19 replies to this topic

[b_sdaddy]

Dear all,

 

My standard 1978 998 Mk4 sits on 10 x 5's and is fitted with the cheapo black plastic 'BL' arches. The aesthetics are unflattering and I need to fix that!

 

Can't remove the arches now but will, one day have them professionally removed.

 

For now, I need a simple 'shopping list' of what I need to buy in order to lower the overall car by a 'few' centimeters. I'm not into extreme looks, just something more 'sporty.'

 

I'm very happy with the road holding for the standard set-up and if it gets a bit stiffer as a result, that's not a problem.

 

I shop at minispares (great European service) and when I go to their suspension section and look at 'kits', there's a whole page of variants/types.!

 

I need to know WHAT exactly I need to buy to lower my mini a wee bit. Extra road-holding as a result is not a problem as it's only me in the car.

 

My min has the std. dry cones fitted.

 

 

Cheers as always & a Happy New Year from Belgium!

 

attached photo shows the slightly higher than required ride height

 

[attachment=167857:1 HVX 062a.JPG]

[carbon]

The minimum you need to buy is a cone compressor tool - you need this to get the front trumpets out. Rear trumpets can be taken out without tools.

 

Then machine (or hacksaw & file) trumpets to lower, remember ratio is 3:1 on front and 5:1 on rear for dry cars. So if you want to lower by 2cm all round then machine off 6.5mm from the front trumpets and 5mm from the rear trumpets. All covered in a bit more detail in David Vizard's 'How to Modify your Mini'.

[megamini_jb]

Instead of cutting the trumpets, buy a hi lo kit, then you be able to lower it even more in the future, or raise back to standard height :)

[b_sdaddy]

Instead of cutting the trumpets, buy a hi lo kit, then you be able to lower it even more in the future, or raise back to standard height :)

http://www.minispare...px|Back to shop

 

like this..?

[megamini_jb]

Yep that's them :) you can get a cheaper set, but them ones you've linked are the proper Ripspeed ones so I personally would go for them

[ChopperHarris]

Either is fine depending on your budget, if you cut and then want to go higher you can reinstate the height with a suitable spacer/washer

[Spider]

As Carbon has suggested, you can cut down the trumpets, a cheap way of doing it and has a very satifactory result, or you could go for a set of Hilos (at least on the front). Many of the Hilos have a bigger flange than standard, so apart from being adjustable, they also give an increase in the rate when at the mid to higher compressions (of the rubber cone), which I've found handy on lowered cars, they bottom out less.

 

I'd also suggest replacing the knuckle joint cup (as a minimum) which you're in there.

 

 

 ratio is 3:1 on front

 

Actually, sorry to contradict on that and I do know that's what's in DVs book, however, I never found that to be right when adjusting Hilos, so I measured a couple of front arms one day. They are actually 4.5:1

[b_sdaddy]

Cheers for all your replies.

 

I'm going down the 'replace' rather than 'cut shorter' route. This might sound a bit blasé, but for less than £100, it's got to be the correct route to take.

 

I just was unsure what I needed, just to lower the stance of the car - aware that lowering will alter dynamics a little & happy with the overall 'comfort' level 'as is'.

 

cheers again.

[megamini_jb]

Absolutely. I see cutting the trumpets a hobo way of lowering it.

Hi Los is the proper way. At least then you'll still have the original trumpets to keep put away like I've done :)

[b_sdaddy]

As Carbon has suggested, you can cut down the trumpets, a cheap way of doing it and has a very satifactory result, or you could go for a set of Hilos (at least on the front). Many of the Hilos have a bigger flange than standard, so apart from being adjustable, they also give an increase in the rate when at the mid to higher compressions (of the rubber cone), which I've found handy on lowered cars, they bottom out less.

 

I'd also suggest replacing the knuckle joint cup (as a minimum) which you're in there.

 

 

 ratio is 3:1 on front

 

Actually, sorry to contradict on that and I do know that's what's in DVs book, however, I never found that to be right when adjusting Hilos, so I measured a couple of front arms one day. They are actually 4.5:1

knuckle joint cups.? just been to mini spares and see knuckle joints. same thing?

[KernowCooper]

No the nylon cups the knuckles fit in here http://www.minispare...sic/21A423.aspx

[Spider]

No the nylon cups the knuckles fit in here http://www.minispare...sic/21A423.aspx

 

That's them, though if yours have already worn through, you'll be needing the whole knuckle joint.

[b_sdaddy]

whole joint comes complete with cup.

 

copy costs £4 each whereas original costs £14

 

£40 difference for complete set of new knuckles/caps - already investing in 'quality' hi-los, so would you skimp on knuckles or go the whole hog with the original ones.

[racingbob]

don't forget to get tracking done after

 

also best to get genuine plastic cups

[Bubblebobble]

If you have the beans Minisport are doing a sport ride kit - 4 Bilstein dampers , 4 adjusta rides ,negative camber arms and rear brackets  , polybushes and tie rods for £254 !

 

I cant find it on the website but have it on a leaflet . It might be worth giving them a ring as thats everything you will need for a complete package .

 

Or see if Minispares can do something similar for the price ?