Hi all, new to Minis and have just picked up a 68 deluxe in pretty good nick

Currently running wet suspension & my plan is to run 12* 6 wheels and have it sit as low as possible whilst still achieving good handling

A couple of people have suggested to me I need to move to dry suspension in order to achieve the best handling , is this the case ?

If so wHat is the main advantage of dry , how hard is it to convert & what is the best conversion " kit " or brand of parts to use

Cheers

COnversion to dry can be a little complex depending on how much experience you have and how much time you plan on spending on a conversion to dry.

Firstly, let me tell you that Hydro is a fantastic suspension. Improve it with the addition of a pair of shocks from a dry car on the front, and there's nothing to fault it. I have a dry car parked next to my hydro, and I know I always prefer the hydro anyday. Its smooth, and controlled. I have my own hydro pump which simplifies the maintenance of a hydro system immensely.

To change out to dry, you really need to find a pair of dry subframes, although I am told that you can sit a pair of rubber doughnuts in a wet subframe, if not the other way around. Best to find a pair of subframes complete however, as there are other things you need as well. The benefit of a pair of subframes is that you can do all the work out of the car, paint the sub frames up, replace all the rubbers simply and make sure what you have is straight and prang free. And you don't need to go scrounging for bits and bobs you're missing.

Differences are the radius arm on the back and the upper arm on the front are different, you will need shock mounts for the front to bolt under up the wing. Obviously there are the rubber doughnuts and the suspension trumpets for the front and rear, although you will be needing adjustable trumpets for what you are asking.

Quite a big job, but do-able on your own. My only advice would be to give the hydro a chance, its a superb suspension system.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Ok thanks for that superb reply, so if the hydro is serviceable stick with it

I suppose Hydro cars won Bathurst !!

Is it possible to lower hydro then , how ?

Cheers again

Why do you want it low? Is it to look super cool or is it to knock the exhaust off on every speed hump?

Two ways to lower hydro, 1) Let some fluid out or 2) Shorten the strut.

Hydro works better at the correct pressure so it you let fluid out you are dropping the pressure, but the hydro units are 40 to 50 years old and have all sagged so the correct pressure will see the car sitting low anyway!

The proper way is to shorten the strut but it may not be necessary due to age.

The car will lower if you reduce the pressure in the system, but it won't really have the desired effect. The front having all the weight will sag down first with not a great deal of movement in the rear, so it just points to the ground a little more.

The hydro really was designed as a system as such with integral design of height, pressure, damping and spring to work at optimal setting.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

That's it !!

Stick with the 10 inch wheels they are already low.

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That's why it's good to be.............ME

Stick with 10s

ok, reasons ?

been there, done that with my first mini.. 13x6 and lowered it..

I will stick to stock height and 10" wheels any day.

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http://www.flickr.com/by_dan
Current: 1970 Mini K 2014 Focus ST
Past: 93 Rover, 64 850, 97 Rover, 66 Deluxe, 66 Moke
81 Austin Estate, 2006 R53MCS, 66 Deluxe, 1978 Clubbie
2014 Land Rover Defender 90

They look better ( looks perfect for a mini)
handles better and does not ride the groves / holes in the road.
The extra little bit of rubber makes the ride softer.

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http://www.flickr.com/by_dan
Current: 1970 Mini K 2014 Focus ST
Past: 93 Rover, 64 850, 97 Rover, 66 Deluxe, 66 Moke
81 Austin Estate, 2006 R53MCS, 66 Deluxe, 1978 Clubbie
2014 Land Rover Defender 90

Definitely stick with hydro. I love it. Between the bride and I, we used to own a dry car and I still own my hydro De Luxe. I'd pick the De Luxe over the dry car any day of the week - it was ahead of its time. Like Mick I have my own hydro pump as well and I would recommend replacing the knuckles if you get a chance. Of course if you do switch to dry can I call dibs on your used bags?

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"In two years time your car will be like a lady's clothes, out of date, my car will still be in fashion when I am dead" - Sir Alec speaking to Pininfarina

I think there are a few thinking it...you just done thunk it out loud

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.