20 replies to this topic

[greenmini1275]

I've got springs fitted. I actually feel no difference to cones. I wouldn't really call them an upgrade apart from they won't collapse eventually like Rubber. You just need good updated Dampers, KYB gas adjust dampers are perfect, in my humble opinion. Guess like many things, its personal opinion.

[Mini Manannán]

sweet good man. will be interesting what it is. Were not the front and rears different?

 

more interesting if they really are static rate or not.

 

I sent him a rear, I haven't got the front off yet.  If he wants the front as well (if they're different) I'll send one on.  It will be interesting.

[Cooperman]

I am still waiting (have been for a long time) for someone to explain, in engineering terms, how and why a steel coil spring can be as good, let alone better than, a correct rising variable rate rubber cone spring, except for pure track racing applications.

Incidentally, Issigonis rejected steel coil springs when he originally designed the Mini.

[Magneto]

The steel springs available in the early 50's may not have been of the same quality and capability we have now.....

 

However, there is no reason why you can't have a rising rate steel spring either......one other thing I never understood - at least in the rear there is plenty of room for a longer spring, giving more compliance - wonder why no one has made one?

 

I think you could shorten the front trumpets and gain another inch or more of spring length there too, without running into fitment problems.....why hasn't anyone done this - must  be a reason, I'm thinking.....

[Orange-Phantom]

Was running MiniDelta springs on mine, was corner weighted, running Protech shocks.  Drove my brothers and my Dads running on rubber.  They are both miles better!  So much so that I'm in the process of fitting Red Dot cones all round on mine!

 

Springs are fine on nice smooth roads but as soon as you hit the bumpy stuff they can't handle it well.  Thats my own experience and many others on here.

 

If there was an improvement to be had in swapping from rubber to springs surely they would have fitted them later on in the Mini's production?

 

If it were me (and Cooperman and others) the topic post should probably read, "Suspension........ Renew Or Downgrade To Springs?"

[nicklouse]

I am still waiting (have been for a long time) for someone to explain, in engineering terms, how and why a steel coil spring can be as good, let alone better than, a correct rising variable rate rubber cone spring, except for pure track racing applications.

Incidentally, Issigonis rejected steel coil springs when he originally designed the Mini.

they cant as it is not.

 

a Fool and their money is easily separated.