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Glad to help out. That point n shoot is a lot more challenging to used that an SLR. I think we've gotten spoiled. Thanks for taking the pictures & posting them Jason.
Looks like you had a good turn out for a mid-week meet. I thought about heading over as I was walking out of the office around 7:30, but wasn't sure how long you would all be there. I really hope to make it to breakfast on the 19th.
I am unsuccessfully trying to change my picture and I am throwing this computer out in the driveway on its butt.
Never mind, it did work, I went and picked it up off the driveway.
Bridgit, my mini, was used last weekend for a wedding. The bride and groom requested it. I had the spoiler & hatch cover & dashboard decked out with white flowers and ribbons; ribbons on the door handles, mirrors, and rearview mirror. She looked great and outshined the bride.
Now all you need is a set of camber plates up front & a good alignment. Looking good!
I'm going to ask to hop off-topic for a moment...
I'm looking to drop my Cooper down with a set of TSW springs (1") or possibly a set from OutMotoring... but I had a question about the Camber Plates. Any suggestions on brand? Do you only need them on the Front? Are these NEEDED or do they just further the performance (ie: can I get the springs installed, and later on down the road get the cambers?).
OK... back on Topic...
MCS looks great Doug! Wish we lived closer to Sonic to make a trip up there... maybe the 'wheels' will align ( ) sometime and we'll be in Cbus around the time needed for the Sonic meetup
You can do springs without doing camber plates. Camber plates just change the angle of your wheel where the springs will change the height of your car. The most important thing about doing either is to get your car alligned after the work is done!
I'm looking to drop my Cooper down with a set of TSW springs (1") or possibly a set from OutMotoring... but I had a question about the Camber Plates. Any suggestions on brand? Do you only need them on the Front? Are these NEEDED or do they just further the performance (ie: can I get the springs installed, and later on down the road get the cambers?).
OK... back on Topic...
MCS looks great Doug! Wish we lived closer to Sonic to make a trip up there... maybe the 'wheels' will align ( ) sometime and we'll be in Cbus around the time needed for the Sonic meetup
In my opinion, dropping a R56 is as essential as a regular oil change.
I installed a set of NM lowering springs on a 2009 R56 last week. The drop looked just about right and the car still drove as smooth as when it had factory springs. I also saw a pair of H&R lowering springs in the marketplace for $100, so that would be a great deal if they aren't already sold.
When you drop your car the springs are shorter, so your car naturally gets more negative camber. If you don't plan to track or competitively autocross, I wouldn't spend $400+ on a set of camber plates. Chuck has a set of Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates on his R53 and those would probably be more up your cup of tea, but still not necessary.
I'd be happy to help you install a set of springs. If you have a garage, a jack, and 4 hours of free time, that's all you need.
for your 09 you shouldnt need CC plates. I didnt w my H&Rs. The rears will still be pretty negative, but its not chewing up any tires. Had MAG do an alignment (probably unnecessary $$$).
I'm looking to drop my Cooper down with a set of TSW springs (1") or possibly a set from OutMotoring... but I had a question about the Camber Plates. Any suggestions on brand? Do you only need them on the Front? Are these NEEDED or do they just further the performance (ie: can I get the springs installed, and later on down the road get the cambers?).
OK... back on Topic...
MCS looks great Doug! Wish we lived closer to Sonic to make a trip up there... maybe the 'wheels' will align ( ) sometime and we'll be in Cbus around the time needed for the Sonic meetup
Back off topic or on or something....
If you lower your MINI you will need rear control arms if you want to get the alignment back close to spec. There is a very little bit of camber adjustment available in the rear from the factory. You probably won't be able to get what you want without the control arms. Not doing so will cause poor handling & tire wear contrary to what some folks say. The lowering springs will add a bit in the front too, but that is not such a bad thing. For front camber plates I'd recommend Ireland Engineering fixed plates. Those would be the last thing on my to do list. If you are going to do these things do them right. If you don't you are not going to be a happy camper. No matter what you do get an alignment after you are done.
My Rx 1. swaybar 2. springs if you have to have them, plus adjustable control arms 3. IE front camber plates.
I'd also recommend the NM springs over the TSW ones.
For my money I'd add a 19mm rear swaybar before I added the springs. IMO those springs are mostly for cosmetics, but the rear bar will make a difference in handing.
for your 09 you shouldnt need CC plates. I didnt w my H&Rs. The rears will still be pretty negative, but its not chewing up any tires. Had MAG do an alignment (probably unnecessary $$$).
You didn't waste that $$$. Alignment is necessary when you lower a MINI. Lowering it adds camber front & rear. In front it adds toe in. Not the hot setup.
Never mind, it did work, I went and picked it up off the driveway.
Bridgit, my mini, was used last weekend for a wedding. The bride and groom requested it. I had the spoiler & hatch cover & dashboard decked out with white flowers and ribbons; ribbons on the door handles, mirrors, and rearview mirror. She looked great and outshined the bride.
I was wondering why all of the flora on the back shelf. Makes sense now.
Do we want to move our monthly Sonic meet next door to the Red Robin? This was suggested at the last breakfast so that we can continue to get together on the first Wednesday of each month through the winter. I don't know about you, but it's getting a bit too cold to stand outside ay Sonic and drink a milkshake
I agree we need to make a change for the winter. At the last breakfast, I had a brief conversation with a couple others and we thought Red Robin or The Pub would be the best option. Although I like Red Robin, I'm leaning towards The Pub. The Pub is on Polaris Parkway, has a British atmosphere, reasonably priced food (everyone needs to try a fried pickle), and a large selection of unique brews.
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