That is indeed the exhaust I saw on the road. Thanks for the link! I'll look into the Remus.

Thanks,
/zp

 

UPDATE AGAIN: I posted a while back about my CheckEngine light. I still haven't seen it and the car's running great. The new ECU musta fixed it!

So.... now, what's the next mod I should get?

Seriously, I'm thinking about putting in camber plates and replacing my 22mm RSB with a milder 19mm. Some springs might be nice too, but I'm still undecided.

 

I have the camber plates from dinan. I would suggest to get the plates from irland engineering.

 

OH? Are the IE plates better? Is there any particular problem with the Dinan plates?

 

are there any dinan products for the MC? I havn't searched yet but I figured I would ask anyways.

edit: just looked at the site.. sad tobad they don't. How much camber do their camber plates provide, and I take it they are fixed?

 

Good question, I'm looking at their site, I am suspecting that you could put any of the non-power mods on such as suspension and brakes.

You'd need to check the clearance of the strut bar over the battery box and probably get larger wheels to clear the brakes.

 

Im choosing a diff rotue here I dont want to read 20+ pages... anyone who has the Dinan High flow TB let me know what you think, is it work the $$$ I do plan on getting the boost kit shortly... Is there any preformace diffrance. Keep in mind I have the S1 package -floor mats...

 

and Steve Dinan swears it makes a difference. He's very data driven. They don't insist on a core, so you get to keep yours as a back up. I tested the stock against a 60mm and a 62mm and didn't see much of difference (using a G-Tech and road acceleration tests), so I'm not sure how much of a difference there is, or what exactly it's dependant on. Flip a coin?

Matt

 

I have the same problem im assuming. This has happened before, but this weekend i had to get the car towed. After idleing for a few minutes, the car suddenly started "sputtering and shaking" then stalled. She wouldnt start at all again. I then waited about an hour, tried the startin the car again and nothing! So finally, i decided to get the car towed home.

It almost seems to be a "bad gas" issue, but this has happened before a few months ago but on the highway! It seems to be throttle related, and this started happenin after the DINAN mods were installed. I had the DINAN upgrades installed back in March of this year. Since then, ive had this issue happen 3 times now. The worst was this weekend when she wouldnt start at all and had to get her towed. Better this happen while the car was parked at a stand still and not on the highway i guess. It was really scary when it happened on the highway! It lost power at highway speed and i had to pullover! Thank god there was no one on my *** ! After sitting for a few minutes, she started up and i was able to go home with some more "sputtering and shaking" but by that time i was on backroads and got home safely. Then the car was fine, until this weekend.

Also, the nite before, i was stuck in heavy traffic going to a local mall (happens too frequently around here in NJ) and this "issue" only seems to occur when encountering heavy traffic! Really weird. It seems as if the TB gets stuck or something. The worst part, is my DINAN dealr that did the install is in CT and i have to take the car to them. Im hoping they clear this up and find a Code. I swear this is the same issue im having and i noticed you have an 03 too

 

Port MCS: You will need a replacement TB. It sounds like you went into limp mode - quite a shocking experience when you don't expect it. Once you shut off your car you will be able to start your car again. However, I found that when my RMP went over 2300 or so, the Limp home mode cut in again, so keep your RMP down if that happens again. Once your TB is replaced, as mine was, it should be smooth. As to the cause, I never did get a full explanation, but I don't think it was bad gas.

 

ive had this problem a few times. there is also a known problem with the gas pedal or it could quiet be the tb in your cases. i take my pedal out and tap it on the ground and everything is ok.

 

^ Nope, i tried that. Its def the Dinan TB and they are aware of it.

Jim, thanks for the help! I def wanna get this resolved asap and im now seriously looking into the DINAN suspension set-up.

 

Vic: The DINAN suspension is a modification that you really do notice. There is always a balance that has to be made between comfort and performance. Sometimes with the DINAN stage 3 suspension, I just really, really, really want the road to smooth out. Sometimes though, I wouldn't trade the stability that this modification offers. There are very few vehicles that can keep pace in corners. DINAN gave a lot of thought to the suspension so if you are thinking about it you should go to stage 3. You will have to consider the capability of your tires also. Tires are an extension of your suspension. After the suspesnion change, I still had Dunlop flat-runs. For safety reasons, and I really mean safety reasons, I decided on the Eagle F1 GS-D3 215-40. This was a great match and the tires have proven to keep pace with the suspension system. It sounds like there will always be a lot to do (modify) but the car is a system and each part relies on another part.

