bhegg

Thanks! That was one of the first things I tried. I've been in contact with Vorshlag and it appears there's a problem with how their upper spring perch is sitting on the strut rod of the ST (supposedly same as KW Variant 1) suspension. The diameters of their bushings in the upper spring perch are either too large or not mating with the profile of the rod or both. I've sent them a video of the looseness/rattling with the entire assembly out of the car. They want me to take a few diameter measurements around the end of the strut rod. They said they may have to machine custom bushings for me. Definitely a PITA, but so far they've been pretty good with communicating with me on this issue.

Any news on getting people together for a "tint party"? I'd be in on the tint too if we find a reputable tint shop. I'd love to get the new 3M Crystalline, but it appears that only a few places currently use it and they charge a premium for the install. Tint will be my next "mod". I was thinking 35% on the hatch and rear windows and 50% up front...

The front end was rattling after I installed the coilovers/camber plates, even before I brought it to Mach V. All bolts are tight and everything triple-checked. My father-in-law and I were able to duplicate the rattling while up on jack stands. Long story short, the camber plate bearing isn't making a tight fit with the strut shaft which results in metal-on-metal noises. I've been in touch with Vorshlag and they're saying that KW may have changed the diameter of the strut shaft. If that's the case, Vorshlag said they'll engineer a fix and update their database and website. I'll be able to get back to them with a measurement in the next day or so.

Hi all, I've installed Vorshlag camber plates and ST coilovers on my 2011 MCS and I'm getting a lot of rattling up front. I also had Mach V in Sterling set up my ride height/camber/toe. If something was loose I'd think they'd catch it. The only thing I can think of is maybe the top nut where the pillow ball joint is located isn't torqued down enough. Anyone have experience with the Vorshlag camber plates? I've done some googling and I'm pretty sure this noise isn't normal. I've contacted Vorshlag too and I'll pass along whatever I hear back from them. Thanks. Brian

On second thought, I think I'll save up for the TBD since my my stock MCS can't even put down the power it's got. That tune is a close second though.

Hmmm....seriously considering this. Thanks for the info!

There's been such a huge difference since installing the coilovers and Vorshlag camber plates. Can't wait until Mach V gets things set up! If anyone has toe/camber suggestions for a daily driver that also likes to regularly participate in autocross and HPDE events I'm all ears.

Up for sale are my OEM shocks that came off of my 2011 Mini Cooper S. The car had only 7,000 miles at the time. Asking $150 cash. I'm moving to Crofton, MD on 4/14, currently located in Alexandria, VA. Local pickup. Any questions, please let me know. Thanks for looking. Brian

Lots of great info with those hyperlinks. Just paid for the membership. Now I need to get out for some events!

I just made my appointment with Mach V for next Thursday afternoon. Thank you! Maybe I'll get to try out the new setup on that Saturday.

Hi everyone. My name is Brian. Looks like you have a great community of enthusiasts here and I look forward to becoming a full member. About a month ago I purchased a new-to-me 2011 Horizon Blue Metallic MCS with < 7K miles. I was also considering a different make/model, but once I drove the MCS I didn't even need to drive the other one. I've already started the modding process to make it "mine". My preference is handling since I like to take her (I don't have a name yet, but I'm working on it) to autocrosses and the occassional track day out at Summit Point. I installed the ST coilovers this past weekend (love them, btw!). Would anyone have recommendations on a good Mini performance shop in the northern VA area for my alignment? I'm in Alexandria. Thanks! I look forward to meeting up with you all. Brian