Much respect, I'm just up in the Central area.

I saw that one, like it! It's on my stocking stuffer request list to the family since they're always asking for gift ideas.

I agree. That's why I put claimed for all those. Some might get close but most are probably assuming a tune for it, then it's the tune that does it. I had a K&N filter on my old Sundance Duster and liked it, but hoping to just do a once-bought for the CAI and the JCW seems to be pretty well regarded across the board. Thanks for the input though, it's the first I think I've heard a comment for that one.

One of the previous owners put a boost gauge on it so it has that. Now that I'm more familiar with it I need to take a good look and see if they did anything else. The rest I'm debating if I want to do a gauge at a time or if I want to wait a bit then get them all before going too in-depth on anything by next year. In the meantime I figure I'll get a Bluetooth adapter and have downloaded the Torque app.

Thanks. There's a lot more info than I originally figured. The need-to-do fixes are definite good to know, although it sounds like the campaigns just apply to S models. I'll check anyway to be sure. With everything I now would like to do I want to try and limit buying more than one of an item if I can help it (multiple item sets excluded of course).

 

I keep forgetting random 'must-check' items for when I get back so just listing them here. I'll update it as I remember others, but think there's only a few.

Chain Tensioner system - Nothing noted by dealership
High Pressure Fuel Pump (R56?) - Dealership checked, said it's fine
Turbo oil lines (likely getting Detroit Tuned's full kit) - Currently has pump line heat shield, but will probably still get the full kit given mileage
Scoop warp - None that I can tell, although a small dent or something near the top
Thermostat housing (and possibly water pump by proxy) - Need to get done
Another piece that's now made metal instead of plastic, spacing which one...
Clutch kit due to mileage, probably need sooner rather than later. Thinking Clutch Masters or JM Turbo.

 

I've been looking at diffusers some lately. I have to say I'm not a big fan of the large gaps on the GP-style ones, especially since it doesn't seem flush with the bumper. I REALLY don't like the M7 (I think it was) version of the same.

DuelL AG seems to have one that looks good and blends with the bumper better, although you definitely pay for it. I'm not sure if it'd be better to spend a bit more and get a DuelL AG bumper with it (if any work with standard tip placement exhaust systems) or go with the JCW Aero. Has anyone by chance put one of those on the JCWs? They mention extensive cutting is required, but if the job's done right could be worth it.

Anyone know of any diffusers with a similar style from other brands? Not having much luck finding many.

 

Urgh. Should've guessed, but family wants Disneyland for Christmas since we'll be out that way (unfortunately without the MINI). So that likely means my headlights get put on hold until March, if not later. >.< All the original March stuff isn't getting pushed by it though, still getting the iPE, intake, RSB, & perhaps a couple other things! I was just hoping to have a few items to keep me busy until then after I get back. :(

Sorry, had to vent a bit. Back to part discussions/plans!

 

Got back from Afghanistan a few days ago so I was finally able to check it out some more and get some more pics. Some of the things to check for I'll probably have to have the dealership check for initially when I get it checked out. But I can tell at least the turbo oil line 'fix' has been done so it's a promising start. I need to open the filter box, but I don't think it's the JCW one?

The bits I've ordered for it so far are currently waiting in California so unfortunately those won't get put on until we get back in early January. But I'm looking forward to finally getting to work on it.

Here're the pics. Don't mind the dirt, it's been snowing here and it's gotten some snow-dust and possibly some salt on it I need to wash off. Let me know if the link doesn't work. It's supposed to be set to Public.

MINI Album

 

Small update

I've taken it up to the MINI dealership in Denver for a quick checkout. They checked the pump that showed up as a possible fix item and said it looked fine so they didn't do anything with it. The tensioner bit didn't show up and they didn't say anything about it. They said it's running fine.

We got back from California a couple weeks ago and finally got a chance today to put on most of the little things. I swapped out the chrome trim for the headlights and tail lights with the new black sets. I broke a clip or two on the headlight ones but the new ones came with new clips, just had to pop 'em on.

