10 replies to this topic

[lebarron]

I am doing a custom subframe for an automatic mini build. I have bought the Spax Coilover kit, but I was wondering if anyone has this kit and could measure the length of the front shock when compressed from the bottom to top mounting?
I need this to position the shock mounting properly.

[nicklouse]

why can you not use rubber cones?

they will work correctly without needing to cut away the inner wings to get coils to work correctly.

 

the coil over kits you can buy do not give suitable spring rates.

[lebarron]

That has been cut away and I am Mounting the coilover suspension directly to the subframe, so it is all removable as one.
What do you mean about the spring rates?

[lebarron]

I should have mentioned it is a Vtec Automatic build, which is not easy as the gearbox is huge

[DeadSquare]

Can you show a photo of your work so far ?

[cal844]

Even so, coilovers or any spring for that matter ruin a mini's road manners, yes it can mostly be dialled out but not completely

[lebarron]

It is still very much a work in progress, but here are a few from yesterday.
https://drive.google...PYLDkJm9IS_MFLu

[lebarron]

Anyway I'm well and truly committed to the coilovers now but I really need tge compressed shock dimension to be able to create the mounting points

[DeadSquare]

That is impressive "shoehorning" .

I once put a 2.2L V4 Taunus engine on a Saab gearbox.

It won the "Traffic lights Grand Prix" every time, but in corners it handled like a Camel with a mind of its own.

Twenty years ago, I knew wise old guys who could have pointed you in the right direction suspension wise. I'm no expert, but front coilovers need canting in at the top. Look at a Caterham.

Edited by DeadSquare, 22 March 2020 - 02:40 PM.

[nicklouse]

That has been cut away and I am Mounting the coilover suspension directly to the subframe, so it is all removable as one.
What do you mean about the spring rates?

oh dear me.

 

sorry go find someone who knows about suspension and spring rates and the effects of the angle they are mounted at.

 

droop how much? sag how much?

 

what is the weight at each corner?

 

seriously it is not plug and play. there is a whole pile of math you need to do. and then the equipment...

ever wondered why the shocks are mounted like this

because that is where they need to be to work for those builds.

 

there is no room in a Mini for a MacPherson strut that can hid most of the coils failings.

[lebarron]

Thanks for the reply on the springs. I appreciate everything you have said, and I can work out the geometry of the suspension. All I need to know is what the length of the shock is designed to be when under load, so that I can position the mounting points at the correct distance. I guess I can ask spax