coilspring convertion
Discussion
The problem with the Mini is not the spring rate but the suspension geometry and lack of suspension travel.
Replacement of the rubber cone spring with a coil spring won't really help with that. Remember, the rubber cone spring is, by its very design, a variable rate spring which is what is necessary with such a short travel.
I believe there are some different rate rubber cones available which soften the ride at small suspension movements and, presumably, one would use soft damper settings with these, or lose the claimed advantage of the softer ride. That would detract from the ultimate road holding and allow more body roll, but it's all a 'trade-off' one way or another.
On a bumpy road, if the coils went 'coil-bound' this would jar your back more than just somewhat!
Maybe coils would be good for very stiff racing settings where there are few bumps, but for road use it would probably be hard to better Mr. Moulton's rubber spring design.
Replacement of the rubber cone spring with a coil spring won't really help with that. Remember, the rubber cone spring is, by its very design, a variable rate spring which is what is necessary with such a short travel.
I believe there are some different rate rubber cones available which soften the ride at small suspension movements and, presumably, one would use soft damper settings with these, or lose the claimed advantage of the softer ride. That would detract from the ultimate road holding and allow more body roll, but it's all a 'trade-off' one way or another.
On a bumpy road, if the coils went 'coil-bound' this would jar your back more than just somewhat!
Maybe coils would be good for very stiff racing settings where there are few bumps, but for road use it would probably be hard to better Mr. Moulton's rubber spring design.
the coil springs conversion is the worse thing you will ever do to a road mini, they are really harsh and where designed to work on super smooth tarmac. the cheaper kits have a horrific reputation for breaking in use.
best get some up rated cones - or those smoothyrider things that mini sport do - they have a very good reputaion for giving a floaty ride.
either that or buy a nice hydro mini - its like riding on a magic carpet!
best get some up rated cones - or those smoothyrider things that mini sport do - they have a very good reputaion for giving a floaty ride.
either that or buy a nice hydro mini - its like riding on a magic carpet!
Yep I've heard very good things about the Moulton Smooth-a-ride kit, which Mini Sport sell. I believe it consists of different front and rear cones and dampers, whcih give a a much nicer ride, without sacrificing the handling. But as Cooperman says, it is the lack of travel whcih affects minis, especially as most are getting on a bit now and unless they have been modified sagging quite badly. I raised my brother's car a little the other day and it became so much more comfortable as well as handling much better.
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