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

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by CheckersSD, Mar 13, 2011.

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  1. Rae

    Rae Club Coordinator

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    #21 Rae, Mar 14, 2011
    So what is an IE plate? :blush2:
     
  2. KC Jr 54

    KC Jr 54 New Member

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    #22 KC Jr 54, Mar 14, 2011
    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.
     
  3. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #23 wmwny, Mar 14, 2011
    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.
     
  4. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    #24 CheckersSD, Mar 14, 2011
    I really appreaciate all of the great information everyone has provided. I am going to order the IE fixed camber plates from Way. I guess I won't be able to use the CravenSpeed reinforcement plates then. :sad: I really liked the way they looked. Super beefy!

    On a side note, I am really enjoying the advice and overall great attitude over here at MA. I find myself over here more and more than the other site that often times seems like VietNAM.
     
  5. KC Jr 54

    KC Jr 54 New Member

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    #25 KC Jr 54, Mar 14, 2011
    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.
     
  6. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    #26 CheckersSD, Mar 14, 2011
    Thanks KC Jr! I might end up doing that. I really like the Cravenspeed plates.
     
  7. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #27 Metalman, Mar 15, 2011
    GOOD MORNING VIETNAM....... One of my favorite movies:D

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

    CheckersSD New Member

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    #28 CheckersSD, Mar 15, 2011
    LOL! That is a great movie. I haven't seen it in years.
     
  9. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

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    #29 TGS91, Mar 15, 2011
    Same source
     
  10. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    #30 CheckersSD, Mar 15, 2011
    I spoke with Way and he told me I could have the IE fixed camber plates and he actually suggest I keep my M7 STB rather than spend the $$$ buying another product.
     
  11. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

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    #31 TGS91, Mar 15, 2011
    Fixed plates is a whole 'nother critter

    But if it fits your needs............:Thumbsup:
     
  12. CheckersSD

    CheckersSD New Member

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    #32 CheckersSD, Mar 15, 2011
    yeah fixed plates are the only route I want to go at this point.
     
  13. wmwny

    wmwny Well-Known Member

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    #33 wmwny, Mar 15, 2011
    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.
     
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