1st Gen R53 Cooper S Suggestions for Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates

So what is an IE plate? :blush2:

 

Ireland Engineering. They produce aftermarket parts for the MINI, primarily suspension bits.

As far as the "IE Plate" there are three different options; fixed camber, street/track adjustable, and the 'track only' adjustable.





I still stand behind saying the Craven Speed plates are the by far the best option for the top-side of the strut towers. Having JUST 'beefy' camber plates is not enough, especially on towers that have been previously stressed. I had a set of IE camber plates to back me on that exact thing. One HUGE credit to IE, they have awesome customer service and are very willing to help owners of their products.

One thing, IF you plan on doing the fixed plates, you pretty much had no choice but to use the m7 option. The hardware IE uses for the three studs/bolts are to long for the Craven Speed two piece nut design.

 

Actually, I had the M7 strut tower plates on the car a year or so before Way suggested I add the camber plates, and he suggested the fixed ones, since my car IS a daily driver and occasional track car.

 

FYI, if you are set on the Craven Speed tower plates, you can cut down the studs on the plates BEFORE you install them. If you have access to a grinder, cut-off wheel, or even a little dremel; that is exactly what i would do. There is no negative to cutting those studs down, and honestly, a shorter stud will also allow for easier strut installation, especially on the drivers side.

 

GOOD MORNING VIETNAM....... One of my favorite movies

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mJoHqmtFcQ]YouTube - Good Morning Vietnam - Trailer.[/ame]

 

Same source

 

Fixed plates is a whole 'nother critter

But if it fits your needs............

 

I have the fixed IE plates and am pretty satisfied with them. they seem to be doing a heck of a lot better now that I changed to TSW springs, too.