I haven't been able to autox with them yet or do any type of performance driving - however, as far as ride goes I can say that they are very good. Before this setup I had both stock GSR, GTWorx + Bilstein HD, and Robispec + MR Bilsteins. I think it's fair to say these ride as well as either of the latter setups. Very well damped, but you can tell it's stiffer as well. Probably feels closest to the Robispec + MR Bilsteins.

Otherwise, the only big change in feel really has been in the steering, which is much heavier than before. I actually prefer the light steering of the stock Evo, but otherwise I'm very happy with this setup. Once I get the car autocrossing again, I'll update how they perform

 

Thought I had taken more pictures than this:








I meant to have before and after shots but this turned out to be all I had - basically my night went like this:

1. Sprayed the coilover threads with WD40
2. Sprayed down whatever else of the suspension I could reach with WD40
3. Wiped everything down and let dry
4. Sprayed down everything with Boeshield T-9
5. Went to the ER feeling sick + vomiting etc. later on that night


All weekend I assumed the smell of the WD40 and T-9 had just turned my stomach upside down (really sensitive) but now that I think about it I think I just got the stomach flu.


I mentioned a frame rail that I thought was bent from a beforehand picture, but I went under the car to get a better look and it turned out like this:



It does have indentation, but it seems by design, not a random jacking incident or otherwise - big relief for me.


One last shot as the MR BBS get wrapped up and into the closet so I can run out the remainder of the RS3s on my BBS SE's - gotta thank Danner for this, ton of tread left on the Z1's - they're basically brand new, way beefier than what my RS3s are




Like I mentioned, the only things left at this point are:

- Redoing the steering mount gauges
- Having the wideband wired to the ECU pin
- Fixing the P0069 code (MAP sensor)
- Getting the WL steering rack bushings installed

 

general question - if the antenna doesn't screw off easily, should i more or less assume someone used loctite when installing the shorty antenna?

 

I have a couple of comments. First of all, you are correct the frame rails are not bent its part of the design. My car looks the exact same.

As for the code with the MAP sensor Im not sure if this could be the cause but its worth checking. I remember reading that the o ring on the Omni sensors are cheap for lack of a better word. Maybe when you installed it you tore that and its causing issues? If that is the case then swap it with the o ring from your factory sensor or source a new one. When installing it dab a little oil on it to help it slip in rather than rip.

Lastly, for the antenna that could definitely be the case but Im not sure its the general assumption. It could just simply be on there really good or there is a little corrosion getting in there causing an issue. Is it possibly to get a little penetration oil down in there? If not then just turn harder!!

 

whew for the frame rail.

interesting point on the map sensor - i'll definitely have them check that out.

yeah idk about the antenna - I've turned with as much force I could actually get a grip on (not all that much, but I don't recall any complications when swapping antennas on my old evo). kind of a shame cuz I bought a stock antenna without knowing. I'll give it another shot later though

 

I concur.

 

if i only i had known before i bought the white one..

 

New daily driver to supplement the evo and keep the mileage low!



2008 Mini Cooper w/ ~87,000 miles

I'm really really happy with the car, and definitely planning to give it a lot of auto-x events as well.

- Got the Base model as opposed to the S or JCW due to price, MPG, and some major reliability issues (timing chain/tensioner) the turbocharged version have
- 40mpg driving it back from NJ
- Self-leveling HIDs and sunroof were pretty much the only options the car had. Not happy about the sunroof - I have the seat set at it's lowest and the helmet is going to be a squeeze - if I can even get it on
- Came with a second set of wheels and star specs with plenty of life on them - my apartment/storage is getting crowded...


Happy Easter!

 

hey i found your thread

we need to hit up an autocross together sometime haha.
i used to have a few mini's. good cars! and the timing chain thing on turbo models isnt that bad. its like $50 and a 10 minute fix.

i love the ohlins! i was about to buy some from my buddy who had a set of DFV's but he didnt want to let go of them. but when he does im gonna snag them up haha.

im changing to the ZII's also when i get some coin for tires! very clean car though man!

 

Really? there is quite the lengthy thread going on about how many motors have gone because of this reason

 

Mine was stage 3 and got rid of it at like 78k miles.
Clutch was about fried haha.

 

Interesting - anyway more or less seemed like you just needed to stay on top of replacing the tensioner or w/e., though like I mentioned, practically a non issue for base coopers.

 

Forgot to post this - aligned after getting the coilovers put on - specifically requested a very mild alignment:

 

loving this car

 

awesome car and great project... keep it up...