[Dipper66]

Just searching for some feedback from those who have driven or drive a MINI (especially the Challenge guys) with the SPAX Coilover kit.

I picked up my Cooper S with 17" S-lites last week and love it, however I reckon it still sits up a little too high. As I will be doing the occassional club sprint day, I like to fit an adjustable suspension kit. As the John Cooper Challenge guys use the SPAX kit I figure that's a fair endorsement.

Basically I like to know what the ride quality is like around town? I understand there's also going to be a trade off in comfort.
How low can you go (mm)? Any guard rubbing etc.?
Is it easy to adjust the damping rates?
Finally, will this kit fit the Cooper S?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

[Racer]

Quote:

Originally posted by Dipper66
How low can you go (mm)?

Challenge cars have a regulation limit on ride height - reducing by about 30mm

The actual maximum reduction is probably closer to 50mm

G8 BAD (not restricted by Challenge Regs) has the SPAX kit and will have a better idea

Quote:

Any guard rubbing etc.?

No not at Challenge height on 15" wheels - THere is a fair bit of room left to play with so I don't think you will have any problems

Quote:

Is it easy to adjust the damping rates?

Yes until the knurled knobs for adjusting at the back fall off - Which has happened on some of the JCC cars - Although the backs require you to get on your back and not have short arms - In reality once you have set them up you rarely feel the need to change them for road use

Quote:

Finally, will this kit fit the Cooper S?

[/b]

I can't see why not the basic suspension set-up is the same isn't it?


The JCC cars use SPAX because that is the regulation requirement - THere are other coilover possibilities some with double adjustable (bounce and rebound) shocks -

Be aware the fronts do tend to make a noise because of the angle they sit in the top mounts and whilst I hope it doesn't affect you the rears are easily bent when 'tapping' a tyre wall

Hope that helps a bit

Racer

[Dipper66]

Thanks Racer,
Your information is greatly appreciated. I'll try and get in touch with G8 BAD.

Dipper 66

[Ray Hampton Racing]

We have the SPAX units fitted to one of our demonstrator/test mules, and have track tested it in Las Vegas some 2 weeks ago. We found the results to be OK, but believe that there is more in the suspension than we were able to get out of the car.

We will be evaluating other manufacturers in 2 weeks at Sears Point, and would be happy to give you that info after the test

We have also found that the SPAX deliver a more firm ride, and are also more noisy than the stock suspension.

Best Regards
Ray Hampton

[Dipper66]

Thanks for your reply.

Was the suspension kit tested on a Cooper S? And if so, what size wheels was it running?

Look forward to hearing the results of your up and coming tests. Good luck...

[Ray Hampton Racing]

The test mule they are fitted to is a Cooper S with 17" wheels. Also it has larger sway bars.

Best Regards
Ray Hampton