Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Opinion on suspension

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by cheezeit, Oct 12, 2010.

  1. cheezeit

    cheezeit New Member

    Sep 11, 2010
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    Ok, currently running r90's with JCW suspension. I am looking for a wider stance, and less of a wheel gap. Love all the JCW items I got, but I'm still missing where I want to be. I prefer less wheel gap, of course not slammed but maybe <1 finger gap would be nice. I'm leaning towards lighter wheels just to free up some weight and get some "power" back, other wise I would be considering 5 - 15mm spacers.

    So what are my options on suspension? Keep the JCW shocks and change out the springs? If so to what? Coilovers? If coilovers do I avoid the cheap ones like the vmaxx off outmotoring?

    What do you guys think?:crazy:
     
  2. Way Motor Works

    Way Motor Works New Member

    May 4, 2009
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    If you want that kind of wheel gap your going to have to get a set of coilovers. Lowering springs won't get you there. When shopping for coilovers remember you get what you pay for.

    Coilovers - Way Motor Works
     
  3. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    If you buy that set of Coilovers, I will buy your JCW suspension! Please keep me in mind.
     
  4. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

    May 8, 2009
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    I went the lowering spring route, works but for overall suspension performance I'd go with the coilovers if I was to do it again
     
  5. cheezeit

    cheezeit New Member

    Sep 11, 2010
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    Yeah I gotta do my wheels first then I'm going to test the water with the jcw suspension
     
  6. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    You can also help the wheel gap a bit by going to a slightly taller tire. I am switching to 215/45 next summer. Gives me about an additional 1/8" to fill the gap.
     
  7. WolfGTI

    WolfGTI Active Member

    May 21, 2009
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    215 /45/ 17 works great - it actually improves the accuracy of the speedometer as well - based on GPS comparison.
     
  8. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2009
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    215/45/17 here, and like!
     
  9. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

    Jun 12, 2009
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    Another supporter for 215/45/17 to reduce wheel gap. Not sure if others had the same experience, but switching to sticky 215 width tires dropped my MPG by a couple points. Other than that, super happy with them.
     
  10. cheezeit

    cheezeit New Member

    Sep 11, 2010
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    I was considering the 215 45 17 for speedo accuracy and wheel gap as well, but my next set of rims will probably be 17x7.5 so i am going to take advantage of the wider rim and run 235 40 17. still slighter taller but not as tall as the 215 45.
     
  11. jiminni

    jiminni Well-Known Member

    May 7, 2009
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    235's? Not even sure that will fit without rubbing? Also remember that the 7.5 will stretch a tire out more than a 7 inch.
     
  12. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

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    I'm about to put on a set of 225's and kinda nervous about it

    You have spacers in mind or perhaps your ET on the wheel you have allows for that?
     
  13. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

    Jun 12, 2009
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    Yikes. Stock 205/45 is nominally 8.07" wide with a 3.63" sidewall height. 235/40 is nominally 9.25" wide with a 3.70" sidewall. You're really gonna have to nail the spacers on that one so you don't rub on the struts. Good luck.
     
  14. beaner

    beaner New Member

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    It's not that hard to fit. My 225/40/17 Hoosiers were wider than most 235 tires. 17 x 8 et40. 5 mm spacer in front to clear the spring.
     
  15. cheezeit

    cheezeit New Member

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    #15 cheezeit, Oct 26, 2010
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2010
    im going to be running them on a +45 offset. Rota RB's. Dan @ Mach V said thats what he uses when he's lowered and is ok, i'm only going to be lowered on JCW suspension so he said I should be fine :)

    [​IMG]
     
  16. cheezeit

    cheezeit New Member

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    double post :crazy:
     
  17. Dr Obnxs

    Dr Obnxs New Member

    Jun 11, 2009
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    If you're going for a look...

    find someone that has the look you want, and see how they did it. Talk to them about the issues (if any) that they've run into. Talk to them about the compramises they made in performance to get the look, and see if that's what you want to do. If you do you're homework, all should be good.

    Matt
     
  18. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    I did the Yoko AvidEnvigor's (215 45R 17) and love 'em. The gap's still there so I'm headed for some springs...
     
  19. mini_racer

    mini_racer Well-Known Member

    May 4, 2009
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    This car is an R56 and they have more room that your R53. Good Luck with the fitment. That is an awesome looking tire size for a MINI, but on your car.......I bet $$ they will rub.
     
  20. cheezeit

    cheezeit New Member

    Sep 11, 2010
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    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    There, on a r53. I asked Dan and he said since i wasn't lowered i'd be alright... Still think it will rub?
     

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