What did you do to your mini today?
Well technically, I did it two night ago but I was too tired from work yesterday and the Dark Knight Rises premiere to upload this:-).
But I changed my grille trim to a JCW black trim and the JCW black mesh side scuttles and also Outmotoring threw in a license plate frame made by them and I got that in red text. She's a beauty.
Sorry picture was used from my phone(crappy photo).
But I changed my grille trim to a JCW black trim and the JCW black mesh side scuttles and also Outmotoring threw in a license plate frame made by them and I got that in red text. She's a beauty.
Sorry picture was used from my phone(crappy photo).
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 112
From: Mount Doom, Mordor
Finally did what I should have when I installed my vacuum/boost gauge....
Just got done fabricating tiny hose clamps for all the vacuum/boost gauge connections, out of 19 ga. galvanized steel wire I picked up at Lowe's.
Three loops around, then twist like a twistie-tie on a loaf of bread, and voila, hose clamp!
I also learned just how *easy* it is to swap the injectors in/out, as it was far easier to get at the connection to the fuel pressure regulator's boost/vacuum tap with the fuel rail loose from the engine. Gotta get some 380s or 400s sometime soon....
C ya,
Dutch
Just got done fabricating tiny hose clamps for all the vacuum/boost gauge connections, out of 19 ga. galvanized steel wire I picked up at Lowe's.
Three loops around, then twist like a twistie-tie on a loaf of bread, and voila, hose clamp!
I also learned just how *easy* it is to swap the injectors in/out, as it was far easier to get at the connection to the fuel pressure regulator's boost/vacuum tap with the fuel rail loose from the engine. Gotta get some 380s or 400s sometime soon....
C ya,
Dutch
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
First mod/Upgrade coming....
Sorry Not REALLY the first mod As I put a nameless aftermarket SS Exhaust line (Ordered invidia got no name megan copycat couldn't send it back but turns out sounds great and no drone AT all 
)
Ok so it's not really a today thing but a more "in the next two weeks thing"
I left our 2004 MCS at our new mechanic (german car specialist who didn't looked at me whit disdain even having 2 porshes and a s5 on stand in the garage and yeah I hard a heck of time finding a good import mechanic that would take the Mini)
So left the car there on Wednesday (during our vacation) and I'm getting her back in 2 weeks time.
She's going in for a small check up
So just finished ordering the parts;
Megan Coilovers (Yeah I know but they'll do t'ill next year Heck I might even like them who knows, some do don't be shy heard the new one don't even need cutting the strut towers and that they don't leak anymore)
Alta 19MM Rear Sway Bar (R53)
Alta R53 Mini Rear Endlinks
Alta Ignition and Supercharger Pulley Kit
MSD coilpack
Magnecore wires
Brisk spark plugs
15% pulley and belt
Tensioner stop
Alta Rear Mini Control Arms (R53)
H&R 5mm Spacers w/ 12mm Bolts
ALTA Intercooler Couplers for R53 Mini Cooper (Red)
Alta MINI R53 Intercooler Air Diverter (Red)
He's also doing the VGS thing, makes sur the BPV is still sharp and seats well, cleaning the IC, flushing all and I say all fluids (supercharger, clutch etc....)
K&N CAI in modifed OEM box (he does that a lot on audis and bimmers)
New front oem link kits
new ball joints and bearings
It's supposed to feel like she's better than brand new even with 175 000 kilometers on it (Ruffly 110 000 miles )
I Just paid the After market part
I looking forward to getting her back and setting her up to my taste but I can say that I don't really look forward to his bill
Anyhow I'm Sssssoooooooo excited about that!!!!
)Ok so it's not really a today thing but a more "in the next two weeks thing"
I left our 2004 MCS at our new mechanic (german car specialist who didn't looked at me whit disdain even having 2 porshes and a s5 on stand in the garage
and yeah I hard a heck of time finding a good import mechanic that would take the Mini)So left the car there on Wednesday (during our vacation) and I'm getting her back in 2 weeks time.
She's going in for a small check up
So just finished ordering the parts;
Megan Coilovers (Yeah I know but they'll do t'ill next year Heck I might even like them who knows, some do don't be shy heard the new one don't even need cutting the strut towers and that they don't leak anymore)
Alta 19MM Rear Sway Bar (R53)
Alta R53 Mini Rear Endlinks
Alta Ignition and Supercharger Pulley Kit
MSD coilpack
Magnecore wires
Brisk spark plugs
15% pulley and belt
Tensioner stop
Alta Rear Mini Control Arms (R53)
H&R 5mm Spacers w/ 12mm Bolts
ALTA Intercooler Couplers for R53 Mini Cooper (Red)
Alta MINI R53 Intercooler Air Diverter (Red)
He's also doing the VGS thing, makes sur the BPV is still sharp and seats well, cleaning the IC, flushing all and I say all fluids (supercharger, clutch etc....)
