tvrgeek Posted September 25, 2009 Report Posted September 25, 2009 Ok, 09 S,with the run-flats, the rear is too stiff. It will hop over expansion joints. Probably fine with 4 people in the car, not for one. Do you think: 1: Run flats just too stiff. 2: Rear spring rate just a tad to high 3: Rear shock rate to stiff. I ask this as my experience with the KW's in my RSX was the spring rate. I compensated for the stiffer rear spring with a stiffer rear roll bar. What does the mini need to keep the tires in contact with the ground? I want some poise to go with the zip.
Mr. Ed Posted September 25, 2009 Report Posted September 25, 2009 Ok, 09 S,with the run-flats, the rear is too stiff. It will hop over expansion joints. Probably fine with 4 people in the car, not for one. Do you think: 1: Run flats just too stiff. Absolutely. Hit the nail on the head. 2: Rear spring rate just a tad to high. Not sure if anyone makes a softer rate, just lowering options. 3: Rear shock rate to stiff. How many miles on your car so far? Have you tried experimenting with tire pressures yet? I wonder if lowering the tire pressures one or two pounds in the rear tires might help a bit? Lots of differing views on runflats, but pretty much everyone agrees that their ride can be harsh. I switched over to Goodyear F1 GS/D3s and got a little softer ride, but not a quantum difference. Added a 19mm rear H&R sway bar and it definitely improved cornering. There's still some hop over the joints, but it's not as bad. Hope this helps!
cmcveay Posted September 25, 2009 Report Posted September 25, 2009 Much like Ed, I dropped the RF's and replaced the sway bar (I went with the 22mm NM Engineering model) that's set at medium. I also put in the Mach V springs to lower it just a bit and I don't notice that I have that kind of hop. On this past Sundays' event, there were a few times where I was sure I was at the extreme top of my suspension travel and then I came back to earth gently. Tweaking the tire pressure may help but I just can't help but think that the RF's are going to ride about the same regardless of their air pressure. Give me a shout sometime, you are welcome to take KOOPER for a test drive to see the difference. We are in Annandale so that might be a bit too far for you. Craig 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon "Homer" 2012 MB/CR JCW R55 "Merlin" Sold 2009 LB/LB R56 "Archie" Sold
LV2CRNR Posted September 26, 2009 Report Posted September 26, 2009 Run flats are part of the issue. I went to s lower profile auto cross tire on my car and the ride got softer over the bumps. I put on 215 40 17 Dunlop Z1 star specs, had them on both my 2006 Cooper S and my clubman. The ride comfort was improved in both cars. Also rear sway bay will make the handling better I had a 22mm in my Cooper S. Haven't done suspension to the clbman yet. 2009 MINI Clubman Factory JCW CR/B Helix BOV, DDM CAI, Helix STS, 35% tint, Black R113 wheels, eibach pro kit, 8000K 55w HID's. 2006 MINI Cooper S PS/B 176 fwhp/ 165 fwtq SOLD 2004 Pontiac GTO BLK 389 rwhp / 454 rwtq SOLD [sIGPIC][/sIGPIC]