Installed a set of NMs on Twister's R56 and he seems very happy with them, pm and get his opinion. I run the TSW springs on mine and really like those and in combo with the Vorshlag you should be happy either way. Just remember the ride is a bit harsher on the road with the vorschlags but it doesn't bother me, now my wife would probably give you a very different opinion....lol
Thanks. I'll contact Mark and get his input on the NMs. The rough street ride would not be a big issue with me as long as it isn't horrible. I'll endure that if I can get a noticeable improvement in cornering on the track. And my wife, like yours, will disagree but she has her own MINI so she can't complain Would the IE adjustable have a better ride?
I don't mean to hijack your thread. But is the Vorschlags difference in harshness similar to the difference between run flats and non run flats?
It is not horrible at all, I was expecting much worse when I got them and was pleasently surprised how good it still was. Biggest difference is pot holes and abrupt pavement changes so you'll Dodge those with a bit more enthusiasm ....lol
I forget, what is the downside to the IE adjustables? I think someone said the bearing wears out? Other than that how would they do? Ride not so harsh? They would save a couple hundred $.
The adjustable IE's have a tendency to fail in a not good way. I understand your desire to save some money, I would just stay away from those. If you want to save money, just buy the fixed.
From the material on Way's website, I gather that the NM springs are progressive while the TSW springs are linear (although the NM springs don't look progressive, but I'll take their word for it). Progressive springs tend to be a bit more comfortable ride, and linear springs are more predictable in corners. Beyond that, you'd have to compare spring rates. It looks like the NM's drop 1.2" and the TSW's go 1.0" F / 0.75" R.
Someone had mentioned earlier that Way said NOT to put the fixed IE with lowing springs. That's what's getting confusing.
Might depend on the drop, ran mine with the TSW springs for 20,000 miles and no troubles. Of course the TSWs don't give you a huge drop, about 1" on mine.
You could just call Way and ask. I'm sure he's installed and driven every combination of springs and camber plates we're discussing here.
There are a some R53 builds where stock shaped springs would contact the inner wheel well body when increasing negative camber more than negative 1 degree; negative camber would be exacerbated with lowering, and some springs have a lager outside diameter than others. A fixed plate would not allow the setting to be backed off in one of those builds. On the R56, up to negative 2 degrees are possible while maintaining adequate clearance using any aftermarket lowering spring. For MINIs I've installed IE fixed plates, none have excessive camber disparity between sides, before or after installation. My R53 and a customer's R56 have identical camber up front per side with IE fixed plates. There is NO reason IE fixed plates cannot be used with lowering springs. The reason fixed plates should not be used with lowering springs on the R56 is if you desire a setting less than negative 1.7 or greater than negative 1.9 degrees. It's a shame you've dismissed MM 127 springs from consideration, combined with IE fixed plates they match your criteria for price and performance well. Resell price shouldn't be a factor in your decision for purchasing a product that will affect the driving experience every moment the MINI is in motion. Buying something less than you need just so it won't impact costs too much when you throw it away; that's twisted logic.
I did just that. He recommends nothing but the Vorshlag at this point. According to him all the IE plates have been problematic in one way or another. NM or TSW springs are what he recommends. He also expressed the same as you: TSW are excellent and predictable on the track, NM are VG but play a bit better with daily driving.
You really can't go wrong with the TSW/Vorshlag combo if you have the bucks to put to it. The new TSW springs are straight up and down on the front to accommodate more negative camber, but in doing so they went away from the barrel shaped spring and went up a tick on the spring rate so the coils wouldn't hit each other under compression . I have the old style but am able to run the -2.2° of camber I want with a little help from a large hammer...lol Read: I'm not interested in just a neutral set up, I want NO understeer. If you want to just look the coolest and have a low stance get the NM for more drop. But if you want good handeling go TSW or even maybe JCW springs. After that, save up the coin for a quality coil over set up, not a cheap set but real coil over$. 2 cents
They are BC Coilovers, I think. there is a very good and long thread on NAM about BC Coilovers... You can search there for it. Matt
The trigger has been pulled. Just call Way and after discussing all options I ordered the TSW springs, Vorshlag camber plate and 2 TSW adjustable control arms for the rear. I won't get to the track until Oct. I'll report then.
Exactly what I have, you'll be very happy and surprised how much better your Mini handles!! Be sure to get a good alignment done afterward..