I also swapped out the dipstick for the new CravenSpeed one. I agree they're pricey but so far it's very easy to use and tell the level vs the stock brown plastic indicator.

I need to find the new ring for the key fob, the old one's worn and it was included with the other stuff.

For now that just leaves swapping out the door pulls for the CF ones, but that'll require taking the door apart some I believe so it'll likely wait for a couple other items I'd like to do.

The bigger items had to be put on hold due to extra expenses while in California (go figure) but they're on the list for February/March to include new exhaust, possible custom HID upgrade headlights, rear sway bar, and GFB item (hopefully at minimum).

Anyone done the trim swap for the tail lights and end up with a bit of play, for lack of a better term? They don't seem like they'd fall off or anything, but not sure the clips are holding fully.

Pics to come as soon as I can get them off my phone. The transfer ability isn't working right. :p

 

You're back! Sounds like your going to be busy

 

Just a few pics as promised, nothing too fancy. But there are some more things on order so hopefully there'll be more to come in the near future.

Unfortunately the iPE has to be put back to spring of 2016 as originally planned. The wife decided she couldn't wait until then for new kitchen appliances. :( But it should help get a few more smaller things instead. At least the stock JCW pipes have a good sound, even if a bit drone-y at speed.

Sorry if the pics are too small, I mis-remembered the file size requirements. >.<

 

The headlight/taillight rings look great! Thats thinking with your dipstick Jimmy! On the pictures, I think they adjust the size automatically for you, I've never changed them and they load up just fine. I look forward to more of your upgrades!

 

Huh. I had issues the first time I tried but I'll give it a shot next time. It'd be nice if it does.

I should start getting some boxes in around Friday I think so there'll be some more soon.

 

You know on further reflection, so ar I have only used pictures from my phone, so maybe its downsizing the pics as I upload them?

But I look forward to your unboxing pics!

 

While waiting on a few things to arrive and pondering one or two last possibilities I FINALLY checked the airbox. I have to say with the JCW strut the far left screw was a pain. :p Anyhoo, looks like it's the standard panel filter airbox. So I'm thinking it may be time to order the JCW box with an AMSOil filter to top off the tax-time spending.

Next year for tax time: iPE exhaust (I may shoot my wife if she pulls another like this year), Wagner Competition FMIC, and a BattleTune. Fingers crossed. But I think this year did ok for the relatively low percentage I got to put towards it. More on that stuff as it comes in/goes on.

 

 

Got some fun stuff. Most of it's cosmetic but a few other pieces. The good couple of items are still pending shipping/en route. But here are pics for what I've gotten so far and some of it I've been able to put on around watching the kids.

 

I know, she needs a bath. And sadly that's light compared to my truck I was driving on the worst days of the snow lately.

List of things so far/on the way:
Chrome MINI driving lights
CF door pulls
head light & tail light black trim
JCW strut bar
CravenSpeed oil dipstick & phone Flex mount
Burger Tuning clutch stop
NM Engineering torque inserts
Brisk silver plugs
GoBadges carbon fiber & Black Jack tire stem plugs & antenna
GoBadges cabin Black Jack bits (door pulls, glove box button, cup holder inserts)
carbonMINI seat belt plug & antenna base cover
EBC Red Stuff brake pads
eBay ELC 327 OBDII reader
Light in Sight
H-Sport 25mm Competition RSB
GFB DV+

 

On a different note, Corsair tends to run rich in the exhaust. Any known issues that would cause this or perhaps just needing the walnut blast treatment? I have plugs to change out in case that's it.

 

These cars tend to run both lean and rich right out of the factory. But, if you haven't already I would still get the walnut blast service done. Once you get a proper tune that should take care of the rich issue.

 

Interesting it varies so much. I was figuring a tune would come into play overall, kind of like my bike. Thanks!

 

 

Oil change done, not much of an issue. Also swapped in the JCW air kit. Definitely going to have to raise the JCW strut bar to clean the filter. Not 100% sure there's much of a difference but maybe a slight bit quicker pickup and sound.

