4 replies to this topic

[bcjames]

Model: MPi non-sportspack
Year: 1997
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):

Hey.

After 13 years of bumpy roads, my suspension is way past shot. It's having new cones, hi-los, knuckles, and also needs new dampers. The car is soon to be a second car, so it seems a good time to upgrade in anticipation of it becoming a more 'fun' car once daily speed-bumps arent an issue.

I was interested in the Koni specials, since Koni were an OEM at one point, but neither minisport or 'spares seem to have them in stock. Also, I can't find much information about them online. I'd be looking at Koni Specials I think, but would love to know a bit more about them first! Does anyone know which ones were fitted to the late minis, and if they are a good upgrade for non-sportspacks too? Theres not much info for non-SP MPi's. Of the Konis I can see Special, Sport, or Classic for Mini fitment.

Failing the Koni option, can anyone recommend different dampers? Price isnt too much an issue, but I want to stick to a standard-ish spec, think oem+, so cones remain. The main objective is a good quality suspension set up, firstly to regain some comfort, and then the benefitted handling that comes from actually having working suspension!

I've discussed this with Martin @MRA, Bob at mini hospital, and whoever else over and over, but really I need to get on with sorting it out now before things get busy again.

Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem?

Car is slightly lowered but within the normal ride height dampers. Other than that, stock.

Thank you!!

Edit: I just found these on Somerfords site, are these what I want? Click

Edited by bcjames, 08 November 2010 - 07:54 AM.

[Cooperman]

Never been a KONI fan because I didn't like the principle of 'soft on bump, stiff on rebound'. The Mini has very little suspension travel and if it's is soft on bump, it will go down easily, but still be slightly down when it hits the next bump. Also, it used to be necessary to remove the KONI to adjust it, but I don't know if this is still the case. My personal favourite are GAZ and I also use them on my Rover 214 rally car. Super quality and lots of adjustment. SPAX used to be good, but I have heard that their quality is, maybe, a bit suspect these days although I do have them on my Innocenti 1300 and they are fine.
If you don't want to spend so much, then the non-adjustable KYB are a good road damper at a very sensible price.

[bcjames]

Well whilst paying for it myself I liked the look of the konis. It was the oem use that made me think they must be decent. Changing allthat, my father has said he'll buy me the minispares kit with the kyb gas-a-just dampers. Saves me a fair bit of money and they seem to have good reviews.

[Darkscamp]

I run a full set of these (but they alloy version) and i must say they are the best shocks i've ever used on a mini with a standard cone setup

Link to steel protech shocks

They are CNC machined and not welded together like other makes, and they have race grade synthetic oil in them for better response.

[Bungle]

i have spax shocks fitted to my mini

seem to do the job well and so far they have lasted almost 20 years