What did you do to your mini today?
Got the JCW engine control software installed today. Nudnik seems a lot smoother, idles better, pulls a little harder when you stomp the go pedal, and no longer has the slight "flat spot" at around 3k RPM. Further updates as I have more time driving it, but so far, I'm happy. While he was plugged in, I also got a couple body control module settings turned on that I'd been wishing for forever.
C ya,
Dutch
Initial impressions and observations, after a round trip to work:
1. I noticed that the speedo now indicates speed in reverse, which it didn't previously.
2. After warming up, I got the impression that the JCW tune adds more timing advance at light-throttle cruise. The difference was about the same as I remember from the old air-cooled Beetle if you re-attached the loose vacuum hose to the dashpot on the distributor....
3. Idle is definitely smoother.
4. Light-throttle cruise results in far less exhaust sound--another clue that it gets a bit more timing advance at light-throttle than before.
5. Throttle curve is a bit quicker at the early stages, so that just thinking hard enough about maybe adding some throttle results in mild acceleration. No more off-the-line stumble thanks to the quicker throttle response, too, since it responds much more like my foot expects it to than it did before. Me likey!
6. Smoother throughout the RPM range, and a bit more oomph, too.
7. Gas mileage according to the meter is about the same. The true test will be doing the math at the end of the tank.
8. Cruise control now works much more accurately, without overshooting its target, and settles right in at the previously set speed when resuming.
C ya,
Dutch
Initial impressions and observations, after a round trip to work:
1. I noticed that the speedo now indicates speed in reverse, which it didn't previously.
2. After warming up, I got the impression that the JCW tune adds more timing advance at light-throttle cruise. The difference was about the same as I remember from the old air-cooled Beetle if you re-attached the loose vacuum hose to the dashpot on the distributor....
3. Idle is definitely smoother.
4. Light-throttle cruise results in far less exhaust sound--another clue that it gets a bit more timing advance at light-throttle than before.
5. Throttle curve is a bit quicker at the early stages, so that just thinking hard enough about maybe adding some throttle results in mild acceleration. No more off-the-line stumble thanks to the quicker throttle response, too, since it responds much more like my foot expects it to than it did before. Me likey!
6. Smoother throughout the RPM range, and a bit more oomph, too.
7. Gas mileage according to the meter is about the same. The true test will be doing the math at the end of the tank.
8. Cruise control now works much more accurately, without overshooting its target, and settles right in at the previously set speed when resuming.
Do you have the pulley, intake and exhaust done? I have the same tune and it make a big difference on mine (IMHO). The stumble on pulling away from a stop came back on mine after a while. D@mn adaptations. But I had some of the BCM options turned on yesterday and after the reset it woke it back up. I expect it will come back again.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 112
From: Mount Doom, Mordor
Do you have the pulley, intake and exhaust done? I have the same tune and it make a big difference on mine (IMHO). The stumble on pulling away from a stop came back on mine after a while. D@mn adaptations. But I had some of the BCM options turned on yesterday and after the reset it woke it back up. I expect it will come back again.
C ya,
Dutch
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 0
From: Maryland, USA
scuffed the outer rim of my black EDR9 rims Anyone recommend a wheel paint that will duplicate color and satin finish?
I replaced the first rim I scratched, so can't justify another replacement. Gotta face it, they are gonna get scuffed, etc. So just want to blend it in, so not that noticable...erg
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 112
From: Mount Doom, Mordor
scuffed the outer rim of my black EDR9 rims Anyone recommend a wheel paint that will duplicate color and satin finish?
I replaced the first rim I scratched, so can't justify another replacement. Gotta face it, they are gonna get scuffed, etc. So just want to blend it in, so not that noticable...erg
C ya,
Dutch
Giggles, try "bumper paint", it's sturdy and has that nice, kinda-but-not-quite-shiny look. Mask carefully, of course do a test patch on another non-Mini metal surface first.
(edit: Black Sharpie is a cool temporary solution! Be sure to clean it with solvent before applying real paint though).
(edit: Black Sharpie is a cool temporary solution! Be sure to clean it with solvent before applying real paint though).
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 0
From: Maryland, USA
Giggles, try "bumper paint", it's sturdy and has that nice, kinda-but-not-quite-shiny look. Mask carefully, of course do a test patch on another non-Mini metal surface first.
(edit: Black Sharpie is a cool temporary solution! Be sure to clean it with solvent before applying real paint though).
(edit: Black Sharpie is a cool temporary solution! Be sure to clean it with solvent before applying real paint though).
Can't wait to meet you at The Dragon
!! Signed up for Bingo..
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 0
From: Robertsdale, Alabama
Got my Megan Racing Coilovers, h-sport camber links installed today as well as an alignment. WOW - now the Mini really feels like a go-cart.
So happy and satisfied.
Here are a few pics. Oh, install was courtesy of Mini of Pensacola.
So happy and satisfied.
