15 replies to this topic

[SeanOne]

Hi All,

 

Me and my son are first time mini owners and have bought a 1995 mini cooper. We bought this as we both love mini's but are inexperienced but enthusiastic to learn.

 

There are a few body work issues which we are tackling but our first main issue is the ride height. The exhaust is only about 80-90mm off the ground and speed bumps are a real problem. I'm sure we are not the first inexperienced owner to discover this after buying.

 

I thought we could maybe buy a new exhaust to the original spec so it maybe sits closer to the underside of the car rather than running down the centre which looks like it makes it lower. I'm not sure if this is the case. Also, If I do buy a new exhaust, will the Cat still sit really low?

 

I also thought we could look at the suspension and try and raise it up a bit. I am not sure if this is possible. I have seen various suspension parts on the major "mini spares" websites including Hilows, cones etc. What would I need to buy in order to increase the ride height all round. I don't want to make the mini look like a 4x4 but if it means the car is more usable on modern roads then that can't be a bad thing (possibly look at bigger wheels if we do raise it up to fill the arches better).

 

I understand the last owner fitted GAZ sports shock absorbers and the ride is so harsh you can feel every pebble on the road and there seems to be no give at all. We intend on using the mini as an everyday car so would like a bit of a softer ride.

 

I have attached come photos.

 

Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

 

Many thanks, Martin and Sean

 

 

 

Attached Files

•  Mini 4.jpg   77.18K   21 downloads
•  Mini 3.jpg   65.65K   33 downloads
•  Mini 2.jpg   58.11K   23 downloads
•  Mini 1.jpg   71.25K   22 downloads

[waddle]

best option in my opinion would be new donuts as these are probably old and compressed, high lows wound up for a bit of clerence and 10 inch wheels as they have the biggest tyres or failing that 12s

 

another option is putting the linkage inside the car and putting the exhaust up in the tunnel

 

personaly id just run the exhaust with only a rear box tucked up in the subby, but as you want a bit of comfort probably not the best option aha!

[SeanOne]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

 

What do you mean by "putting the linkage inside the car". Sorry, we are learning as we go along!

 

Many thanks, Martin

[paulrockliffe]

The gear shift linkage can be moved inside the car, but it's a pain in the backside to do.  You should be able to get the exhaust up out of the way, though surely?  I'd rather go down the road of a custom exhaust than try to move the gear linkage.

[waddle]

the linkage takes up all the tunnel room though so best to get it out the way if you can,  although its not realy practical with a road car,  as you have to eliminate engine wobble 

[Midas Mk1]

Loaaaaaaads of room, just tackle speed bumps at an angle. My daily Mini you can only just put a can of mackerel under the exhaust, and i've done 10k in it since march this year aha

 

Edited by Midas Mk1, 28 November 2016 - 08:08 PM.

[skoughi]

Get your exhaust checked regarding its mounts and how it's fitted, as for the suspension, big budget? Buy new doughnuts, Hi-lows, adjustable dampers (if the existing ones aren't adjustable or need replacing) and if you really want to push the boat out adjustable lower arms, tie bars and rear camber/toe brackets. Read up on as much info as possible on how to fit them and do it yourself if you have the tools, garage and confidence. Get all the settings checked and adjusted as necessary. This way your Mini will be far more enjoyable to drive and with the Hi-lows and adjustable dampers you can tinker with the height and "hardness" to get a Mini you'll want to drive at every chance!

Edited by skoughi, 29 November 2016 - 07:37 AM.

[skoughi]

Oh and then there's the subframe mounts, change to solid at the front and possibly poly mounts on the rear. Be warned, these things can escalate!

[skoughi]

Loaaaaaaads of room, just tackle speed bumps at an angle. My daily Mini you can only just put a can of mackerel under the exhaust, and i've done 10k in it since march this year aha

 

My clubman was set nice and low like yours when I first got her back on the road and I tinkered with it until the tyres stopped rubbing on the arches, it was magic! That was until me, my wife and two sons squeezed into her for a Sunday run, 200yrds down the road and I quickly realised she needed to be higher and a few more clicks on the Spax dampers!!

[pdaykin]

Welcome to minis.

The exhaust does tend to be a little vulnerable on them. As a result you may want to change the way you tackle speed bumps and speed cushions. New donuts and Hilos may help. But the exhaust is always going to be lower than most 'normal' cars. It may also be worth checking the condition of your exhaust hangers to see if they have stretched.

I find speed cushions the worst as I can't straddle them like I do with my grown up cars - I find going down the middle of the road in between them the best thing. Other road users don't always appreciate this.

Edited by pdaykin, 28 November 2016 - 08:49 PM.

[Cooperman]

The early cars had a different exhaust mounting system and the exhaust sat a bit higher in the tunnel. When they changed to the cheaper rubber ring type mounting the exhaust sat lower to the ground. Early cars only had a rear silencer box.

It is easy to revert to the early type which had a big metalastic-block at the front of the rear sub-frame and a 'cotton-reel' type mount at the back of the rear sub-frame. For reliability some folk fit a pair of cotton-reel mountings and raise the exhaust until the final exit pipe sits about 1/4" below the rear valence. That's what I use on my cars and I make up a special rear mounting and use big U-clamps to secure it. 

[cal844]

Note the year of car, M OR 1995, CAT needs to stay!
To the op

You need
2 cones
2 hilo
2 knuckle joints(and cups)
2 refurbished top arms

I'd advise to remove the radiator for ease of top arm removal

Also a cone compressor

[SeanOne]

Wow, thanks for all the advice.
This is a lot to take in. I think I will look into hi lows etc and as a starting point.
My wife has just informed me that she has bought me a Haynes manual for my Christmas so this will help me understand what you are explaining to me.
Thank you all !

[Compdoc]

http://www.airride.c.../classic-mini/#

Try this!

[nicklouse]

I would just have the exhaust refitted by someone who knows. Looks like it is hanging rather than been fitted.