Hey Guys, Going to get a set of H&R springs and also want to add a pair of lower control arms. Read enough to stay away from the squeaky Alta's. Experience with TSW's, Irelands, etc?
Loving my H-Sports. Probably higher maintenance than the TSW ones since they have urethane bushings. But they also have zerk fittings... so hitting them with the grease gun once in a while when I'm under there isn't an issue. I really like the physical design of the H-Sports, how they adjust, etc. And they're not gunmetal. :lol: BTW - I was going to buy TSWs but couldn't get any when I needed them. But I think they're a FINE product, too.
You already have some adjustability with the stock arms, I had enough to get the camber I wanted in the rear after installing TSW springs. Personally I think the TSW rear sway bar would be a better idea.
I used H-Sport arms after installing H&R springs on my 2003 MCS. I liked the H-Sport arms. I would also consider the TSW arms. With H&R springs, you will probably want adj control arms to reduce the negative camber. The stock adjustment will not be enough. I can only get to -1.5 with the stock adjustment and JCW springs on my 2006 MCS. With the shorter H&R springs you will have even more negative camber to try to reduce.
I already have the JCW rear swaybar that comes with the JCW suspension kit. By the sounds of other post the H&R springs call for control arms. Consistent with what I am hearing from Way
None. You can lower the R56 over 2" and still keep the rear camber reasonable with the stock eccentric bolts. I have my KW V1 equipped R56 lowered 2.3" and use stock eccentrics and have -1.4 degrees camber in back, which is acceptable for spirited driving IMO. FWIW, the ALTA's materials are crap even though their design is fine. I bought some of the new booted Helix13 control arms to replace the ALTA's on my R53.
If I was wise enough to go coil overs instead of the JCW suspension upgrade we wouldn't be having this conversation They JCW shocks I have are pretty statisfactory, the JCW springs they provide while pretty stiff don't get the lowering I want. If money was no object I'd reverse and do the coil overs. In the meantime a better set of springs and control arms seem to be the course. Thinking coilovers in a year or two
Put the JCW shocks and springs on ebay and sell them to someone overseas that has no idea that you guys in the states get such awesome deals! (I'm from Aus, and I know about morristown mini etc, but I guarantee you most of the people out there will pay twice that down here to get it from a dealer)
NM Engineering Does anyone have any experience with the new NM Engineering "Titanm Series" Control Arms? ? NM Engineering : MINI Cooper Tuning Products ?
OMG, $649 for a pair. That's crazy, just get a set of the trusted Hsport camber links and you won't have to worry, been using and abusing them for years without problems. Plus they're ALOT cheaper than those. H-Sport Rear Camber Links - Way Motor Works
H-Sport Control Arms Yes, the NM's are crazy expensive. The H-sports are certainly a good buy and they look good as well. Do you know if there is any substantial weight difference between those two? And, the TSW's? Given the small overall weight of each I'm sure the delta is not that much but I'm just curious. It is all unsprung weight, isn't it?
Whichever adjustable arms you go with, make sure to keep an eye on the nuts that snug up against the center section. Mine backed out a couple times when they were new. Now the road grime keeps 'em in place.
We switched from the creaking and squeaking Altas to the blissfully silent Helix arms and have had no problems. I liked that the Helix arms had the sealed boot on the ends: