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Electrical Mod Ideas?

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Old Dec 10, 2008 | 11:54 PM
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Mod Ideas?

OK so I have a problem.. I will have 2 weeks for christmas break free from everything and I will be bored out of my mind. So I need some ideas for some mods to do to my 04 mini cooper s. heres what I've done so far:
Took out the cd deck and heater/ac controls and replace it with a touch screen.
Hooked up the ac controls, windows, headlights, windshield wipers, iginition, locks, and blinkers to a microcontroller that can be controlled from my car computer.
Programed my cell phone to control the devices that are hooked up to the microcontroller via bluetooth. The car unlocks when the phone is close and the car locks when the phone is close.
Put in a push start button on the panel that controls the side mirrors. The car can't start without the phone in being close. When the phone gets to far the windows roll up car turns off and the doors lock. I think there is more I just can't think of them. Anyway I need some ideas for more mods to do to my car.
Thanks
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 10:42 AM
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Go for a nice long drive and enjoy the car?
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 10:48 AM
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Put some Frickin Laser Beams on it.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 11:04 AM
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so what happens if you lose the phone? is there a safety bypass?
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 11:16 AM
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A long drive is always nice, but i enjoy taking apart my car and adding things more.

hmm what good would laser beams do?

funny you mention that, last night i was talking on my phone and it just reset on me so my car turned off. But I just finished this a few days ago so I haven't had time to put in the safety parts. I will make it so you can type a password on the computer if the car is in motion and if you type it in it resumes functionality.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 11:20 AM
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Heh... I was going to ask "What happens if your phone or bluetooth dies when you're driving down the freeway?"

Now we know...
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 11:42 AM
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You could write detailed instructions with lots of pictures for each of these mods and email then to me to be published in the NAM Alliance Magazine. So long as they are somewhat well written and publishable you can earn a few bucks too.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 11:58 AM
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Originally Posted by batrugger
Put some Frickin Laser Beams on it.
someone's done it: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-w-lasers.html

I don't think it's very safe though.

the only mods I can think of are performance oriented, but it seems you like automated electronics mods

Install a HUD with a G-meter on some other screen for the passengers. A g-meter is quite distracting when driving
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by MINI_chili
someone's done it: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-w-lasers.html

I don't think it's very safe though.

the only mods I can think of are performance oriented, but it seems you like automated electronics mods

Install a HUD with a G-meter on some other screen for the passengers. A g-meter is quite distracting when driving
Yes I know, that's why I said it.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 12:14 PM
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Wow! you can do some of those cool mods to my car!

Try to doing what gnat said. Not the smart !@# part about the drive but the how to part. That would be cool and a great resource.

Happy holidays!
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by gnatster
You could write detailed instructions with lots of pictures for each of these mods and email then to me to be published in the NAM Alliance Magazine. So long as they are somewhat well written and publishable you can earn a few bucks too.

Sure I don't see why not, I have never done a diy guide before though. Do I just start a new thread with tons of pictures? I guess ill start with the simple ones first. Ill start taking pictures tomorrow.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by BlimeyCabrio
Heh... I was going to ask "What happens if your phone or bluetooth dies when you're driving down the freeway?"

