Hello - I'm happy to share my new addiction with you!
 

Hey everyone,

Yesterday I joined the world of Mini ownership:

http://www.clownshoemotorsports.com/...g/New_Mini.jpg

I purchased a 2003 Cooper S. She has seen a few miles, with 148k on the clock, but seems like a solid car.

The car was obviously owned by an enthusiast. Here's what I've discovered on her thus far:

• JCW Cat Back
• Red Stuff Performance Brake Pads
• Cross Drilled Rotors (not my favorite)
• Dinan Air Box
• O.Z. Alleggerita HLT Wheels
• MTH Tune
• 15% Reduction Supercharger Pulley

There may be more. I have no idea, because I purchased the car from a wholesaler who purchased it from an auction. I know it was traded in at Sewell Cadillac in Plano, TX (who goes from a Mini to a Cadillac?). I only paid $4500 for the car, which seemed like a good deal even though I don't have an history on the car.

I bought the car because I was looking for a second car that would be fun, but still get decent gas mileage. I also wanted something I could load up on a car dolly and pull behind my motorhome. A Mini was a perfect candidate.

I'm also a bit of a track rat. I do a lot of racing and instructing at HPDEs. I wanted a car that I could drive on track the weekends I'm instructing. My race car is amazing, but the operating costs for it are too high to run it every time I instruct. The Mini on the other hand is a very affordable track car. It is lightweight and easy on consumables (tire and brakes). I've instructed in and driven a number of Minis on track, so I know they are an absolute blast!

I'm excited to be here!

-bj

nice car.

Welcome to the NAMily. Nice MINI congrats. Dont forget to wave at other MINIs.

Appears to be a very fair price. Looks very nice too ! Always have liked Electric Blue.

Congrats and welcome ! :thumbsup:

It's a great little car!

It has a misfire on #3. I addressed that last night. I pulled the spark plugs. They looked like they had a million miles on them. Replaced them with colder plugs. I also swapped on new performance plug wires and a MSD coil.

I also was noticing a lot of "yo-yo", especially between 2500-3500 RPM. I did the VGS mod to address that.

The results--a very smooth running, hard pulling motor! It's like a completely different car!

Yesterday I also picked up some HAWK race pads. A local guy was selling them, HAWK DTC-60 front and HT-10 Rears. He threw in a set of Hawk HP+ fronts as well. All brand new in the box for $150. That was a great deal.

I also ordered some hub eccentric rings that will allow me to use my Konig Daylite wheels (16x7, et 40, 13#) from my old BMW E30 race car. Now I just need to find some race tires that will fit and I will be ready for my next track day!

-bj

Sweet looking ride...congrats! Admitting you have an addiction is probably one of the first steps to recovery although I don't believe a full recovery is in the cards for you. A "track rat" who's been bitten by the MINI bug, good luck and have fun!

Yeah, I've been consumed by my addiction and my wife will tell you that I'm a lost cause.

I'm doing a lot better though. At one time I had 3 race cars and a track car. Now I'm down to the MCS (which I'll use a dual purpose daily driver and track day car) and the race car.

Here's a picture of the race car at Circuit of Americas:
http://www.clownshoemotorsports.com/...cota_mz3_6.jpg

I guess I have a thing for odd little hatchbacks!

-bj

Welcome. Sweet M Coupe! (aka Clown Shoe). I sold my 2008 M Coupe and I now enjoy my new daily driver JCW CM. Now I get the all the driving excitement but without having to store it for the winter. The NAM Mini forum is much more actively engaged than the Z forums.