best mini suspension setup?
Discussion
hey guys
just trying to buy my first house so to save some money iv decided to sell my fto and put my 1275 mini back on the road. its been sat for a few years in bits as i intended on a bike/vtec conversion. so as im putting it back together (most parts have been replaced with new) i got thinking about the amount of millage i do. the mini was fine to run around town in and to the odd show but to cover long motorway trips im thinking i want a more comfortable set up.
is there anyone here that uses a mini as a dailey and what suspension setup do you use?
cheers
ant
just trying to buy my first house so to save some money iv decided to sell my fto and put my 1275 mini back on the road. its been sat for a few years in bits as i intended on a bike/vtec conversion. so as im putting it back together (most parts have been replaced with new) i got thinking about the amount of millage i do. the mini was fine to run around town in and to the odd show but to cover long motorway trips im thinking i want a more comfortable set up.
is there anyone here that uses a mini as a dailey and what suspension setup do you use?
cheers
ant
If you want a full on 'comfortable' ride (by Mini Standards away) then there is the Moulton 'Smootha Ride' kit.
I did mine this year (http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=90&t=520101&nmt=Smootha%20Ride&mid=53072) and day to day travel is much nicer, she rattles less and when we are fully loaded with two adults, two babys and gear she still clears most speed bumps etc.
On the down side she rolls much more and I'm still not happy with the way she handles etc - still playing with geometry etc but I think I'm just gonna have to accept that things have changed
One thing I did concider after I have referb'd the suspension and fitted the kit:
The old cones were solid and fully compressed (30 years old!)
The rear arms were seized and offering no real movement! To the point where I would easily cock a rear wheel on round abouts!?
The kit really only applies to the front as the rear cones are simply standard new units.
So I would be interested to know what she would be like on standard new front units, new standard rear units and a general overhaul of bushes and bearings?
I did mine this year (http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=90&t=520101&nmt=Smootha%20Ride&mid=53072) and day to day travel is much nicer, she rattles less and when we are fully loaded with two adults, two babys and gear she still clears most speed bumps etc.
On the down side she rolls much more and I'm still not happy with the way she handles etc - still playing with geometry etc but I think I'm just gonna have to accept that things have changed
One thing I did concider after I have referb'd the suspension and fitted the kit:
The old cones were solid and fully compressed (30 years old!)
The rear arms were seized and offering no real movement! To the point where I would easily cock a rear wheel on round abouts!?
The kit really only applies to the front as the rear cones are simply standard new units.
So I would be interested to know what she would be like on standard new front units, new standard rear units and a general overhaul of bushes and bearings?
The limitations of the Mini's suspension geometry can't really be overcome. You seem to improve one aspect and lose out on another.
The best thing is probably to fit new 'original' cones all round, make sure all suspension components are in top condition, set the ride height to standard using Hi-Los and fit a set of good adjustable dampers set not-too-hard. Also make sure all the geometry is set accurately.
The best thing is probably to fit new 'original' cones all round, make sure all suspension components are in top condition, set the ride height to standard using Hi-Los and fit a set of good adjustable dampers set not-too-hard. Also make sure all the geometry is set accurately.
Use mine as a daily.
Got standard suspension with new Gaz Shocks and solid subframe mounts.
The ride is very hard but im rolling on 13" wheels which is the real reason, it would probally be much better with 10s or 12s.
I think the seat would make a very big difference, but at the end of the day you get used to it.
Got standard suspension with new Gaz Shocks and solid subframe mounts.
The ride is very hard but im rolling on 13" wheels which is the real reason, it would probally be much better with 10s or 12s.
I think the seat would make a very big difference, but at the end of the day you get used to it.
baller11 said:
Fit solid tower bolt mounts...dirt cheap and I noticed a massive improvement in handling.
Dave
That won't make it more comfortable though will it.Dave
As above really. Although I'd say you'd probably be better addressing any noise issues for long motorway runs, as they're usually pretty good surfaces, so once you've got the suspension working correctly (up to date etc) then it'll probably be fine for motorways.
I would imagine noise would get more annoying, especially if its long journeys and its sitting at 4-4.5k rpm.
Roadster25 said:
I've got totally standard suspension on my 25, which was massively improved simply by replacing the cones and shock absorbers. It seems to ride and handle far better than the sensible car, a Golf GTTDI (mind you, that isn't great...)
Rear anti roll bar will help that loads...got one on mine 
minivanman said:
minitastic coil springs are fantastic. I fitted new genuine cones to my van and within 6 months two were totally shot. springs are a bit more initially, but you'll never have to replace them or mess about adjusting your ride height! I've got the fast road ones and I love them!
It pretty much possible to give fully independant suspension on a mini now, at about a 1/3 of the weight of the OEM parts. Cost about 3k though.... once you have finished discovering rust....;)Gassing Station | Classic Minis | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff