Yeah... work was a little slow that day, hahaha.

I have a lot of work to do on it... resizing pics, adding more pics, adding some more info, etc... but I wanted to let you guys see it anyway.

Check out the rest of the site too.... http://gomotoring.com

Drew

 

Very nice on the blog, Drew! I think I do a photo blog. I have more pics of Jake than just about anything.

Speaking of which, here's is Jake's latest mod! I was planning to do this A LOT later but Victor of MINI WORKS made me a deal I couldn't refuse. These are non-RF tyres. Wow. The ride is TOTALLY different. Like buttah!

The last mod, for a while (to compliment the 15% pulley), is the Alta CAI. Still waiting for delivery. Getting the V2!
Being a MINIac can get expensive. But ohhhhh is it FUN!!!!



Oh yeah, the wheels are 17" PIAA Sport Mesh in Silver. The tyres are Dunlop FM109 215/40/17. It's amazing how a slightly wider tire looks and handles! They have what seems to be a little more 'noise' but I think I'm just not used to it. The handling is even better. Hugs corners even tighter yet has just a little 'give' to keep it smooth!

 

That's awesome Clayton! The wheels look perfect on there. PIAA is a great company and the wheels that they sell are very high quality. Now you just need a suspension kit on there and you'll really be loving the curves. Haha!

Drew

 

So Clayton and Drew, where are you having these mods done? That's the one part about modding Nitro that I'm not sure about. For instance, if I were to get a pulley, I have no idea where to go to get it installed (there's no way I would do it myself!). The same with wheels & tires - I don't want to put them on myself and I don't want to have it done at any ole tire shop. And the same with getting an Aero kit/painted arches. The list goes on. And of course, having someone else do it means it'll cost me more... The only "serious" mod I would attempt on my own is the CAI (Clayton, if you install it yourself, you have to let me know how it goes - I'm thinking about getting one soon).

 

Hey Chad,

Glad you're one of the few PW27SG'ers still around. Seems we're down to about 5 of us, or so!

I have the fortune of having a MINI mod shop here in Phoenix. It's called MINI WORKS. The guy's name is Victor and his father had a MINI shop...or a Mini shop...in France. So, he's worked on all MINIs for a long time.

I don't know if there is a 'referral' program on the equipment sites but it would be great! (a la 'find a qualified mechanic in your area'). My guess is you could find someone qualified via a NAM posting.

I AM going to install the CAI myself. There is plenty of DIY information plus I've 'met' a couple of local MINI DIY'ers that offered to help.

It doesn't seem difficult, moreso time-consuming. The new Version 2 Alta CAI is supposed to be easier but I'm not sure why.

Mine hasn't shipped yet as they are just getting into the dist. pipeline.

I ordered one with a blue hose (for a break in the red/black) theme. I just found out the vendor has them available in red or black if I want it right away.

So, when you're ready, check out eBay Express for a company called highperformanceoutlet (or just search for an ALTA CAI). I got the V2 package for $270 shipped. I got a bit of 'discount' because I asked for V2 and the seller didn't realized they cost $20 more. We split the difference on the the add'l $20

OK. That's enough for now!

Catch you on the flip!

Clayton

PS What do you think about the Dodge naming their new thing Nitro? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, yes?

 

Doing it yourself is half the fun and experiance of owning a MINI.

I can understand a pulley but stuff like wheels. When you buy them you can usually buy them mounted and balanced so all you have to do is put them on.

Don't be afraid to get to know your MINI

 

The aero kit isn't that bad...just have a friend to help you so you don't accidently drop something and scratch the paint. Wheels are no biggie. I do mine myself...same with the CAI.

However, PLEASE don't attempt to do the pulley yourself. Speaking from experience, it's a bad idea...and you need a special tool for it.

 

Hi week 27 folks! Have any of you had problems with squeeky brakes?

I'm going to try hitting them hard today with the hopes they will get better.

Mitch

 

Yeah, mine make some noise about 1/2 of the time when I am coming to a stop. Usually only from a low speed, not so much when slowing from higher speeds though.

Drew

 

For references on mod installers, check out the NAM group for your region. There are likely clubs in your area loaded with folks who are waiting to help. Your dealer might also be a good reference for local clubs.

Good luck!

 

Sorry I completely passed over that post. So far, I have only had the "One-Ball" exhaust done for me, and that was because we were using my car to show how to do the modification to fellow MINI owners. I will probably have my suspension and pulley installed for me, but anything else I will take care of myself. I think going to a few get-togethers where owners are working on their MINI's or where a shop is showing off some things are great ways to learn more about your car, and to find out what you probably can and maybe shouldn't do.

We must remember though that some people are good at working on cars and some aren't. I can do a good job, but it takes me much longer, so unless it's something simple like an intake or exhaust or interior mods or whatever, I may have a shop do the work for me.