Now we know...
Yeah quite funny. but ill work out that problem over the weekend
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 03:04 PM
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Do you have any performance parts? A pulley, cai, or some go fast parts from Jan! Or maybe a bigger rear sway bar.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by drsilvermini
Do you have any performance parts? A pulley, cai, or some go fast parts from Jan! Or maybe a bigger rear sway bar.
I installed a cold air intake and the jcw 380cc fuel injectors. What would take me a while to install that will give me the most bang for the buck. I was looking at the alta twurbo but that is to much. What can I do for around $1000?
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by alexeb112
Sure I don't see why not, I have never done a diy guide before though. Do I just start a new thread with tons of pictures? I guess ill start with the simple ones first. Ill start taking pictures tomorrow.
To get it published in the magazine I'll need it in in Word or something similar. Mark in the text where the pictures go. Email it to editor@northamericanmotoring.com If you are serious and want more details as to how to go about the process drop me an email at the above address with some contact info and I'll get with you and help guide you in the writing process.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by alexeb112
I installed a cold air intake and the jcw 380cc fuel injectors. What would take me a while to install that will give me the most bang for the buck. I was looking at the alta twurbo but that is to much. What can I do for around $1000?
Injectors and no pulley? hmmm okay...well a pulley is only going to be around $150, RMW cam $400, and then you can get a custom tune to finish it off for around $300-$400 depending on which shop. You will feel a huge difference
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by drsilvermini
Injectors and no pulley? hmmm okay...well a pulley is only going to be around $150, RMW cam $400, and then you can get a custom tune to finish it off for around $300-$400 depending on which shop. You will feel a huge difference
That sounds good.. I feel stupid asking, but i couldn't find it on google, what is RMW?
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by alexeb112
That sounds good.. I feel stupid asking, but i couldn't find it on google, what is RMW?
Revolution Mini Works, search here on NAM for RMW, Revolution Mini Works, or simply Jan. Jan runs RMW and makes some of the best parts for mini's. He also does custom tune sessions. http://www.revolutionmini.com/ here is his website but it doesnt list all of his products, but it does have his phone number, so you can call and talk to him about his suggestions and products.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 06:56 PM
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RMW is great, but if you're like me and 1500 miles from Cali its not an option. A bypass valve is a bit time consuming and ensures you will push proper boost. It won't add power though. Oil Catch Can is a longevity product that is worth it to protect your engine/IC. Together you're looking at under $275 but it would be a start. I'm in the same situation. Not only do I have Christmas Break from SLU (St. Louis University), but my girlfriend is off to Alaska from Christmas to New Years Eve. I have a lot done, but my parts list is as follows

EBC Yellowstuff Brake Pads
Crossdrilled Rotors
Voltmeter
Boost Gauge
CF front/rear strut tower bars
Low-Profile ECU Cover
Aero Grille
Parcel Tray
Schroth Harness (pass. side)
Rewire and clean up existing wiring
Paint Brake Calipers
Engine Dress-up Mods
New Intercooler (thermal coated stock IC-Don't diss it, most FMICs are overrated)
Nothing huge, but a lot of little things. Happy Motoring, PM me if you have questions. Good Luck

BTW Photos and how-tos would be cool!
 
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 07:55 PM
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a bpv isnt really necessary imho, all you need is a boost gauge to make sure you are boosting properly, and as far as an occ all you need to do is clean your intercooler every once in a while. If you want power though go with a pulley and cam. You dont need a tune since you have the injectors, but it would help. I'm 3000 miles away from cali btw!
 
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Old Dec 12, 2008 | 02:45 AM
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Hookup your CarPC to the IBus and program a set of custom gauges to display the Ibus data on the screen?

Make an OBD to USB controller for the PC and then display the OBD data as well?

Sun visor mounted screens for DVD playback from PC?

BTW, where did you mount the PC?
I have mine in the trunk inside the CD changer mounting bracket and some in the cubby space behind it.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2008 | 03:09 PM
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Originally Posted by drsilvermini
a bpv isnt really necessary imho, all you need is a boost gauge to make sure you are boosting properly, and as far as an occ all you need to do is clean your intercooler every once in a while. If you want power though go with a pulley and cam. You dont need a tune since you have the injectors, but it would help. I'm 3000 miles away from cali btw!

Unless you have a pre-03 car, you have no idea how necessary a DT BPV is.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2008 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by not-so-rednwhitecooper
Unless you have a pre-03 car, you have no idea how necessary a DT BPV is.
Really? I have a Jan. 03 build, and haven't had any problems, should I be concerned?
 
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Old Dec 12, 2008 | 06:59 PM
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Alright the DT BPV sounds like a good idea, ill do that. And the ibus is right up my alley so that will be fun. Also the dvd idea gave me an other idea, a mini projector in the car that will project onto a motorized screen. And how since its freezing here I thought about a hot/cold water dispencer powered by a peltier, so I can make hot coco or tea. I cant wait for the break now.
Also for who ever asked I made a case for my carpc and it also holds my amp and sub. Its a nice box
 
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Old Dec 13, 2008 | 07:01 AM
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Originally Posted by alexeb112
Alright the DT BPV sounds like a good idea, ill do that. And the ibus is right up my alley so that will be fun. Also the dvd idea gave me an other idea, a mini projector in the car that will project onto a motorized screen. And how since its freezing here I thought about a hot/cold water dispencer powered by a peltier, so I can make hot coco or tea. I cant wait for the break now.
Also for who ever asked I made a case for my carpc and it also holds my amp and sub. Its a nice box

Hot Coco now were talking
 
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