K&N CAI in modifed OEM box (he does that a lot on audis and bimmers)
New front oem link kits
new ball joints and bearings
It's supposed to feel like she's better than brand new even with 175 000 kilometers on it (Ruffly 110 000 miles )
I Just paid the After market part
I looking forward to getting her back and setting her up to my taste but I can say that I don't really look forward to his bill
Anyhow I'm Sssssoooooooo excited about that!!!!
Last edited by Doc_Savage; Jul 20, 2012 at 01:47 PM. Reason: Mistake
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Long Island, NY
Enkei Imola's are also my favorites, especially in the dark grey. Can't wait to put mine back on for the winter. I think for next year I will be using them instead of the Challenge wheels for summer use. The Challenge wheels look OK after being cleaned, but after just one day of brake dust they look kinda fugly.
As soon as your OEM rotors and pads are spent, aftermarket options will do wonders with brake dust. I went from cleaning wheels every other day (it seemed anyway) to being pretty content with a once a week wash.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: Riverside SoCal
First Oil Change
Decided to DIY the first oil change and switch over to Mobil 1 0w40. So I gathered up my tools and some old 2x6 boards that I had laying around to make some ramps. Pretty easy, but I'll let the dealer do the next one.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Simi Valley, CA
Increased the psi in my fairly new 215/45/17 Continental Extreme Contact DW tires from 38 -> 40. What a difference! 
Turn-in and cornering are much crisper now (without a harsher ride).
I would never go back to my Pirelli Pzero run-flats, but as much as I expected my new DWs to be a tad softer in the corners, I missed the crisp turn-in of the RFs. Bumping the factory psi up a notch made a noticeable difference.
I love free "mods"
Turn-in and cornering are much crisper now (without a harsher ride).I would never go back to my Pirelli Pzero run-flats, but as much as I expected my new DWs to be a tad softer in the corners, I missed the crisp turn-in of the RFs. Bumping the factory psi up a notch made a noticeable difference.
I love free "mods"
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Long Island, NY
Hey! There's no MINI in that picture! 
Loaded my ASA's into my father's Explorer - a fellow NAM'er will be the proud new owner of those wheels tomorrow morning.
I may have my Enkei's by the end of the week.
Loaded my ASA's into my father's Explorer - a fellow NAM'er will be the proud new owner of those wheels tomorrow morning.
I may have my Enkei's by the end of the week.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,461
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, WA
Here's your MINI pic. Albie!!
You'll have to pardon the Braces Look, she had a bit of an accident and the Body Shop did not order the proper grill. She'll be all fixed up on Tuesday, hopefully!!
You'll have to pardon the Braces Look, she had a bit of an accident and the Body Shop did not order the proper grill. She'll be all fixed up on Tuesday, hopefully!!
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 112
From: Mount Doom, Mordor
I spotted Nudnik (and I) in this article in MOTOR TREND!!!
Picture #47 of 55, right behind the red S....
C ya,
Dutch
Picture #47 of 55, right behind the red S....
C ya,
Dutch
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Portland, Oregon
Just got a couple of things dropped in the mail for her...
a new STB from Dinan since they are liquidating there mini inventory (50% off!)
and then I just happened to come across an MC40 shift **** on ebay, the only "original" piece missing from the car when I picked it up, feeling pretty lucky since I have been trying to track one of these down since december!!!
a new STB from Dinan since they are liquidating there mini inventory (50% off!)
and then I just happened to come across an MC40 shift **** on ebay, the only "original" piece missing from the car when I picked it up, feeling pretty lucky since I have been trying to track one of these down since december!!!
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 777
Likes: 1
From: Richardson, TX
Well technically, I did it two night ago but I was too tired from work yesterday and the Dark Knight Rises premiere to upload this:-).
But I changed my grille trim to a JCW black trim and the JCW black mesh side scuttles and also Outmotoring threw in a license plate frame made by them and I got that in red text. She's a beauty.
Sorry picture was used from my phone(crappy photo).
But I changed my grille trim to a JCW black trim and the JCW black mesh side scuttles and also Outmotoring threw in a license plate frame made by them and I got that in red text. She's a beauty.
Sorry picture was used from my phone(crappy photo).
No, no glue or any extra parts needed. I did it all myself and yes they give you the rivets with it. So trust me should take you like 3 minutes literally! Good luck!
