CastleWolfenstein
Active Member
I just watched a youtube video that claimed the easiest/best improvements you can do on the mini are the strut and chassis brace. Anyone know how accurate this is? Is it a worthwhile investment?
Strut/Chassis brace for handling?
- Thread starter CastleWolfenstein
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rustybones
Active Member
I thought the ride comfort was pretty good as it is but it would be interesting to explore. Apparently the struts on the SE is better than the gas version to support the battery weight but I could be wrong
FrankinCarp
Well-Known Member
The chassis brace very likely would not provide any appreciable increase in chassis stiffness due to the design of the EV battery location.
I think the spring and shock absorber rates of the SE are much better than what my ICE Cooper S was. The added weight due to the batteries, and the lowering of the centre of gravity.
The strut tower brace would serve better if it was triangular from tower to tower to firewall.
It is worth noting the video presents for an ICE Cooper and the chassis and clearances are significantly so I would take its advice with a grain of salt.
I would also ask what you motivation for the mods. Is there a discernible difference in handling to be a achieved? Or is it for appearance.
The SE is not well suited as a track car. Aggressive driving on a track will very likely result in high temperatures in the battery pack. Cooling capacity may well not match that heating and the software will reduce power to protect components.
I am not saying that mods are a big mistake but I would urge you to look at these possibilities critically. The SE is not the same creature as the ICE models.
Mike Wazowski [emoji1063]
[emoji4]& [emoji23] for more [emoji298]️[emoji298]️
I think the spring and shock absorber rates of the SE are much better than what my ICE Cooper S was. The added weight due to the batteries, and the lowering of the centre of gravity.
The strut tower brace would serve better if it was triangular from tower to tower to firewall.
It is worth noting the video presents for an ICE Cooper and the chassis and clearances are significantly so I would take its advice with a grain of salt.
I would also ask what you motivation for the mods. Is there a discernible difference in handling to be a achieved? Or is it for appearance.
The SE is not well suited as a track car. Aggressive driving on a track will very likely result in high temperatures in the battery pack. Cooling capacity may well not match that heating and the software will reduce power to protect components.
I am not saying that mods are a big mistake but I would urge you to look at these possibilities critically. The SE is not the same creature as the ICE models.
Mike Wazowski [emoji1063]
[emoji4]& [emoji23] for more [emoji298]️[emoji298]️
I wonder if the minibrothas have ever seen an SE?
One advantage of a strut brace is that it will discourage removing the inverter/motor cover to show off what replaced the ICE. Removing the cover sometimes results in the loss of one or more of the 4 rubber cover-mounting grommets. I've tried hard to figure out where they go, but have never found one that escaped, so I purchased spares.