Most liked posts in thread: New Struts - Shocks or not

  1. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #8 Dave.0, Dec 27, 2018
    Colin carries Swift Springs for OEM shocks. Are they cheap? No at $314.25. Are they the absolute best: YES

    https://www.greeneperformance.com/collections/mini-oem-performance-parts/products/swift-spec-r-lowering-springs-mini?variant=906227695

    Legendary maker of high performance springs - with a focus on handling and not just not lowering, Swift have incorporated all of their proprietary technologies to make this the most capable, best handling spring on the market but still designed to work with stock dampers.
     
  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #2 MCS02, Dec 27, 2018
    Some struts/shocks can’t be used with lowering springs. They bottom out and that can cause them to leak. I have Eibach springs on my Gen1 S. They are stiffer than stock springs. I don’t know if the Bilsteins can be used with those springs, I am running Koni yellows.
    If you want it lowered but want the same ride you may want to look at some progressives springs, like these.

    https://www.detroittuned.com/nm-eng-mini-cooper-drop-springs-r56/

    Or perhaps some good coilovers, and I mean good not cheep ones. The cheep ones never last.
    I have Greene Performance coilovers on my R58.
     
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  3. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    #4 Sully, Dec 27, 2018
    Welcome to MA.

    In my experience with other cars when lowering you can shorted the life of the shocks. They will hit the bump stop more often also. That said, I don’t have direct experience on the MINI (when I bought mine it already had coil overs). If you don’t mind working on the car, lower it and see what happens especially if your only looking for a stance compared to handling. Oh yea, on more thing, they usually get a little more “bouncy”. By that I mean, since the shock is already compressed some it will be stiffer and smaller bumps you will feel compared to stock or a shock/spring that is paired. Just my two unprofessional observations. :)
     
  4. Qik

    Qik Well-Known Member

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    #6 Qik, Dec 27, 2018
    I hear good things about Colin's Swift springs (greeneperformance.com), they will lower your car about 3/4" and will work with OE or equivalent struts from DT (DetroitTuned.com).
     
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #10 MCS02, Dec 27, 2018
    @JC R56 Yes the Koni yellow are part to blame. I run mine on full soft unless I am going to autocross or take it to the Dragon. Also I have the Eibach Sports. I do not believe mine are progressive. I believe Eibach is used more over in europe. I know of one a very few people that have them, most here use other brands. The Eibach should be fine. You may want to give Chad at Detroit Tuned a call and ask what struts to go with. He knows minis very well and supports the community. He will steer you to the right ones.

    https://www.detroittuned.com

    Keep us up on what you find out.
     
  6. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #11 Dave.0, Dec 27, 2018
    I have had eibach springs on other cars and never really liked them. They always have issues like going from stiff to worn out too quickly, rusting bad. Swift makes the best springs you can get and also make very high end spring for other companies like AST and Ohlins.
     
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  7. JC R56

    JC R56 New Member

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    #12 JC R56, Dec 28, 2018
    Thanks Dave!
     
  8. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #14 wmwny, Jan 2, 2019
    We are here to help, any way we can!
     
  9. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #3 MCS02, Dec 27, 2018
    Also welcome to MA!
     
  10. Sully

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    #5 Sully, Dec 27, 2018
    Lol - somehow didn’t see that you had responded already.. good advice. :)
     
  11. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #7 wmwny, Dec 27, 2018
    Welcome to M/A!
     
  12. JC R56

    JC R56 New Member

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    #9 JC R56, Dec 27, 2018
    Thank You! Glad to tap into your knowledge base.
    Could the stiffer ride be due to the yellow Koni's? I always thought the yellow's were a performance strut.
    Anyone else had experience with the Eibachs? They state they are progressive, but If they are going to ride stiffer, I much rather go with the NM's or Swift's especially If I can keep the OEM Shocks/struts

    FEATURES:
    *High Performance Handling & Aggressive Good Looks
    *Lower Center of Gravity - lowers vehicle 1.0"-1.5" (lowering amount varies by application)
    *Stop Quicker, Corner Faster & get Better MPG
    *Progressive Spring Design for Excellent Ride Quality
    *Million Mile Warranty
    *Made In Germany or USA (varies by application)
     
  13. JC R56

    JC R56 New Member

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    #13 JC R56, Jan 2, 2019
    Thanks. This is just what I've been looking for!