I have not posted for a while. After the replacement of the TB the car has performed brillantly and is a thrill to drive so I have not had much to say. I use my car some of the time as a daily commute, so what I can say is that the DINAN suspension will not be an issue for your daily use.

 

Hey Vic, I noticed you have to bring your car back to the Dinan installer. But you don't have to go all the way back to CT, because there is an authorized dealer in NJ.

 

Danny, yes that is true. I found a DINAN dealer in "Wychoff NJ, and one of these days i will go down there and talk to the guys. I had to go to CT anyway for the Thanksgiving weekend (thats where im writing you all now) and the car is at the dealer now. DINAN over-nighted the updated TB so i should get the car back soon

1-I went here to CT for a few reasons as well as being a DINAN dealer, they installed my S1 kit back in march.

2- My service advisor Mike is a MINI owner and ethusiast and is on this forum. Great SA to make sure the car is taken care of. So many props to you Mike

3- He gives me a Loaner car while and whenever my Priscilla needs to be operated on at New country MINI. So another for Mike.

They will also be doing my DINAN suspension if i decide to go that route, which i seriously am looking into. Thanks again Jim for the tip. Though i have to go to DINAN's website again now because i forget what the difference is between the Stage 1, 2 and 3 Suspension. I know i already have a 22m rear swaybar, and i dont know if i really need camber plates.

 

The Dinan installer/vendor in Wycoff is "Motor Works West". They specialize in BMWs, mostly performance oriented. Their shop is really impressive, and Dave, the owner or head guy, is really nice and easy to work with. They installed my S1 and have done some other work to my car. I don't know if it was a result of their secretary leaving, but I had some work for them to do a few months ago, and they never returned my calls/emails, so I went elsewhere. When I eventually get a 15% pulley and need a software update, I'll give them another call.

One time I thought MINI reflashed my ecu (they told me they did), and Dave checked for the tune and made sure all was good for free.

mb

Edit - oh, and portmcs - I work in Westfield, so maybe I'll see you on the road some time!

 

MbCoops: you outta come to one of our Coffee meets we no in north central NJ. We usually do them once a month or so.

Back on topic, i basically have a S2 just without the suspension. The boost kit and stage 5 software and bigger TB alone is a BIG difference over stock, you will see the difference as well as more smiles

Yes, i called and talked to Dave at "Motor Works West" one day. Was a nice guy over the phone. I'll have to stop down there one day.

 

One way to compare DINAN cars is to add up the point value that DINAN assigns to each modification as listed on their website. The modifications and points are:
Free Flow Exhaust (3) Engine Software (2) Cold Air Intake (2)
Throttle Body (2) Boost Upgrade System (4) Cam Shaft (2)
Tower Brace (2) Suspension (5) Dinan Brakes (3)
So a DINAN car with all of the current DINAN modifications would have a point value of 25. I am in full agreement with Vic that the best points are earned getting to the boost sytem (Software, CAI, boost). The next best points involve the suspension. The DINAN Brembo brakes have issues as to whether or not they will fit with 17" wheels and there are some very good, less expensive performance brands to choose from that will fit 17" wheels. I would suggest that the least interesting modification involves the cam shaft which offers no more torque but costs a lot for just a few more HP. I would think of this as a racing only modification.

 

BLKDINAN is exactly right. I actually created a speadsheet of the points, I'll have to find it and post it.

 

I was probably going to add a 15% pulley without the fuel system or TB upgrade. I haven't spoken or read one single opinion besides Dinan's speaking to the necessity of the fuel system upgrade. DrO has some info. on this...

mb

 

Before having the S2 conversion, BLKDINAN had a 15% pulley with the TB and CAI. What I did notice was that at very high rpm (6800 and above) the car began to sputter. Since the modification, power is continuous till it cuts out at 7300. Because the useful torque and hp is available at lower rpm, I would think that the boost system upgrade only becomes an issue once you enter into the very high rpm range.

 

I'm looking for a CAI. I was planning on getting if from MINI Works, they had it for $200 for a long time but now it looks like they're only selling in Europe and don't list any Dinan products. Is there another vendor out there? What happened to MINI Works?

 

Check with your MINI dealers. That's the good thing about Dinan - warranty through the dealer.

 

That or check here --> http://www.dinancars.com/Mini.asp?Se...is=40&Model=91

just locate a DINAN dealer near you there.

 

The suspension that comes with the s2 upgrade for the mini cooper s is fully adjustable right? I know it's from Koni which in my book is already a plus