Locally there is a place called Grassroots Garage ( www.grassrootsgarage.com ) that is run by a MINI tech/enthusiast. He is the man to go to in all of NC, and really there are people that bring cars to him from GA, SC, TN, and VA too. He has the knowledge and experience (as well as specialized tools) that make him well worth the money. I am actually working a deal with him right now where I may go into business with him and expand the shop so that there is a lot more available for the local MINI crowd. He can handle the installs and detailed tech work, I can handle the business end, marketing, sales, customer service, parts design, etc.

As has been said before, check your local MINI clubs (which are probably all listed here on NAM) to find out who to talk to in your area.

Drew

 

just checking in to say hello to fellow 27's. driving buddha is still the most fun you can have with your clothes on although some really crappy weather has kept my seat time down.

no significant mods yet except the leather interior upgrades I'm doing myself; just enjoying him "as is" for now.

ccheers!

 

Nice to see you back in the neighborhood. I totally agree about the MINI experience. My partner has been wondering when the 'new car excitement' will wear off.

NEVER!!!

Btw, very slick sig file. Totally unique.

 

I think I found Jake's ancestors from across the pond!!!

http://www.captainjakes.com/mini/gal...igallery.shtml

Funny thing is I had Nigel as a name on 'the list'.

 

You have my undivided attention! What are you doing and how exactly are you doing leather yourself?

 

Red Scooter, it's good to be back.

MiniGirl i sew the leather myself. I've done leather care repair and restoration for years so I've had the tools (awl needles thread etc.). I am a leather h... uh, junkie. I haven't done much except sew a new ebrake boot, shift boot, ebrake hand grip and door handle grips in black with blue contrast stitching.

 

I wish I had your talent! I had some shift and e-brake boots made for Mary from Redline Goods, but the leather didn't match (too light/grey), so I sold them to a friend with a grey interior. I'm just going to resort to tearing out the stitching on the OEM ones and having my neighbor sew them back up with red thread. My two-spoke steering wheel is a whole 'nother issue.

 

I think I will try doing custom leather/suede stuff on BLISS one of these days. I've never done it before, but I work in the furniture industry and have watched a lot of upholstery work being done, so I think I know what it takes. Seems like it is all about taking your time and measuring (making templates) correctly.

Show us some pics of your work though, I'd love to see what you've done on other cars and on yours too.

Drew

 

Well, the saga that is the Lemon Mary continues.....

A lovely clattering started this morning. I called the dealership and told them I would stop by so they could have a listen and I'd set up an appt. from there. Service was on the phone when I got there, so one of the MA's came out with me to have a looksie. It's coming from under the driver's side engine mount. Great. Blown engine mount. Wait, isn't there supposed to be black gunk coming out? So, he tells me to humour him and shift gears (it's idleing in the driveway). Push the clutch in, noise goes away. Clutch out, noise comes back. I make an appt. for next Tuesday (so I can get a loaner).

Called my husband and told him I wanted to cry, that I thought I was back into the whole transmission/clutch twilight zone again. Told him what was going on and he seems to think that it's just my throw-out bearing. PRAYING that is all it is. How would it look if I went on a 4th tranny and a 3rd clutch?! I can drive a stick...REALLY I CAN! I've been driving one since I was 16 and I'm now thirty....mumble....mumble....! She already needed to go back for a 3rd A/C compressor and to have the rear control arms looked at. I was waiting to do that until my first offical oil change in 3K miles. Ugh.

 

GB, received your PM and have replied.

 

Wow, Kris I feel for you! This is getting crazy the troubles you have been having. Have you said anything to them about the "lemon laws" yet? With all the work you have put into Mary, not to mention the R50/R53 being unavailable for ordering now, you must be in a tough spot. Any other car and I know I would have gotten another new one by now... Wow...

I go in for my clutch replacement soon. I've been busy (and actually not driving as much) lately but it should happen before the end of the year.... yay...

Drew

 

 

Kris that is unbelievable! I agree with Drew. You should have some legal recourse at this point.

I'll get out my candle for Mary!

 

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Creseida, those look fantastic!

 

UPDATE: On the way home today I noticed that the clattering is now when I have the clutch in too. I called my MA when I got home and asked him if there were any PW/B coopers on the lot comparible to mine (the lot is full due to stocking up since no more cars until Feb), to which he responded, "Why? Don't tell me something else is wrong on Mary!" So, I told him about her new issues and that I'm just about on the verge of crying and I've finally hit the point where I've had enough. If there is a comparable cooper that can be switched out with Mary's stuff, I'm going to get her declared a lemon. Luckily, there is one, but it has Cordoba Beige interior. I asked if the panels and the carpet could be switched out and he said they should be able to do that. I told him not to sell it and I would contact the SA. I called my SA, but got her voicemail. I basically said,"I've had it. She's a lemon. So how do I go about getting her declared one and who else do I need to talk to?" Waiting to hear back. Tick. Tock.