Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: Swift spring question

My car was quite flat, on Swift springs with Bilstein B8's. I never ran the stock struts with lowering springs.

How many miles do you have on your struts? I would expect 11 year old struts to be about shot... Lots of motion in transitional corners could just be the struts not damping at all...

 

I agree with BlimeyCabrio. I was using JCW Springs with stock JCW shocks (19mm bar and front camber plates) and started noticing a lot of unbalance during Auto-Xs. I have 96,000 miles on the original JCW springs/shocks. One of my front shocks is dead, does not compress or rebound smoothly when just compressed manually on a workbench. I know that, manual compression, is not a perfect test but it did show that the shock was not well. The shock had no signs of leaking just no longer worked well.

 

I'll chime in if its ok. I run the TSW V2 springs with the OEM Cooper S dampeners. I love the ride and it handles nicely when it sees a track (very seldom). Someday it will see new aftermarket shocks and struts, just because... The goal was to have a lowered car that I could enjoy a bit more than the stock set up provided, that my wife would still ride in. And, it is.

 

I went with the Swift springs at around 12k and kept the OEM dampers so not many miles on it...
The change improved the ride and handling... I now have about 25k on the MINI and have no issues...
I suspect your dampers are the culprit Nick...

 

Yeah, those shocks are likely toast after 11 years.

Re-pair them with some Bilsteins and I think you'll be a very happy camper.

 

Just contact Colin for deal on coil overs.

(You know you want them) :devil:

 

It's all about how you are setting up the shocks (They are adjustable) and the Swift spring rates you select. You can make the car ride like a old Caddy or a Track car. :idea:

 

And Nick.... If you don't buy em.... Your Nickname with be Genick......

 

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

The Bilsteins should be supple and firm but not stiff and harsh.

 

My current setup on the ridiculous GPR isn't harsh at all, even with full black bushings, huge swaybars, and Colin's coilovers.

But my wife will NEVER ride in it, anyway. BONUS!

 

I think that as enthusiasts... we have a different idea of what 'harsh' is.

I have people tell me a stock Cooper rides stiff. :crazy:

 

Tons of cars with different suspensions you can ride in at MOTD.... Just sayin'...

 

Yep.

I decided on H&R street coilovers and I'm VERY happy with them. Supple, smooth, quiet, and exactly how I like it.

 

I wouldn't recommend letting him in your car...