Aloha!

I've recently become an owner of a Mini Cooper. I switched from the world of muscle as I traded in a 2005 Mustang GT with about 450 hp+ going to the rear tires. I'm really getting into this lil go-cart! It took a bit, but every day is one day better.

I'm sure I will be bugging a lot here as I know NOTHING about Mini's but love to drive. I built up my last Mustang, but from the looks of things, it will be MUCH different here. The mustang was a "aftermarket vacuum" as everything was pretty easy and cost efficient to do.

I will start with CAI (Recommendations pls?) and then start with handling issues as it is a base model 2010. Thanks for having me and I'm also looking to start a Mini Club here on the Big Island as there isnt one.

Mahalos
Thanks Again
Joe

 

You'll love your MINI! As a former Matson Navigation employee, I've been to Hawaii about a hundred times, with out ever flying there!

Dave

 

Welcome to the forum, would think a MINI is better suited to Hawaii than the Mustang, didn't find too many places where a 450 ponies could have been used to much advantage there. Check the club listing further down this aisle for Hawaii MINI clubs.

 

I did have a lot of fun with all them ponies as we have a couple nice long stretches of road. Best part were the "tuners" always wanting to play. I thought I was going to be in a somewhat "basic" world by getting into the whole Mini thing.... Boy was I sadly mistaken. Seems there are just as many enthusiasts here.

How does one go about making the pic and description of your car show up on your posts?

As mine is a base Mini and not an "S" version, HP wise I will be limited correct? I dont see much of an aftermarket for turbo/superchargers for base version. Also, as it is a 2010 model, there don't seem to be many "parts" available yet or am I just looking in the wrong places? Something as easy as a "Window Vent Shade" so you can crack the windows during the rain without the water pouring straight in on the speaker enclosure...

 

welcome n congrats

 

Installed the DoS intake the day after I picked my car up from the lot. Definitely helps with the hot weather here in Hawaii.

 

Aloha Gabe - Great idea - Big Island Mini Club! I vote yes. Don't know how to get started but I could definitely do a website. I'm in South Kohala.

 

OOPS that would be Joe, not Gabe. I'm new here, I have an excuse!