mini suspension choices??
Turbo Mini Forums

hi

i plan on using my mini for trackdays so want it to handle really well.

iv got a set of rear protech offset coiloveres and a arc-angle rear beam.

now i need to make a decision on what to do to the front suspension...do i fit a set of dampers and leave the ruber dougnuts in, or convert to coilovers?

i was thinking that coilovers would be best as thats whats on the rear, but just wanted to hear some peoples experiances with the differnt combinations that are used on mini.


thanks
josh

My build thread..

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=542985

I have considered front coilovers but do not like the idea of fitting them without strenthening the crap out the whole cross member end, considering it was never really designed to take loads like that. Maybe my concerns are unfounded, but it just doesn't look like a substancial tickness of metal for a lot of weight, despite all the panel joins, overlaps, and box section formations.

I'd personally stick with cones and dampers. I used to have coilovers and after changing back the handling was so much better. I did have a set of crappy off the shelf gaz though

Rich

2012 Avon class c 2nd place 13.8 @98mph

My opinion is that the miglia racers do very well with cones and dampers so i don't see the point in chaning it, and so the only reason i can see for using a rear beam is to save the weight.

Theres no (or very little) weight to save using coilovers on the front, and beacuse of this i'm going for a rear beam out back, but sticking to the normal cone and damper setup on the front.

Edited by george91 on 1st Apr, 2011.

Migs are a bad example. They have to use the standard suspension. Also they are limited by tyre size and diff choice.

Having said that, all my cars use doughnuts. well the Sprint has coilovers at the back, but the handling is a bit odd.

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

Fair enough wil, what suspension do the 7s and mightys use?

Another bad example, they all have what suspension they are allowed dictated by the regs of the series.

Wil,
when you say the sprint handles odd on rear coilovers, how do you mean?
Regards
Jack

Jack Jones

No Tom i was asking as i didn't know if the same rule applied to those classes. are there any race series with minis using coilovers? and not including spaceframes.

Edited by george91 on 2nd Apr, 2011.

Race cars are always sighted as the ultimate on this and that, but generally they have to comply with regulations, so it rarely transfrers to road use.

The Sprint basically oversteers, but in an unsettling, way on fast corners. It may not be related to the coilovers, but it's not on my current list to sort it out.

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph