Drivetrain Dinan upgrades
Banned
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 489
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From: Piedmont Triad, NC
Scavenger, sorry for not answering your question about the S2 earlier, I've been off line for a while. After a few engine modifications for the engine fuel system and pulley, the S2 is all suspension work. After having that done, the car is more rigid and at times it feels stiff, but there is a lot of confidence that the car will stay on the road and match very high peforamnce cars in turns. I've recently acquired Eagel F1 215s that I hope they will complement the handling as my previous tires were the weak link. The strut and floor mats don't do much for performance but they are part of the DINAN package! As for brakes, I have the problem of the BREMBO brakes not fitting my HAMMAN wheels so JCW brakes were a good solution. My research on the BREMBO brakes was very unsatisfactory as my enquires with 2 dealerships over several months (US and Canada) about fit were unanswered - that is their business problem and not mine! Hope this helps.
--Dan
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 151
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From: Lorton, VA
Great additional information guys, especially re the strut brace and mushrooming (I know it's only anecdotal, but still...) I am seriously leaning towards Dinan for suspension/engine mods.
So Scavenger, have you pulled the trigger on Dinan stuff or still just thinking about it?
So Scavenger, have you pulled the trigger on Dinan stuff or still just thinking about it?
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,692
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Great additional information guys, especially re the strut brace and mushrooming (I know it's only anecdotal, but still...) I am seriously leaning towards Dinan for suspension/engine mods.
So Scavenger, have you pulled the trigger on Dinan stuff or still just thinking about it?
So Scavenger, have you pulled the trigger on Dinan stuff or still just thinking about it?
For now, I just got all the "power parts". I may get the suspension to complete the 'S2' package soon, as budget allows. BTW, did you make it to the DCMM breakfast yesterday?
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 151
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From: Lorton, VA
Hey, congrats on the Dinan! Is it actually installed or are you waiting for the scheduling?
I couldn't make it the breakfast because of previous plans, but am still planning to be there for the Lucky Dog event in a couple weeks. Hope to meet you there.
If I go for it, I'm probably starting with the suspension package, so then between the two of us we'll have the complete car!
I couldn't make it the breakfast because of previous plans, but am still planning to be there for the Lucky Dog event in a couple weeks. Hope to meet you there.
If I go for it, I'm probably starting with the suspension package, so then between the two of us we'll have the complete car!
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 2
Hey, congrats on the Dinan! Is it actually installed or are you waiting for the scheduling?
I couldn't make it the breakfast because of previous plans, but am still planning to be there for the Lucky Dog event in a couple weeks. Hope to meet you there.
If I go for it, I'm probably starting with the suspension package, so then between the two of us we'll have the complete car!
I couldn't make it the breakfast because of previous plans, but am still planning to be there for the Lucky Dog event in a couple weeks. Hope to meet you there.
If I go for it, I'm probably starting with the suspension package, so then between the two of us we'll have the complete car!
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 51
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Grassroots Garage, thanks for the tip on Wilwood and your suggestion will open up an option for others - however I've made the choice and have JCW brakes now. I'm quite pleased with them. I received Issue 6 of MC 2 today and I see that their test car is now a DINAN Sage 5 with JCW brakes. They say they haven't had a lot of opportunity to test but seem impressed with the engine modifications. I suspect that the suspension package will be very tempting as a next step - S2. Hope that you enjoy your Stage 5 Engine modifications as I have - drive safely.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 143
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From: silver springMD
Thinking of Dinan Kit
I would like to get some opinions on the Dinan performance kit for the mini-S. They are a log time BMW tuner. They have affiliations with the BMW dealers throughout the country so I do not foresee any warranty problems. Does anyone in the club have this kit installed? If so what are your thoughts.
Last edited by ciscovip; Jan 25, 2007 at 12:03 PM. Reason: spelling of Dinan in subject
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,692
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I do
ciscovip, I just had the Dinan goodies installed last week. I had all of the "power mods" from the S2 "Signature Series" installed, which bumps HP to 205. I'm contemplating the Suspension parts now, but not yet sure when that'll happen.
Me likes
Me likes
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,692
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MINI of Sterling installed it. It was a very good appointment, no delays, everything was great when I picked up! They already had the parts in stock fortunately. Though, I don't think they keep a large supply in stock.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
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Yep, it was a crappy Ford focus. it drove like crap! I like to think of it as a way to appreciate the MINI even more!
The Dinan items I have installed are:
Stage 5 software
High-Flow Intake
Boost Upgrade Kit
High-Flow Throttle Body
Free-Flow Exhaust
Dinan claims these bump the MCS to 205HP. The Stage 3 Suspension needs to be installed to complete the "S2" Signature Package. I'm contemplating it, but it will certainly be dependent on funds - I'd also like to do something to improve braking, but I'm still undecided.
The Dinan items I have installed are:
Stage 5 software
High-Flow Intake
Boost Upgrade Kit
High-Flow Throttle Body
Free-Flow Exhaust
Dinan claims these bump the MCS to 205HP. The Stage 3 Suspension needs to be installed to complete the "S2" Signature Package. I'm contemplating it, but it will certainly be dependent on funds - I'd also like to do something to improve braking, but I'm still undecided.
Last edited by Scavenger; Jan 26, 2007 at 06:55 PM. Reason: Slight re-wording
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 151
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From: Lorton, VA
Not sure if it is still there - but I also have been considering Dinan stuff and MINI of Sterling had a used MCS with the Dinan power upgrades that was available for test drives.
Scavenger - cool new sig! Did you do the Dinan logo yourself?
Scavenger - cool new sig! Did you do the Dinan logo yourself?
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 2
Acorin,
Yeh, just did the sig update. Glad you like it. Yeh, Edge and I test drove that Dinan car that MoS had. It has since been sold. Mine and that one are the only Dinan cars they're aware of in this area! Kinda cool
Yeh, just did the sig update. Glad you like it. Yeh, Edge and I test drove that Dinan car that MoS had. It has since been sold. Mine and that one are the only Dinan cars they're aware of in this area! Kinda cool
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 151
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From: Lorton, VA
Scavenger, you've probably commented on this elsewhere on NAM, but how do you like the look and sound of the Dinan exhaust?
Also, do I understand correctly that Dinan doesn't use a pulley reduction? Do you have another pulley on your car or are you running straight Dinan stuff at this point?
thanks, sorry for all the questions...
Also, do I understand correctly that Dinan doesn't use a pulley reduction? Do you have another pulley on your car or are you running straight Dinan stuff at this point?
thanks, sorry for all the questions...
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,692
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The prices are listed on Dinans website, so it's pretty easy to total it up. They also list labor times. So, multiply that by your favorite / local dealers labor rate and you'll have a good figure.
The Dinan exhaust is certainly louder than the stock S but in a good...na, great way! It may be one of the loudest exhausts out there... well, Fireballed Tim's car has INSANE exhausts , but anyway, I like the exhaust.
The Dinan boost upgrade kit does include a 15% reduction pulley and new belt.
Scavenger, you've probably commented on this elsewhere on NAM, but how do you like the look and sound of the Dinan exhaust?
Also, do I understand correctly that Dinan doesn't use a pulley reduction? Do you have another pulley on your car or are you running straight Dinan stuff at this point?
thanks, sorry for all the questions...
Also, do I understand correctly that Dinan doesn't use a pulley reduction? Do you have another pulley on your car or are you running straight Dinan stuff at this point?
thanks, sorry for all the questions...
The Dinan boost upgrade kit does include a 15% reduction pulley and new belt.
Last edited by Scavenger; Jan 27, 2007 at 07:37 AM. Reason: Add Quotes
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,911
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From: Ellicott City, MD
Hmm..I don't know. Dinan kit sounds really good, but I already have more than half of the JCW in my MINI already. I might have to stick with it.
