Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Suspension & Brake Needs

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by nazrin, Sep 4, 2009.

  1. nazrin

    nazrin New Member

    Jul 20, 2009
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    #1 nazrin, Sep 4, 2009
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2009
    Hi MA peeps,

    Ive done almost all there is to do on the engine so now I need light to be shed on my Suspension & Braking Needs .

    For your info, I dont track my car at all and costs/performance is a major factor in my decision (due to bloody shipping costs - im in Brunei Darussalam).

    anyways here are my options so far:

    Brakes

    1. Ireland Engineering Big Brake conversion kit (Rear)
    2. TSW Big Brake conversion kit (front)
    3. R56 Brembo 4-pot kit (front & rear)

    Suspension

    1. Need bushing - but which ones to go for? Wishbone? steering rack?
    2. Coilovers - Megan Racing Coilovers with Swift springs setup OR V-Maxx coilovers


    Thanks in advance
     
  2. nazrin

    nazrin New Member

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  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Why a rear BBK. it's been shown time and time again that the Rear BBK is for looks only. Some of us that have them have even reverted back to OEM sizes to help bring long term costs down.

    What is it that you are trying to accomplish. If just a simple lowering of the car then the Megans or V-Maxx are fine and adding Swift Springs is waste of money with these setups.
     
  4. nazrin

    nazrin New Member

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    thats why im asking your opinions....

    Ive got no clue at all about the brakes and suspension issue...
    these mods are mainly for bling but it has to have some sort of functionality too
     
  5. k-huevo

    k-huevo Club Coordinator

    May 6, 2009
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    Less bling more function: Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates, Bilstein SP struts (keep the stock springs), H&R 19mm rear sway bar, Ferodo DS2500 brake pads. As for the front lower control arm bushings, wait for the next generation of professionally designed bushings for this purpose.:wink5:
     
  6. nazrin

    nazrin New Member

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    ^^ Thanks Keith...will put those on my list
     
  7. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    Unless Ireland has fixed the issue of their bearing falling out I'd look elsewhere. I have to admit since it happened to me twice and I went to a different product I haven't followed if that issue has been fixed.

    Keith, you say...

    What is one with a bad set of OEM or aftermarket ones right now to do?
     
  8. nazrin

    nazrin New Member

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    care to explain more on this? Now uve got me interested :cornut:
     
  9. k-huevo

    k-huevo Club Coordinator

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    I suggested the fixed plates not the adjustables. The fixed plate has the bearing encased in a robust rubber bushing. I prefer the OEM lower control arm bushing overall others.

    Sorry, not yet.
     
  10. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

    Jun 6, 2009
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    Suspension First:
    1. Front camber plates (IE fixed or Hotchkis adjustable).
    2. You might not really need coil-overs unless you want to go more than 1.25" lower. If you want coil-overs, I would think about the TSW KW options. If you go for shorter springs, it depends on how much lower you want and what you plan to do with the car. H&R springs lower a nice amount (little over an inch) but are progressive for a nice street ride but not the best for track. For shock I would suggest adjustable Koni Yellows.
    3. Adjustable rear lower control arms to adjust the rear camber after lowering.
    4. Good 4-wheel alignment to you specs.
    5. Lighter wheels and good performance tires.
    6. 19 or 20mm adjustable rear sway bar (if even needed)

    Brakes:
    1. Wilwood/TCE, TSW, or R56 JCW brakes would all be good options. Size of the rotor will depend on your wheel size.
    2. I added TCE/Wilwood larger rotors on the rear due to the surprisingly (at least to me) high temps people measured at the rear during track days. I figured the larger rear rotors would help disipate some of that heat.
     
  11. jimmytran29418

    jimmytran29418 New Member

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    Hey guys...I am new to this site. I am in need of some advice about suspension. Recently installed 215/40 18"s, my family and I were on a small trip when I keep hearing this weird noise. My rear tire was rubbing on the rear wheel when I hit bumps.

    Is their something with my springs/suspension? Are their any strong springs out there to maintain my height of my mini. Please help a fellow mini out with some good advice....

    Jimmy
     
  12. Jason Montague

    Jason Montague New Member
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    :D nazrin,k-huevo isn't being mean. He's tide into a company that is constantly doing research on these issues and that's most likely why he has to 'keep mum' at present.:Thumbsup: Jason
     
  13. quikmni

    quikmni Moderator

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    What year is your Mini, what wheels are you using, and what springs are using (stock, JCW, or aftermarket)?
    I get slight rubbing in the rear with 215/40x18 with 37mm offset wheels (stock GP wheels with 25mm spacers) and JCW springs. Your rub is probably the tire rubbing on the plastic inner wheel well liner near the outside edge. You will be able to see rub marks on the plastic liner and probably on the outside edge of the tire. The plastic liner will eventually rub through. I cut the plastic liner away where it rubbed to provide a little extra clearance.
     

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