to track the car I might have stayed with it, but since I am I decided to upgrade to something adjustable and a little more agressive and better suited for the track. I also wanted to drop the car lower than the JCW springs did.
     
  6. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    Wow... 6-7 hours spent on the car today, but the new KWv2s are on, as are the Vorschlags.

    I had to do some grinding on the strut tower holes to open up access for camber setting... The hex head bolts were just a bit too far out.

    Action shot!

    [​IMG]

    Once I get the alignment done and things have settled down, I'll go back with some primer and touch-up paint to clean this up.
    Note for future installers, Move the hex head bolts to the 2 of 2 holes closest to the side of the car or you will NEVER be able to reach 'em when you go for an alignment.

    [​IMG]

    Yellow and purple? Really? Thank goodness these are covered by the tires!

    [​IMG]

    I thought that I had the back set up right... Then I went for a drive and things settled! I'll have to fix this tomorrow.

    [​IMG]

    The front looks pretty good, though. Maybe I'll go a tad bit lower, but I will let em settle for a few days first... It may come down on it's own.

    [​IMG]

    I started with all 4 set on 8 turns from full stiff on the damper setting (total of 16) and 12 turns up from the lowest setting on height. That's where the fronts are now. I added 6 turns higher to the rears and it is still not enough.
     
  7. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    On the test drive, things were firm and taught. I'm amazed how many creeks and rattles went away! After 60k miles on lowering springs (with several track days in there), the stock struts were toast.
     
  8. Way Motor Works

    Way Motor Works New Member

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    WOW looks like you were working hard this weekend.
     
  9. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    For a 40 year-old fat arse like me who spends 45+ hours a week driving a keyboard and sitting in conference rooms, yesterday was quite a day! I shoulda bought stock in the company that makes Advil... :cornut:

    I've got a week and a half to let things settle, dial in the ride height (and check that I can tow the trailer without rubbing) before a corner balance and alignment at PTP in Fort Worth.
     
  10. BlueToy

    BlueToy New Member

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    Hey agranger, this might help on the set-up of your coilovers. Way told me he uses a measurement of 23.5" to the wheel arch as his starting point. I found this to be a good place to start as well, not too low and still looking like you dropped it. Hope this helps.

    -Steven
     
  11. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    Thanks! I've got to go up some in the back tonight... will try and fine-tune the height next weekend, after it has some time to settle out a bit. I've also got to get my trailer hooked up and test with that, as the extra 140lbs at the tongue changes the height and I need it to not rub when towing.
     
  12. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    I went up 5 turns on both sides in the back... Still a bit low.
     
  13. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    I went up 5 turns on both sides in the back... Still a bit low.

    [​IMG]
     
  14. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    Still low on both sides?
     
  15. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    They don't have a bracket to hold the brake line?
     
  16. Rally

    Rally New Member
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    Isn't that what the bright white reflection is in that picture? KW's have brackets

    [​IMG]
     
  17. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    WOW......I did not see that. I just saw blank space. Flashbacks are a bummer.

    :D
     
  18. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    Hey... I just noticed that my rear coil-overs have 2 springs on 'em...the beefier springs shown on the rear unit in this pic and the smaller top spring, like is on the fronts.

    Is this something unique to the TSW spec?

    Yes... there is a brake line clip... looks like the iPhone couldn't handle the flash-back of the brightwork.
     
  19. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    Yep. I'm fighting gravity now. Every time I get it set where I think it's going to be perfect, it settles in 1/4 inch or so and gets too tight to the wheel (and I haven't even hitched up the trailer yet). I'm going to put 3-4 more turns in this evening.
     
  20. MINIPucker

    MINIPucker New Member
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    It's not that difficult. Just takes time, patience and a willingness to bust a few knuckles. As Aaron has said, when it cones to the alignment and corner balancing unless you have the equipment yourself it's best left to the pro's. Doing the suspension work isn't as difficult as you might think.
     

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