Here are a few pics. Oh, install was courtesy of Mini of Pensacola.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
Had Safelite install a new windshield today (via my insurance and the fact that the thing was pitted all to heck) and it went flawlessly. It wasn't OEM glass but I don't notice a different other than I can see clearly through the front of my car now, lol.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 0
From: Robertsdale, Alabama
Safelite must not be too bad, my wife has had 2 chips repaired and no problems.
Also, while at Mini of Pensacola today I noticed a Safelite truck leaving their garage so they use Safelite. This is also a reg. BMW shop as well.
Also, while at Mini of Pensacola today I noticed a Safelite truck leaving their garage so they use Safelite. This is also a reg. BMW shop as well.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
Yeah, they came to my work and replaced it in the parking lot in 45 minutes. He took his time and from what I can tell, did it correctly.. All the moulding is back in place and feels like it won't move anytime soon.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 754
Likes: 1
From: Mt. Pleasant, SC
I had Safelite fill a chip (also through my insurance), the resin fill isn't perfect, can still see the chip if you look hard enough but it'll hold!
Also, my MINI became an only child today, its sibilings went to new homes! Sad and happy day..all in one.
Also, my MINI became an only child today, its sibilings went to new homes! Sad and happy day..all in one.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Long Island, NY
Got my new badges yesterday. 
You all may be familiar with COOPERation - he did my sig and many, many others here. Well he designed these as well as the T-shirts for my run. Did them last year, too. Talk about an easy guy to work with! I've yet to meet Craig in person, so we've done business by e-mail - I'm amazed at what he can do and how quickly he made the changes I wanted. And we must have gone through 7 or so changes to this badge. If you ever need graphics work done and want to work with the best, Craig's the MAN! 
You all may be familiar with COOPERation - he did my sig and many, many others here. Well he designed these as well as the T-shirts for my run. Did them last year, too. Talk about an easy guy to work with! I've yet to meet Craig in person, so we've done business by e-mail - I'm amazed at what he can do and how quickly he made the changes I wanted. And we must have gone through 7 or so changes to this badge. If you ever need graphics work done and want to work with the best, Craig's the MAN!
drsimmons, how much did you drop your mini, what are the current heights to the fender arches? It looks really good, like your sig says, 'tastefully modded'. Well done.
Mike
Mike
Well, I added some more carbon fiber goodies today: NM Engineering CF scuttles, CARBONMINI CARBONPRO CF gas cap overlay, JCW CF boot handle, and CF mirror cover overlays. The NM Engineering CF front lip ws added a couple days ago. The CARBONMINI CARBONPRO CF door handle overlays will be here in a couple days, as well as the new wheels and tires and NM Engineering Stainless cat-back exhaust. Next pics will have these. The M7 Tuning CF C-wing is still on backorder for the next 7-9 weeks.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 0
From: Robertsdale, Alabama
Those are Megan Racing Coilovers and from ground to bottom of wheel arch is 24.5" front and back. Those coilovers are awesome. They are easy to adjust and have 32 damping settings. Mine are set at 16 (mid range) and not bumpy at all.
Didn't want much more than that for daily driver (height wise).
Also, if it helps those are 16" wheels w/ 205/50/16's.
Last edited by drsimmons; Apr 17, 2012 at 06:33 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Its what I'm looking to do this weekend that I am posting about. I want to do swap my front and rear speaker outputs at the connector and am looking to borrow that special molex tool.
Anybody have that tool I can borrow?
If not, anybody know where to get one? Checked a place like radio shack but they didnt show anything online... hmm?
Anybody have that tool I can borrow?
If not, anybody know where to get one? Checked a place like radio shack but they didnt show anything online... hmm?
I will Never, Ever use Safelite again. Windshield installed incorrectly, stress cracked, help on the replacement only when my insurance guy got involved, separate installer and AGAIN incorrect, broke the mounting tabs on the A-pillars AND the iwindshield trim during the install. Never. Again. Their jingle is correct - Safelite Reiapr, (then because they did it wrong), Safelite Replace (again and again). Yurgh.
Giggles, see you @ Bingo! I'll be the guy up front, calling numbers ("O - 69" always gets a laugh). BUmper Paint at any car parts store, but it's only a spray. You DO want to paint that rash, as it'll oxidize otherwise, but Sharpie will make a good temporary repair.
What'd I do with MY Mini today? Drove in a convoy with a R56 Justa, a R50 modified Justa, a 2006 GP, and my 2006 Checkmate. Wonderful.
Giggles, see you @ Bingo! I'll be the guy up front, calling numbers ("O - 69" always gets a laugh). BUmper Paint at any car parts store, but it's only a spray. You DO want to paint that rash, as it'll oxidize otherwise, but Sharpie will make a good temporary repair.
What'd I do with MY Mini today? Drove in a convoy with a R56 Justa, a R50 modified Justa, a 2006 GP, and my 2006 Checkmate. Wonderful.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 31
From: wisconsin, usa
today i turned off the DSC and Traction, found a tight twisty road and discovered that it IS possible to induce throttle oversteer on a countryman s all4!
i have the pirelli cinturato p7 RFs 225/45-18s
scott
i have the pirelli cinturato p7 RFs 225/45-18s
scott