What did you do to your mini today?
Checked the oil. About 3,000 miles/7 months after purchase and it's looking low. Ordered the oil change kit with filter set and will pick up some oil shortly, should be changed by next week if time & family cooperates. It also gives me piece of mind it's the right oil. The GM dealership I bought it from used a synthetic 5W-30 but no idea which or if they actually did.
While ordering oil also ordered a number of other goodies. More updates on those when they come in.
While ordering oil also ordered a number of other goodies. More updates on those when they come in.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
Picked up some Chili Red touch up paint for the roof from the dealership today.
I was quoted on the phone CAD$35 (base coat / clear coat pair) which is a rip off. Arrived at the dealership and they wanted to charge list price of CAD$45 which is even more ridiculous. Anyways I did get if for quoted $35 in the end.
Visited an RV show locally last week and checked out some Airstreams from CanAM RV provided by London, Ontario, Canada. Made me think of revisiting this idea:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...osy-64160.html
They had a smart looking Chrysler 300 with a 30' (?) Airstream on show.
I was quoted on the phone CAD$35 (base coat / clear coat pair) which is a rip off. Arrived at the dealership and they wanted to charge list price of CAD$45 which is even more ridiculous. Anyways I did get if for quoted $35 in the end.
Visited an RV show locally last week and checked out some Airstreams from CanAM RV provided by London, Ontario, Canada. Made me think of revisiting this idea:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...osy-64160.html
They had a smart looking Chrysler 300 with a 30' (?) Airstream on show.
WOW thats interesting. Mine as well pull a tiny house haha thats what I want to do
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
My last MINI had some spots with touch up and it didn't flake by the time I returned it end of lease. It includes the base colour and a clear coat as well.
The MINI towing the Airstream is interesting. From what I understand it was setup for a Canadian dealership but may have since been sold to an American. It's definitely cheaper than having to purchase a truck or SUV just for towing I suppose.
The MINI towing the Airstream is interesting. From what I understand it was setup for a Canadian dealership but may have since been sold to an American. It's definitely cheaper than having to purchase a truck or SUV just for towing I suppose.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 40
From: Phoenix, AZ
Hope that helps!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
Know that site all too well! Hate that piece with a passion! Never understand why MINI created such a weak link on the motor.
Interesting piece from Amazon. There appears to be a concern with the amount of wobble when attached to the motor. Let us know how the install goes and if you experience it as well.
Interesting piece from Amazon. There appears to be a concern with the amount of wobble when attached to the motor. Let us know how the install goes and if you experience it as well.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
Well, I have been running that PRW for about a week now and I couldn't be more satisfied. I was quite impressed with it right out of the box. After mounting and testing before buttoning up the job, I didn't notice any wobble whatsoever. I'm running aftermarket engine mounts and it seems to have taken that NVH away. I'd buy it again.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Medina County Ohio
Bigger injectors and remap
Dropped in Fiveo Motor Sports 450cc Injectors and pulled the JCW Flash off the car and reworked it with Alientech/ECM Titanium. PM for JCW Stock Bin details if anyone wants it. Not sure if thats allowed but this stuff should be public information for how gd hard it is to find a Mini Bin on the web.
For: 2004 JCW Mini 19% Pulley and 450cc Injectors, Wizard of NoS 50 Shot, Custom Headers no cat JCW Cat back with bypass.
For: 2004 JCW Mini 19% Pulley and 450cc Injectors, Wizard of NoS 50 Shot, Custom Headers no cat JCW Cat back with bypass.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
Dropped in Fiveo Motor Sports 450cc Injectors and pulled the JCW Flash off the car and reworked it with Alientech/ECM Titanium. PM for JCW Stock Bin details if anyone wants it. Not sure if thats allowed but this stuff should be public information for how gd hard it is to find a Mini Bin on the web.
For: 2004 JCW Mini 19% Pulley and 450cc Injectors, Wizard of NoS 50 Shot, Custom Headers no cat JCW Cat back with bypass.
For: 2004 JCW Mini 19% Pulley and 450cc Injectors, Wizard of NoS 50 Shot, Custom Headers no cat JCW Cat back with bypass.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Medina County Ohio
Yes you could, however depending on your current modifications, it may stress various aspects of a stock S valve train and head, also the injectors will most likely be maxed out, just as the JCW injectors were working hard based on the map and parameter. Mine failed after several mods justifying the upgrade which I would recommend to anyone increasing load as these Siemens dme learn to an extent so you will be fine. Other than that you would be g2g. Just grab some bigger injectors.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 40
From: Phoenix, AZ
Well, I have been running that PRW for about a week now and I couldn't be more satisfied. I was quite impressed with it right out of the box. After mounting and testing before buttoning up the job, I didn't notice any wobble whatsoever. I'm running aftermarket engine mounts and it seems to have taken that NVH away. I'd buy it again.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
I would. Cant hurt... Now, if you have a heavy right foot, you will need to retrain yourself and be good! Just remember, the new top gasket is flared and needs to be tucked inside the canister before you button everything up.
Oh good! Glad to hear there are more alternatives. Let us know when you hit 5k, 10k and so on in case anyone is interested and wants long term results.
Oh good! Glad to hear there are more alternatives. Let us know when you hit 5k, 10k and so on in case anyone is interested and wants long term results.
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, Ca.
Changed the oil, filter and cleaned the K&N Air Filter this weekend. My neighbor came over to see what I was up to (he always stops bye when I'm in the garage). He asked if I needed any help. I replied, "Yeah, remove the air filter for me and wash it using this kit". He just looked at me and said; "I'm not sure I know how to do that"! I just smiled and said, "I've goth this"!
