15 replies to this topic

[andrewdjackson]

I am refurbishing a 1993 Cooper SPi and need to replace the old knackered rubber cones.
There seem to be some options and I would like some advice / experience on what I should do.

How do coils compare to rubber cones with regards the longevity, reliability and the overall ride comfort (I'm not a racer but neither do I want a squishy suspension)?
What is coil over as opposed to a coil conversion?

If I stick with cones, which ones should I buy?
The dampers are relaively new, but would you advise changing other suspension bits at the same time as the cones?

Thanks
Andy

Edited by andrewdjackson, 31 December 2011 - 01:59 PM.

[minidave1991-89]

Someone told me once that coils can sometimes dislodge in the subframe on road cars. I dont know how often it has happened though

[Tommyboy12]

A coil-over converts the car to a Macpherson style strut, i.e a shock absorber with a spring over the top of it connected to a wishbone, like in most road going vehicles. It removes the cone completely and replaces the shock absorber with the coil-over. Its a good idea to reinforce the area if you do this as its the cone thats meant to take the weight of the car and bumps not the shock mount.
A coil conversion replaces the cone with a coil. They dont generally receive good reviews because they are so short they cannot do there job efficiently and dont have a variable spring rate like the rubber cones.
Cones are seen in a good light. They have variable spring rates and are cheap. Combined with Hi-Lo adjustable trumpets and sporty shocks you can pretty much do what you want height and stiffness wise.
Coils will last longer I suppose provided they are kept clean but a set of cones can last a good 10 years and are cheaper.

[charie t]

Coil springs seem to be out lasting rubber doughnuts. The minitastic springs I have, feel much smoother ride on my cooper, but then the old rubber ones had collapsed so it was very stiff. They do feel softer than new rubber cones aswell though.
These are the minitastic coil springs, they fit in place of the original doughnuts. If you are going to be running a low ride height then the rears can disloged so a retaining device such as locking wire is needed

These are the coil overs, they replace both the damper and the doughnut. The rubber doughnut and alloy trumpet are removed completly

Edited by charie t, 31 December 2011 - 02:19 PM.

[Guess-Works.com]

My advice, use cones.... but make sure they are ones made to the original pattern, not cheap knockoff's, should cost you about 40 each.

The additional benefit, a vehicle which is maintained in standard trim will hold its value better than one which is modified.

[AVV IT]

Also be aware that some coil conversions are sold with a manufacturers "track use only/ not for road use" disclaimer, which will cause you some insurance issues if you fit them to a road car.

[semag]

I have both, I use cones on my road car and protech coil overs on my track mini. I would say that I have it about right. The coil overs tend to be too stiff for the road, but are just right on the nice smooth tarmac of the race track. The cones are good on the road giving a reasonably smooth ride given the state of most of the roads. I would follow previous advice and go with a good set of standard cones, Hi - Lows, coupled with a good set of shock absorbers. Don`t forget to set your ride height and reset your tracking after fitting.

[andrewdjackson]

You have all been very helpful, thanks - it looks like cones and hilos maybe the right mix.
I've seen some chat about red-dot cones from mini speed - recommendations for genuine cones have featured in this post several times.
Any advantage on the red-dot ones over genuine standards (or indeed vice-versa)?

[charie t]

Red dots are slightly stiffer than the standard cones. they offer a sportier drive at the sacrifice of comfort. Up to you which you choose

[Cooperman]

Cones seem to be best for most road applications, but make sure you get good quality ones.

Edited by Cooperman, 31 December 2011 - 09:06 PM.

[Blatherskite]

Sorry to barge in to the topic, but has anyone experience of the Moulton Smootharide rubber cones from Minisport? Stiffness, reliability, and so on...

[Cooperman]

Great for old ladies who want a very smooth ride quality above all else.

[blacktulip]

i changed my old knackered cones for genuine new ones and it made a hell of a difference to how it felt on the road. one of the best things you can replace IMO.

sorry i cant vouch for the springs.

[Kerrin]

Been thinking about spring conversions for my mini for a while now. But just never felt 100% sure they were the way to go. And now I have got the suspension geometry sorted and got some decent seats in the car it's not too bad at all.

To cap it off I was out with a load of other minis last week for a run. One of the guys has just finished building a tidy mini and is running springs.

When I asked how he found them he said he wouldn't do it again, as they really are not progressive enough, especially for the roads over here and really bang on the big bumps. So that's it decision made, I am sticking with cones.

I did forget to ask which make they were, but he did tell me they were the fast road version in between the Soft and Race which may give a clue.

[andrewdjackson]

Thanks to all, that has helped my make the decision to stick with genuine cones.