25 replies to this topic

[inim_repooc]

Hiya - been driving the mini around - a lot, and it has been fun, but I really would like to soften up the ride - to the point where I don't feel my spine dislocate every time I go over a bump in the road! 

 

currently, the car has standard mini shocks and standard rubber cones - this is with the sports pack wheels. the shocks are all pretty much knackered - so I'm wondering if getting some uprated ones will help enough, and what other modifications would you guys recommend to help smooth out the ride on the less than perfect roads of today?

 

Thanks :)  

[Magna-Flash]

Fit 10 inch wheels... 

[minisilverbullet]

I would start by replacing your rubber cones, you can find different profiles which are said to be more comfortable (minisports smootha ride kit for example). There is a good chance that your cones might need replacing anyway. 

 

The shocks you could change, but the after market shocks tend to be performance orientated, which are harder (though often adjustable) 

 

Also have a think about changing to smaller wheels which of course have a higher sidewall. I felt a significant change in comfort when i swapped my 13's for 10's. though, this has the added expense of the brakes needing replacing. 12 inch wheels would be a good compromise. 

[cal844]

Keep the brakes etc the way they are, change to 12 inch wheels(you may need narrower arches) and fit good quality tyres

[pierres]

Change the seats

[Pickwah]

Sit on a cushion?

[Mini Manannán]

Maybe even springs?  Minitastic do a 'town ride' version, I have the fast road spec and they're pretty good.  As said though you want to ditch the 13s, there's not a lot of suspension on the mini and the lower profile tyres make it worse.

 

Edit the link in: http://www.minitastic.co.uk/home1.htm

Edited by Mini Manannán, 30 July 2015 - 04:43 PM.

[Midas Mk1]

Or..... How about just get a good suspension setup. 13's when setup well are good for a daily, and I've been running 45 profile tyres on them.
New fines, decent dampers, sensible ride height (travel wise)
It's all very good people saying get smaller arches and wheels, but 10's look lost , especially when sportspack arches do not have the right radius for a 10.


This is from someone who has a daily mini, and also has cars on 12's and 10's.

Seats are a big one too as said, nearly all mini seats are awful, MPi ones are ok, but there are so many better alternatives, especially when you can get a set that clear the rear bins, meaning you can sit slot further back, combined with a drop bracket on the column, makes a massive difference.

[CityEPete]

I bought a Bini :-D

[Ben_O]

Just renew the standard suspension..

 

You say your cones are nackard, that's probably why you are having problems.

 

Mini's just aren't comfortable cars

[monkey]

+1 for decent seats, Iv running 13's on lowered hi-low's, the suspension is rock solid but got a pair of Porsche Boxster seats in the front and the ride is proper comfy! Unfortunaltly I need to change them because you can't get in the back seats lol

[Carvell]

Do you have any pictures of the boxster seats fitted? Do they miss the rear bins?

[monkey]

Will get some pics tomorrow, I must admit Iv not looked at if they hit the rear bins, they were fitted when I brought the car, unfortunately they don't tilt forward enough to allow access to the rear seat

[inim_repooc]

Just renew the standard suspension..

 

You say your cones are nackard, that's probably why you are having problems.

 

Mini's just aren't comfortable cars

My shocks are knackered - the cones are... okay as far as I know - but I think they are the originals from 1998...

[inim_repooc]

I see that there is a trend towards comfy seats.... what would anyone recommend?