This is what I call major down force!

 

I purchased and installed a new windshield cowl on my "new" 2009 MINI Cooper hatchback S.
It was easy, thanks to the forum streams. I need to give it a name. Any suggestions?

 

Over the past month or so, my clutch began making me aware that it’s life was over. So, I began researching all the options available for my 2009 R56 Cooper S. The options were confusing and somewhat limited. I thought about converting the original dual mass flywheel (DMF) with a single mass flywheel (SMF) but decided that the reviews on the forums were not results that I wanted. So I replaced the DMF and clutch components with OEM parts.

While my mechanic had the entire engine out (his preference, I didn’t care) I went ahead and replaced the timing chain components as a preventative measure. I also ordered the Alta downpipe back exhaust for a little extra horsepower. He checked the turbo oil line (no leaks) but opted not to install the Detroit-tuned replacement that I ordered. I’ll save that for later when I replace the downpipe. Everything else looked fine and we put it all back together and it works great! The clutch wasn’t all that great when I bought the car 2 years ago but now, I can already tell a big difference. I’ve only been driving the car for about an hour and part of that was in the rain but it definitely seems to pull a little harder than it did before. I’m taking it easy on the new clutch until the break-in period is over (allegedly 400-500 miles) but I jut can’t help giving it a little more gas than necessary at the stop light!

The reason I am posting this however is to warn people about the loudness of the new exhaust system. IT’S REALLY LOUD! I do have several bolt-on performance items and I now have the Alta AccessPort set at Stage 3 so these may play a part in the loudness. I watched all the Youtube videos that I could find concerning the sound of the exhaust and I really liked the sounds that I was hearing. However, the volume inside the cabin is really, really loud! I like it, I suppose but I was very surprised at how much louder it was than I expected.
Just FYI!

 

Wow! I've heard of naming your MINI but naming your cowl is truly unconventional. Here goes. How about Cowlick?

 

Or, how about a nice lady name like Cowletta?

 

Cowlick? Hey, I think I like it.

 

Motored a few hundred miles to Charleston SC MINI w/Coastal Mini Club and test drove a 2014 S manual. Man that transmission is smooth.
One of the club members that I test drove with had the stick come off in his hand. That made for a underwear check moment for both of us.

 

Changed the oil. Fixed my rattling exhaust. Fixed my DDM intake box that was suddenly hitting up against the BSH boost tap (by fix, I mean I cut off the corner...lol). Change spark plugs to the colder NGK's. Hand washed, clayed and waxed. Got a wheel alignment. Realized that I need 5mm spacers up front.

Then I drove the MINI to grab some beers and relax!

 

I took a quick drive with the new suspension parts. She rides a lot nicer. It had a twitch before and that's gone. I'm only part way there. The Bilstein STs will go on next weekend. Then off for an alignment.

 

Gave him a bath today...

 

Ordered a bunch of goodies for my MINI. I will post up Pics as the transformation unfolds...

 

Not today, but very recently, I treated Fergus and I to our first track day. Was super nervous at first but had a great coach, settled down and had a blast. Learned so much and gained a lot of confidence in the car's handling abilities. Got dusted on the straights by Bimmers, Audis and Porches but by end of day was hanging in there on the turns and was happy when I got to pass For a long time afterward I felt like I had meditated for hours AND had repeated adrenaline dumps. Quite a cocktail! My life just got much more expensive.

 

Not even a peek at the list, Roxpin72?

 

Finally had time to install rally lights.

 

Awesome job on the rally lights. I think they really set the MINI off well.. I need to install a pair!

 

Hey please pm me the name of the rally light kit, that's next on my list. Looks really good.

 

Bath at the worst car wash ever. I put 1.25 in a vac and it lasted 30 secconds. The pressure washer was bad too, my hose at home puts out more pressure lol. Good thing I didn't have no road tar or anything like that on my baby. She's still clean from the clay bar. Really thinking about selling my iPad Air 64gb 4g so I can buy a lowering kit. I took a exit ramp at 60 today and I felt the *** end give out, I want suspention!

 

In every case where self tappers were used for front splitters that I am aware of, they ripped right out once reaching highway speeds. What you have here is a SLT test or static load test. Ok for a temporary barbell rack.


Once at highway speeds it will probably rip right out.

 

Playing with plastidip

 

Great running lights add! I guess now I'll need some of those! We're moving from Nebraska to South Carolina. Replacing the runflats and new brakes are on the menu. Any suggestions? No run flats. Hate them. The fronts are like racing slicks now so has to be done. What's good for SC roads? Of course after a few new paychecks from my new awesome job, I'll add the sway bars and fun exhaust stuff for fun. The Dragon is only a day away. Ooooh boy!

 

Changed the manual tranny fluid. Fluid was black. To be expected with ~65K. I put in Redline D4 ATF. I won't say its a dramatic difference, but cold (cold tranny, not cold outside) shifting was improved. Not so notchy. I'm glad I got 3 liters instead of just 2. I filled 2 and there was a slight dribble. But I was still able to fill another 1/4 of the third liter before it actually came out as a stream. Plus, if I need more (which I probably won't) I have a little extra sitting in the garage

 

you only changed 33% of the total fluid. are you planning on drain/filling 2-3 more times in the near future? that should get most of the old stuff out.

 

I'm sorry, I forgot to specify this is a manual transmission. I should have figured it would confuse some considering I'm using an ATF fluid.


I'll go back and edit that to alleviate any further confusion

 

I installed my OEM LED DRL kit and they are awesome. The pic doesn't do the lighting kit justice.

 

4+ hrs on the highway doing an average speed of 85MPH....still in place with no signs of it wanting to go anywhere....

i did the math out, even at 120 MPH there is only a load of ~40lbs on the front of the splitter.......thats ~3lbs per screw.....and thats not taking into account the splitter support, which is bearing the brunt of that load......

.....splitter isnt going anywhere any time soon.......