Changed the oil, filter and cleaned the K&N Air Filter this weekend. My neighbor came over to see what I was up to (he always stops bye when I'm in the garage). He asked if I needed any help. I replied, "Yeah, remove the air filter for me and wash it using this kit". He just looked at me and said; "I'm not sure I know how to do that"! I just smiled and said, "I've goth this"!
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
From: Des Plaines, IL
The weather finally broke and I was able to do some work! I installed my NM Torque Arm Inserts, ALTA BOV Spring, and matte black door handle covers.
The torque arm inserts were cake to install... The whole process took about 6 minutes. These things really make a difference! The bogging down from the line is gone, the BS jerky shift from 1 to 2 is gone, and the engine just feels like it's transferring power much more effectively. I do feel a minor increase in vibration during idle, but it's nothing that would ever bother me.
The BOV spring on the other hand was a *****! The BOV is nearly impossible to get to because of coolant lines and reservoir. On top of that, the screws were really hard to get out and back in. I actually had to fabricate a tool to get them in and out. Once the screws were off it was a simple swap.
I had been waiting on the matte black door handle covers since November last year! OutMotoring is the only retailer that carried them. They FINALLY have them back in stock. :D
Now I just need to black out my hood emblem and tint the fender reflectors to finish the black out.
The torque arm inserts were cake to install... The whole process took about 6 minutes. These things really make a difference! The bogging down from the line is gone, the BS jerky shift from 1 to 2 is gone, and the engine just feels like it's transferring power much more effectively. I do feel a minor increase in vibration during idle, but it's nothing that would ever bother me.
The BOV spring on the other hand was a *****! The BOV is nearly impossible to get to because of coolant lines and reservoir. On top of that, the screws were really hard to get out and back in. I actually had to fabricate a tool to get them in and out. Once the screws were off it was a simple swap.
I had been waiting on the matte black door handle covers since November last year! OutMotoring is the only retailer that carried them. They FINALLY have them back in stock. :D
Now I just need to black out my hood emblem and tint the fender reflectors to finish the black out.
Last edited by Centium; Mar 9, 2015 at 07:07 AM. Reason: Notes about NM inserts...
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
The weather finally broke and I was able to do some work! I installed my NM Torque Arm Inserts, ALTA BOV Spring, and matte black door handle covers.
The torque arm inserts were cake to install... The whole process took about 6 minutes. These things really make a difference! The bogging down from the line is gone, the BS jerky shift from 1 to 2 is gone, and the engine just feels like it's transferring power much more effectively. I do feel a minor increase in vibration during idle, but it's nothing that would ever bother me.
The BOV spring on the other hand was a *****! The BOV is nearly impossible to get to because of coolant lines and reservoir. On top of that, the screws were really hard to get out and back in. I actually had to fabricate a tool to get them in and out. Once the screws were off it was a simple swap.
I had been waiting on the matte black door handle covers since November last year! OutMotoring is the only retailer that carried them. They FINALLY have them back in stock. :D
Now I just need to black out my hood emblem and tint the fender reflectors to finish the black out.
The torque arm inserts were cake to install... The whole process took about 6 minutes. These things really make a difference! The bogging down from the line is gone, the BS jerky shift from 1 to 2 is gone, and the engine just feels like it's transferring power much more effectively. I do feel a minor increase in vibration during idle, but it's nothing that would ever bother me.
The BOV spring on the other hand was a *****! The BOV is nearly impossible to get to because of coolant lines and reservoir. On top of that, the screws were really hard to get out and back in. I actually had to fabricate a tool to get them in and out. Once the screws were off it was a simple swap.
I had been waiting on the matte black door handle covers since November last year! OutMotoring is the only retailer that carried them. They FINALLY have them back in stock. :D
Now I just need to black out my hood emblem and tint the fender reflectors to finish the black out.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
From: Des Plaines, IL
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4023287
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
I've actually already done the rear emblem with PlastiDip. I managed to get it done last fall before the temperature dropped to below freezing for 3 months. It turned out pretty good. After the harsh Chicago winter with the snow, sub-zero temps, road salt, and 10+ car washes, the PlastiDip is still perfect!
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4023287
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4023287
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 191
Likes: 2
From: Des Plaines, IL
There's no overspray on the logo because I used a surgical blade to cut it out and remove it after it had dried. I couldn't just peel it off as you see others doing in all of the videos due to the fact that there is no separation between the wings and the circular logo.
The video below is a good example of how to do this properly.
Here is a video showing how to do the name badges.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
I don't have overspray on the outside because I used printer paper and blue painters tape to mask off everything around the emblem. I essentially masked off most of the back of the car due to it being a bit windy when I was spraying. Even if there is some overspray that is too fine to peel of, you can remove it using a soft cloth and some elbow grease.
There's no overspray on the logo because I used a surgical blade to cut it out and remove it after it had dried. I couldn't just peel it off as you see others doing in all of the videos due to the fact that there is no separation between the wings and the circular logo.
The video below is a good example of how to do this properly.
Blacked Out Emblems with Plasti Dip - YouTube
Here is a video showing how to do the name badges.
How to Plasti Dip Badges - YouTube
There's no overspray on the logo because I used a surgical blade to cut it out and remove it after it had dried. I couldn't just peel it off as you see others doing in all of the videos due to the fact that there is no separation between the wings and the circular logo.
The video below is a good example of how to do this properly.
Blacked Out Emblems with Plasti Dip - YouTube
Here is a video showing how to do the name badges.
How to Plasti Dip Badges - YouTube