So Im still working on my 850 and learning a lot as I go.
However suspension systems are something Ive never really understood so bare with me if I sound ignorant.

I have a 63 850 non hydro-elastic. Since I'm pulling the sub-frames for a freshen up Ill be wanting to upgrade the suspension.
Since the mini handles so well Ill want to work with that in mind however its just a spirited road car so I wont need to go all out.

From what I understand coil-overs need a fair bit of extra fabrication to mount and would probably be over kill for what I'm doing.

So any suggestions, anything I can source locally? (I get a decent discount at my local auto-parts store)

Thanks for any help, Ill put up a build log now to keep all my questions in one place.

Just put in new rubbers with hi-los.

You can fit competition rubbers if you want a harder ride. (see Minisport UK website for examples).

If you really want to go to town, fit anti-roll bars but for an 850 - I wouldn't bother. (see KAD UK website for roll bars).

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Regards,

Mike
"He who dies with the most toys wins."

Id agree with new cones and replacing everything. As its only a fast road car you could keep the stock arms as well.
Btw what engine are you putting in it? The same 850 or upgrading to a 1275?

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Simplify and add lightness

Id like a 998 stroker with one of daves honda heads.

but a rover front cut look appealing to. Atm Im just focusing on body work and since I have the sub-frames out, suspension.

alteratively could reaplce the rubber donuts with springs, and put hi-los iin (which allow you to adjust the hight of the car)

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I've a 998 sitting on my garage floor - how does a honda head fit on? Do you have a web link?

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Regards,

Mike
"He who dies with the most toys wins."

just keep it stock and replace everything that's stuffed



you can get it locally, but not from an auto parts store, only a mini specialist

Economicaly speaking, I would remove and inspect rubber cones. The fronts are usually squished, so get a second hand set from a rear subframe (they are usually fine). Put a set of hilo's in, and replace all the other rubbers (tie rod & bottom arms. Make sure you get new knuckle joints with the hilo's.

If you are giving the frames a freshen up, make sure top arm pins and roller bearings are fine, same with rear pins and bearings/bushes.

Lap and re-shim ball joints if in decent condition, or replace if needed. This should be of upmost importance.

Fit new shocks. Buy the best that fits in your budget.

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Similar to the BMW head conversion, possible but alot of work, Dave Rosenthal which is his user-name on these forums pioneered it and sells kits. Ask him.

More info here:
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=692799&highlight=#692799

A stock Mini is a great handling car, upgrading the shocks is about the only mod you need to do. Given the age of the car you need to make sure it is all working properly.

Pete

So monroe etc arent making stuff suitable for a mini?

Possibly, but at best it would be a compromise. I doubt there'd be much market to them, everyone I know deal with speialists.

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Simplify and add lightness

u could do what i did. i also have a 850 which had sagged alot so i put springs in it the difference is amazing

same. have 850. replaced front cones (there were pancakes.... i love pancakes) put hi-lo's all round. and some KYB gas-a-just dampers.

awesome. just awesome.

with the hi-los' you can set the ride hide and so lower the centre of gravity of the car. lowers your roll centre in relation to the wheels. or you can jack it up if you need to.

new cones will get it handling like it should. and some uprated shocks will firm up the suspension on the bumps. (there is a big write up about this in mini magazines feb issue(which i brought last week))

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1962 850,Frog

Ill have to grab the magazine, Im a few issues behind.

What If I wanted to replace the rubber cones all together?