Suspension, Tyers, Wheels, LPG

[nytram]

Hi

How do I tell If the suspension has been lowered?



I have a issue of tyres rubbing Had it before we fitted a LPG kit in but the extra Weight has made worse. See my LPG thread :- http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-gen...ml#post3803922 I have not had the car long so I do not know the history.

It has 17" wheels with 215 / 46r 17 86v Frederal, hubs and tyres look new.

Its its been lowers I will put stock Springs back, if not I need so Harder ones or remove the 17" and get swap for some smaller ones.

Comments welcome

[MINIAC]

I suspect the aftermarket wheels on your MINI have a low offset and that's what's causing your taller and wider than stock tires to rub.

[nytram]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

I suspect the aftermarket wheels on your MINI have a low offset and that's what's causing your taller and wider than stock tires to rub.

LOW offset? can you explane? the front has much more Clearance..

[MINIAC]

OEM 17" wheels have a 48mm offset. The lower the offset the more the wheels are pushed outward toward the wheel arches. Fitting taller and wider tires like the 215/45-17 tires on your MINI also puts the tires closer to the wheel arches.

I suspect the TSW wheels on your MINI have an offset lower than 40mm.

[nytram]

So there is not chance its been lowered? or could I could put Bigger or harder springs on the back?

[MINIAC]

Did a little searching and found they appear to be the TSW Razor wheels:

Found sizing listed at 17x7 ET35 and 17x7.5 ET38. Either of these offsets is too low for the suspension set up and tire size.

Quote: Originally Posted by nytram (original)

So there is not chance its been lowered? or could I could put Bigger or harder springs on the back?

While changing the springs may be appropriate to handle the increased load in the rear, I think fitting wheels with an offset closer to stock is the best route. You might be able to get away with fitting 215/40-17 tires but I can't say for sure.

[nytram]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

While changing the springs may be appropriate to handle the increased load in the rear, I think fitting wheels with an offset closer to stock is the best route. You might be able to get away with fitting 215/40-17 tires but I can't say for sure.

Thanks for all the information

Grr More money.. Can you suggest some thing cheep that my tyres would fit?

Maybe I can fin some on ebay and sell mine..

Martyn

[nytram]

I Parked next to another Mini one today it was 1.75 (Approx) inches higher at the back (wheel Arch).. Would the LPG kit Make so much difference?

Martyn

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by nytram (original)

Would the LPG kit Make so much difference?

How much does it weigh?

[nytram]

I would say when full the LPG comes in at 35KG for the gas and the tank may be its 15-20Kg at most so you taking about 50-60KG. One small person.

Martyn

[nytram]

On the side of it all Minisport gave me a price to upgrade the suspension..

Only £650 UP!

[M.O.S]

Blimey what sort of suspension are they offering?

[nytram]

Quote: Originally Posted by M.O.S (original)

Blimey what sort of suspension are they offering?

I think they gave me a price to gauge how serous I am.

Looking at it just changing the Alloys is not going to help after looking ay the other car

I think I need to put bigger springs in,, but can not find Amy information on spring sizes and compression.. I need to have a look at them on a shelf next to the stock size. But where can I do this?

[nytram]

Had it jacked up to day and the wheels off, looks like stock suspension..

I was thinking my be I could stiffen it up by using rubber coil spring spacers?

Any comments welcome..

I'm also going to go to a place the seems to hold a lot of springs and see what they say..

Martyn

[nytram]

Sorted it yesterday. Used the rubber spacers took it out and no grounding. They tend to use the spacers on 4x4s! It has not made any noticeable difference in high but firmed up the the ride. It only scuffed once that's when I put the car in the air on small hump back bridge on the Somerset levels before down the same road it scuffed the arches most of time as it was very uneven.