What's up -

I am picking up my '05 Cooper S today, been waiting for months and finally found the right one. Just thought I'd sign up here and say hello - two things on my mind:

1) I'm in Boston - any info on the Boston or New England Mini community is appreciated.

2) Really interested in starting on modifications but have no experience. To short-cut, this forum seems in strong agreement that I should start with a 15% pulley, and colder plugs - already heard some good thoughts on brands for both - any input on brands? where to get the work done? And specifically - what happens with warranty, is it totally shot? (I am already shot of original warranty anyway, thinking more of any potential extended warranty).

Thanks, Ethan

 

Welcome, Ethan!

I'm a realtively new '05 MCSa owner myself and have had many of the same questions you do:

1) I'd recommend the nemini.org website, except it seems to be experiencing technical difficuties at the moment....

2) I've asked around here and at NEMINI and there doesn't seem to be a clear consensus on the brand of pulley -- although ALTA seems to be popular, as does Helix. I sent an e-mail to Pete Eames at Greasy's Garage in Worcester (since I expect he's the one I'll ask to do this mod when I finally get around to it), and he likes the Craven 17% but recommends staying clear of ALTA v2 (though he has one of the earlier ALTA design on hand). I'm still leaning towards Helix 15%, however. The choices are a little overwhelming....

My guess is this will pretty much kill whatever's left of your extended warranty (not an issue in my case). I bought an "extended warranty" (HiRoad Tech+) when I bought my car 7 weeks ago, and should probably double-check to see what the ramifications might be....

So, what are the details on your MINI (color, miles, etc.) and where did you get yours (dealer?)?

 

Another local club is:

http://www.massmotoringclub.com/

I met a few in person at a recent autocross school and they were all very friendly! :-)

 

Ethan, congrats! Can't wait to see a few pics of your ride!

1) Yes, I'd also suggest http://www.massmotoringclub.com/ as they're all Mass people whereas http://www.nemini.org/ doesn't have a specific Boston group and I feel is heavily weighted towards the CT/NJ/NY area.

2) Yes to the 15% pulley and plugs! It'll put a huge smile on your face I was under the impression there wasn't a huge difference between brands but I got my pulley from Randy Webb as he races MINIs and has installed hundreds of pulleys, thus knowing precisely what was the best design rather than using theory. Here are a few of my pics comparing the OEM pulley to the 15% reduction pulley.

In regards to installing the pulley, if you are technically inclined you can do it yourself (I'd be certainly willing to provide any help and tools). Otherwise besides the good things I've heard about Greasy's Garage I'd also suggest Bavarian Performance Group in Winchester. They just updated their website and unfortunately don't mention any MINI service, but rest assured they know MINIs very well. When I was up there being helped by John Mariani with my wheels, they had a completely disassembled engine from a Cooper S that they were rebuilding for racing purposes. Another great (and possibly more experienced) option would be Turner Motorsports in Amesbury. I've spoken with a few MINI owners who have had work performed by them and I've heard nothing but good things. The last possibility that comes to my mind although I can't vouch for their MINI services would be German Performance Service in Cambridge.

In regards to warranty, you'd have to check what the third party warranty rules are. With the factory warranty, a pulley will not void your warranty unless it is deemed that the pulley has caused and contributed to a specific failure. E.g. if your wiring harness needs replacement it's unlikely the pulley would have caused the damage, but if you are having engine/transmission problems, the warranty might not be as lenient.

This may be a little off-topic but here are a few clubs/events I wish I knew about after I got my MINI. If you are ever in NH (or enjoy fall foliage tours...hint...) I'd suggest following/joining MAMA. If you spend time on the cape (or enjoy lighthouse tours on the Cape in September...hint...), there are the Cape Cod MINIs. If you think the idea of 250 MINIs doing a charity drive up to the top of Mtn Washington in June would be awesome (which it is), set your calendar for MINIsOnTop for next year! If you sign up for MINIofPeabody's listserv, you may be invited to their fall OctoberFast autocross as well as a host of other awesome events throughout the year. And if you want to get the most out of your MINI, the Boston BMWCCA is a club which offers dozens of driving events throughout the year from defensive driving school, to autocross, the advanced driver skills and ice-racing! Just a few suggestions. Happy Motoring and don't forget to wave!

-Jason

 

Jason --

I certainly can't speak for Ethan, but thanks for the tips! For my part the Webb 15% was also on my short list; it's good to hear from someone who actually has first hand experience with it. Of course this doesn't actually help narrow my options at all (Craven... Webb... Helix...).

It's also good to know of other MINI-centric service options and "support groups".....

Thanks!

- Tim

 

really appreciate the quick and detailed responses! this seems like a good community.

i will review info, links, etc. over the weekend, and probably come up with follow up questions on parts. tomorrow, first order of business is just getting the ipod adapter installed...

meanwhile, another question: so...I figure that I could learn a thing or two at a performance driving school, never gone that route before. any suggestions in the boston area? (or really anywhere in new england - for that kind of thing I'm willing to travel for the best quality option.)

thanks for all the help so far. -Ethan

 

It's going back a few years, but I really enjoyed the Skip Barber driving course I took at Lime Rock, CT. Definitely worth the trip.

 

Ethan,

I'm one of the long term local folks - welcome to the family.

FWIW I've been delighted with Turner's in Amesbury.

Try the Hampton to Portsmouth run on the coast around sun up, and look for a lowered BRG works cooper.

Cheers,

Charlie

Ps: And if the bug really bites you, check out www.ner.org - that's where the fastest Minis wind up in some cases...