19 replies to this topic

[psoutzis]

Okay please advice me on what to do please !!!
My mechanic is installing the soft coil springs with Hi-Lo kit , and i have some old dumbers to my mini... is there going to be a problem with that ? Is it going to hit bumb stops and have problem carrying a passenger next to me ?
I want as much comfort possible to my mini.
If i can solve my problem with just a good set of dumbers please advise me on what dumber should i go and weather the gaz or oil....

[Ethel]

dumbers = dampers???

 

The big issue will be if the dampers run out of travel, you'll have no suspension if they do - altering the ride height is most likely to cause this problem. I can't see the springs being a problem if they were designed for a Mini, but you will be relying on your bump stops more than you would with the original rubber cones.

 

All dampers are oil filled. Gas dampers just use an inert gas (nitrogen) in place of air because it behaves more consistently when it heats up. There needs to be a space for the oil to go when you compress the damper, the gas is in there (gases being compressible, unlike liquids [oil]).

[Jordie]

Cant say I have suffered any of the problems listed using my coil springs. I have minitastic springs and gaz adjustable shocks. I stiffen my rear shocks when i tow my trailer tent (around 350kg) mainly to stop the extra weight making the tyres hit the sportspack arches.

 

I have no problems with my car unloaded or loaded and I can adjust my shocks to my driving style. I am 100% happy with my kit. Again I run fairly standard, only lowered abit ride height.

[psoutzis]

Okay i finally got my car today with the new springs installed (SOFT) and Hi-LOs....the car is filling good as i wanted it, but my mechanic suggested me of buying some gaz dampers to install..

[salient]

Hi Guys, hope you don't mind me butting in on your conversations on this subject,

I have just fitted a set of Minitastic black springs for fast road use with hi-lo's. I have the problems of spring disengagement under full spring droop especially on the rears so I am looking for a set of shorter max length shocks. These can be up to 400mm from lower eye to rubber mid position and standard shocks can vary so much depending on the make. On ebay the sellers never bother to list this dimension which is so important and they are sometimes too idle to measure their stock when requested. 

On the rears I tried to use without a plastic spacer (as I think is optional) but the spring did not fit well into the subframe slot. The plastic spacer fitted well into the subframe slot and around the spring end so am happy with this, just have to fit shorter shocks when I can get a pair.

I fitted the springs on the front without the plastic spacer as they seemed to fit into the subframe slot quite well. Although car is not on the road yet, I just wonder why the plastic spacer should only be used on the rears. Maybe the metal to metal contact between spring and subframe will generate grinding/clunking noises. Any members have such experiences? I am sure all coil spring modern cars are fitted with rubber or plastic end inserts to spring ends to keep the road noises down.

Meanwhile, I am building 1327 S engine grafted on to an A+ box with a 2.9 diff so plenty to do yet.

thanks