Browsed the net with no success, my next mod on the MCS will be Bilstein PSS coilovers, I've heard so many good stories about coilovers improving handling and overall driving experience but how do coilovers actually work? and why are they saught after more than a convential lowering kit ( lowered springs with shorter shock absorbers) which, for a MINI don't even seem available. Seems only to be springs or coilovers.
Think it has something to do with the Spring and dampner being designed together, as opposed to a Spring being made to suit a dampner. PLus there is the adjustability of coilovers (depending on which you get).
Would be intrested to hear a more educated view though.
The purpose of a coil-over shock absorber is ultimately to acheive the optimum height setting of the vehicle so as to lower the centre of gravity that will assist in reducing body roll - the car leaning as it corners.
Good coil-over kits will provide a balanced spring and shock absorber so that the unit works well generally.
The springs will be firmer so that the vehicle remains stiffer in the bend again so as to reduce body roll.
Body roll is bad when cornering as it alters the characteristics of handling and therefore power delivery and grip.
Some coil-overs are better than others. You want to look for a well constructed unit that has substantial struts and the ability to adjust the springs without loosing compression - usually by the presence of a helper spring.
So the main purpose is to lower and stiffen the car. You can then begin adusting rebound and stiffness, but for the road i think the PSS kit does an excellent job for the price. You're not going to get the quality on any other make of kit that you get on the Bilstein.
Worth noting that Porsche and the Veyron both use Bilstein :-)
Also worth noting that you need to consider other modification to get the most out of your suspension. COmponents such as Tyres, Braces, Brakes, and Wheels all go towards improving the handling characteristics. That is to say, it's not worth putting coil-overs on a banger just to reduce the center of gravity and body roll - the benefit will be minimal based on the lack of other upgrades - in general.
Cheers,
K.
Too many mods to list, PM me if the cat needs killing...
Cheers for that Karl, really helpful! I already have Eagle F1 GSD3's all round, GTT strut braces and light weight wheels will all be in the pipeline too
The term "coilover" is a very vague term. Technically speaking, the mini comes with coil over suspension from the factory
When most people use the term coilover they mean an aftermarket kit, which usually involves a new shock absorber, matched springs and an adjustable "perch" that allows adjustment of ride height. Some come with shocks that are adjustable for various parameters,
As described, coilovers provide many advantages, mainly for people who race / track / rally the car, and want to experiment with suspension settings. Coilovers allow the following :
Easy and rapid adjustment of ride height
Rapid change of springs, to allow different spring rates for testing, different tracks etc. If you want to try 3 different spring rates on the racetrack back to back then you need coilovers
'
Rapid change of shock absorber settings for different circuits, track conditions, weather conditions etc
Corner weighting
If you don't want to do any of the above, then coillovers are probably more than you need. However, even if you don't "need" them, if you have the budget most of the kits on the market are excellent products
Cheers
Robbo
Mods: Hartge kit, CAI, oil cooler, headers, cat & exhaust, bilstein coilovers, adjustable bars & camber plates, quaife diff, roll cage, seats, harnesses GO MADDIE and SPARKY!
Nice work, you'll notice a big difference in fitting lightweight wheels. Braking, steering, accelration and general handling of the car is improved. Personal preferance is for a 17x7" wheel weighing about 7kg. with a 40/205/17 tyre.
This car just gets better and better :-)
Cheers,
K.
Too many mods to list, PM me if the cat needs killing...
Hi i am also looking to get some lightweight 17s. What size spacers do you have with your 17s over your bbk? as i have just fitted the porsche bbk kit. Need to know if my 12mm spacers will be enough.
I know that my mate runs a 17x7 oz wheel on et37 and he only needed a 5mm spacer to get them over his porche bbk. From what I have seen most 17" wheels with 30-32 offset (or X offset with Xmm spacer to make it the same as et30) will go over the porche bbk
But every wheels spoke patern/curve will change just how much space you actually need. So it will be trial and error IMO. Try it and if it fits then great, if they dont then see roughly how much you need and either buy or have some made.
Im meeting up with scottyboy230 to see if his et38 team dynamics 17s will fit with over my bbk with 12mm spacers. I will buy them if they fit. Im going to need new tyres with them. Ive found a good deal for yokohama parada spec 2 for £53 per corner 205 or 215/40 17.
I have those tyres on my 18s and am very happy with them.
I'm interested in getting Bilstein coilovers too, can you change the softness of the ride with them? It would be nice to make them firm when going for a track day and soft when just driving normally. How would you change the damper settings/ride height with them? thanks
PS/B Cooper
18" Silver Arospeed RS-GT Wheels, Full Aerokit, HKS Induction Kit,
Scorpion Exhaust, Blue Varad Undercar Scanning LED Kit, & more plus millions of Chrome!
Lot of info in that thread, I think for Fast Road and even Mild inrequent track use the PSS (£750, non dampening adjustanble) are more than adequate, the PSS9s are just over kill.
i have O.Z. SUperleggera's 17x7 ET37.
I've got a few wheel spacers knocking about in the cellar if anybody wants them at a knock down price. All top quality, just can't remember their mm.
I have the GTT Porsche BBK fitted (with 3mm spare on the inside circumfernace of the wheel, so plenty) The spacers i am running are GTT made and about 8mm from memory.
Cheers,
K.
Too many mods to list, PM me if the cat needs killing...
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