k-huevo
05-07-2006, 12:57 PM
I installed a suspension mod recently that’s performing very well. It is JCW springs over Koni FSD struts. FSD stands for Frequency Selective Damping http://www.koni.com/FSD/index.html the struts have an extra valve that is sensitive to high amplitude movements and can react very quickly allowing the jarring that accompanies a sharp bump to be almost neutralized. The FSD strut is not for everyone; the stiff low amplitude compression and rebound damping that causes a reduction in body roll and nose dive also causes a jittery effect on the vertical plane when smooth pavement is encountered; a kind of opposing dichotomous behavior, it makes the smooth pavement hard and the rough pavement smooth. The Konis are definitely not a cushy ride in either case.
I first used the struts with the original stock springs for over 900 miles. Either I was too used to the hard ride of lower springs on the MINI for most of its life or the stock springs were overwhelmed by the Konis because once the speeds elevated and the transitions quickened, it didn’t feel secure. I liked the generous ground clearance that had been missing but I was willing to compromise a little. The JCW springs are stiffer than stock with a claimed moderate 10mm drop. However, the springs lowered my vehicle more than the marketing claims. The JCW springs introduced more road vibration & jarring but it’s a sound more than a feeling. The trade off for increased stability was well worth it.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=300&c=3&userid=20
I first used the struts with the original stock springs for over 900 miles. Either I was too used to the hard ride of lower springs on the MINI for most of its life or the stock springs were overwhelmed by the Konis because once the speeds elevated and the transitions quickened, it didn’t feel secure. I liked the generous ground clearance that had been missing but I was willing to compromise a little. The JCW springs are stiffer than stock with a claimed moderate 10mm drop. However, the springs lowered my vehicle more than the marketing claims. The JCW springs introduced more road vibration & jarring but it’s a sound more than a feeling. The trade off for increased stability was well worth it.
http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=300&c=3&userid=20