Question from the oil change: when swapping out the filter the coolant tank has to be moved. I moved it up and over like it was shown in in picture on here I believe where someone did theirs. Had a couple drips of coolant but didn't think much of it since I had to turn the tank sideways. But after I got back from the drive afterward I had coolant leaking, causing some steam. Is it an issue where I could've possible snapped something holding the bottom hose of the tank on, or maybe just pulled it a bit loose so it's leaking now? My temp gauge was up & down during the drive but I figure it was because of the cool evening air when at speed, and heating up when not (after I found out about the leak).

I'm going to check in the morning. I'll take off the tank again and make sure it's seated on the bottom. Aside from that no clue off-hand.

 

On another point, and this may just be because of the new air kit, but I seem to hear more noise from the engine. I took a video of it and will try to post it tomorrow along with pics from the install. Just want to be sure it's not something recognizable I should be concerned about.

Question on a couple more cosmetic changes. I'd like to put on a new JCW badge on the lower front grille but it seems like I'd have to take off the bumper. Is this the case? I also got the grille blackout kit but the lower one seems attached to the whole grille piece. Am I pretty much going to have to take off the front end to get those two pieces on?

 

A couple more pics, more after I get 'em off the phone.

 

Sounds bit tinnier than actual but the main sounds are there.

 

Thinking at least a bit of the odd noise(s) in the video above were from the cooling system issues. I haven't noticed it lately, although need to open the hood and listen again. I mostly know how it sounds by now but haven't listened it idling open that much yet to be 100%.

I can hear a bit more of air being taken in from the JCW kit & a smidge more of the blow-off. We'll see how the overall is impacted. The AMSoil filter is a smidge loose, but I placed it against the mount bump on the closed end of the case and it seems to be doing alright.

I replaced the rear JCW logo that was severely faded, as shown above. Need to do the front but need to find what has to be removed & how to get to it. I also need a quick lookup for the grill surrounds to replace those, but that should be easy enough.

I replaced the puddle lights tonight with the JCW logo ones from Way. I had to adjust the driver's side one so it lined up with the door. I like that alignment better than the middle setting it came with. Unfortunately the passenger side was further off and adjusting it fully to one side like the driver's side put it about the same spot as the driver's side started at. It's something only I would probably notice but it'll still bug me. I wonder if the lenses are slightly different for each side and I got two left lenses? I also discovered the cable for the passenger side light was a bit short. I had to carefully pull it a bit with some small needle-nose pliers to get it out enough so I could plug it back in. Made me nervous that I'd pull the plug end off or break the wires somehow.

The EBC pads are currently on hold thanks to the coolant SNAFU. Once the funds are back in place I'll get those done. My stock pads are fine still, the dust just annoys me. I also need to order the spark plug socket I forgot to order with the plugs, then those will get done.

My new headlights are pretty much finished. They're a HID conversion upgrade with amber delete and custom paint with decals, fully plug & play. I'll be driving a couple hours Saturday to pick them up then I'll just need to spend a few evenings aiming them. From the pics so far they look like they came out well. I'll post some soon.

I need to run up to the Academy to see what their auto hobby shop is like. If it's decent with some good attendants I should be able to do the RSB myself in a weekend. If not I may have to have someone else install it. :/

Aside from needing to play with the Torque app some more with the new OBDII reader (that so far is working fine for an eBay one that I can tell) I think that's it for now.

The GFB DV+ has been delayed by the supplier but Battle's been cool about keeping me updated and is covering the shipping since it's been a few weeks now.

 

Installed the NM Engineering torque arm inserts. Quick enough job even with it just up on ramps. Shifting does seem to land a bit better so far in the gear. No vibrations that I can notice. Also less of a shudder I'd been concerned about when shutting off the car. Sometimes none now. We'll see about the rest.

Also put on the black trim grille set, the carbon fiber door pulls that were my first item bought for it months ago, and a GoBadges license plate frame with badges. I have to contact them about the carbon fiber plate bolt set. The bolts are a smidge too large in diameter.