Finally converting rubber cones to springs..
Orig. Posting Date | User Name | Edit Date |
Jun 2, 2018 11:30AM | cohote | |
Jun 2, 2018 11:11AM | Alex | |
Jun 2, 2018 10:25AM | cohote | |
Jun 1, 2018 11:21PM | Alex | Edited: Jun 1, 2018 11:22PM |
Jun 1, 2018 05:54PM | bluedragon | |
Jun 1, 2018 03:54PM | 6464 | |
Jun 1, 2018 12:16PM | cohote | Edited: Jun 1, 2018 12:21PM |
Jun 1, 2018 06:14AM | Dan Moffet | Edited: Jun 1, 2018 06:15AM |
Jun 1, 2018 05:17AM | CooperTune | |
May 31, 2018 11:48AM | malsal | |
May 31, 2018 10:25AM | CooperTune | |
May 31, 2018 05:38AM | Alex | |
May 31, 2018 03:34AM | CooperTune | |
May 30, 2018 06:50PM | Cheleker | |
May 30, 2018 05:49PM | cohote |
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https://www.minimania.com/part/HILO-SET/Classic-Austin-Mini-Hi-lo-Front--Rear-Set
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Whereas the stock cones, I've heard, do wear out and flatten rather quickly. So perhaps a different choice of cone might be a viable compromise, or the best one if you carry a full load of people on a regular basis.
In 1992 all Minis had 12" wheels - yours did not have 13" as standard, therefore they are a retrofit by a previous owner. The overall diameter of a 13" wheel & tyre is the same as a 10" or 12" to within a few millimetres, so the rideheight is essentially the same.
What the 13" wheels are though is a shed-load heavier than a 10" or 12" wheel. some years ago I weighed a Sportspack wheel & tyre off my friends Knightsbridge and it was TWICE the weight of Tubbs' 10" combo !!
All that extra unsprung weigh put extra strain on all of the suspension components - the Knighstbridge eats balljoints and bearings for a pasttime regardless of driving style, and it romps though cones too...
Given a choice, and pretending that I don't do my own work, I'd go for cones (and possibly 12" wheels) - they're failsafe and are much more useable than the springs. Yes you've got to pay someone to install them, but considering the expense of them vs the cones plus the labour to have them fitted, you may end up paying twice.
The last two times I had the cones done, I never had any other work done. No trumpets replaced, etc. While the mechanic is pfutzing around down there, should I have him take care of anything else?
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In 1992 all Minis had 12" wheels - yours did not have 13" as standard, therefore they are a retrofit by a previous owner. The overall diameter of a 13" wheel & tyre is the same as a 10" or 12" to within a few millimetres, so the rideheight is essentially the same.
What the 13" wheels are though is a shed-load heavier than a 10" or 12" wheel. some years ago I weighed a Sportspack wheel & tyre off my friends Knightsbridge and it was TWICE the weight of Tubbs' 10" combo !!
All that extra unsprung weigh put extra strain on all of the suspension components - the Knighstbridge eats balljoints and bearings for a pasttime regardless of driving style, and it romps though cones too...
I've broken two springs, one was my fault (hit a massive pothole with an engine in the back of Tubbs) and the other was a fatigue failure after a decade or so of use. I've never broken a cone.
The ride quality in Tubbs is still as good as ever, Betty is settling down nicely on her new cones with nice ride, and the springs are sat in a box waiting for a spare to arrive.
Given a choice, and pretending that I don't do my own work, I'd go for cones (and possibly 12" wheels) - they're failsafe and are much more useable than the springs. Yes you've got to pay someone to install them, but considering the expense of them vs the cones plus the labour to have them fitted, you may end up paying twice.
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Whereas the stock cones, I've heard, do wear out and flatten rather quickly. So perhaps a different choice of cone might be a viable compromise, or the best one if you carry a full load of people on a regular basis.
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Thanks to EVERYONE for their input.
When I did my research years ago (literally..) I don't think I either did complete research, or a lot of usage info was out.
I'll add that my Mini is a '92 BRG Classic - came stock, from factory with the 13" wheels. So my Mini is already a little higher up off road-level than normal.
After reading responses, I'm now debating my choice.
One of the advantages to me with the steel springs was longevitiy - while I can (and have) done a lot of work on my little guy, I do not have the tools or lifts available to handle suspension work. This means that every time I gotta get new rubbers, I have to take it some place that can do the work for me.
My first ones (since I owned the car) lasted 6 years. Second set, 4. I don't race it - but I do sometimes drive like hell - and will occasionally get air. *ahem*.
My thought was that springs would be firmer(*) and last a little longer. But I'm also petrified of losing a spring and tearing up my baby.
(*) - I sure as hell ain't lookin' for comfort. I want grip, and I want to feel the road.
Edit to add: As far as I know, everything else is stock, as-is form factory.. No Hi-Los, standard bumper stops.
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"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."
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The only ones i have run across are the Delta ? ones from Japan and they seem decent but are not inexpensive.
I must say it had been a while since i drove a Mini with stock 10 inch wheels and good rubber cones and it was sheer pleasure to get back in the car and drive it the way the Mini was first engineered.
If in doubt, flat out. Colin Mc Rae MBE 1968-2007.
Give a car more power and it goes faster on the straights,
make a car lighter and it's faster everywhere. Colin Chapman.
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https://www.minimania.com/msgThread/114272/1/61/Coil_springs_or_rubber_cones
Since then, I've done the Italian Job on the red springs which required jacking the back end right up to avoid rubbing, and convered back to rubber after a front spring snapped - it'd had a hard daily life and I don't blame it for chucking in the towel.
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I don't believe the steel springs are progressive like the rubber. Let us know what you think once in and adjusted. Steve (CTR)
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The last time I looked into it, I thought I remembered reading that some bumper stops were needed/recommended. (I also remember the green spring set... so.. take that as you will.) I don't see those mentioned now..
So, other than getting the spring set, is there anything else that is *required*, or at least strongly recommended?
Cheers!
-Mike