Drivetrain I was a modding moron
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Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
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I was a modding moron
When I first got my S just like most I started to mod it, just bolt stuff on change this change that with no real idea why or what I was doing.
If a vendors ad said it would add hp put it on. Changed supension pieces with no idea what else was effected just because I could.
Then I started doing track days for the first 3 the car was different each time my driving still suxed. I dropped back and thought about it, what I needed was a plan and some goals. So I have a plan this year I will get in about 14 track weekends and I'll know how to drive this car. First I'll go to work with some vendors here that I believe know what they are doing (and there are not many) and I'll get the supension set up right and only have to do it once. Then it will be the drive train whether with Jesus or the Dog I'll figure that out later. ( I really like dogs)
In the end I'll have a car that can kick most cars *** and driver that knows how to do it. Also it will cost half as much because of a plan and goals.
If a vendors ad said it would add hp put it on. Changed supension pieces with no idea what else was effected just because I could.
Then I started doing track days for the first 3 the car was different each time my driving still suxed. I dropped back and thought about it, what I needed was a plan and some goals. So I have a plan this year I will get in about 14 track weekends and I'll know how to drive this car. First I'll go to work with some vendors here that I believe know what they are doing (and there are not many) and I'll get the supension set up right and only have to do it once. Then it will be the drive train whether with Jesus or the Dog I'll figure that out later. ( I really like dogs)
In the end I'll have a car that can kick most cars *** and driver that knows how to do it. Also it will cost half as much because of a plan and goals.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,639
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, Ca.
When I first got my S just like most I started to mod it, just bolt stuff on change this change that with no real idea why or what I was doing.
If a vendors ad said it would add hp put it on. Changed supension pieces with no idea what else was effected just because I could.
Then I started doing track days for the first 3 the car was different each time my driving still suxed. I dropped back and thought about it, what I needed was a plan and some goals. So I have a plan this year I will get in about 14 track weekends and I'll know how to drive this car. First I'll go to work with some vendors here that I believe know what they are doing (and there are not many) and I'll get the supension set up right and only have to do it once. Then it will be the drive train whether with Jesus or the Dog I'll figure that out later. ( I really like dogs)
In the end I'll have a car that can kick most cars *** and driver that knows how to do it. Also it will cost half as much because of a plan and goals.
If a vendors ad said it would add hp put it on. Changed supension pieces with no idea what else was effected just because I could.
Then I started doing track days for the first 3 the car was different each time my driving still suxed. I dropped back and thought about it, what I needed was a plan and some goals. So I have a plan this year I will get in about 14 track weekends and I'll know how to drive this car. First I'll go to work with some vendors here that I believe know what they are doing (and there are not many) and I'll get the supension set up right and only have to do it once. Then it will be the drive train whether with Jesus or the Dog I'll figure that out later. ( I really like dogs)
In the end I'll have a car that can kick most cars *** and driver that knows how to do it. Also it will cost half as much because of a plan and goals.
I know how you feel Lucky for me this is the 2nd car I've modded so I knew I needed a plan. The first car I modded was a 95 mustang GT I had no plan and ended up spending more money getting the stupid thing fixed then I did in mods.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
From my tuning experience on previous cars I've owned (mostly Camaros, Firebirds, and other domestics) I would suggest trying to be very balanced between performance and handling. Figure...gain some power, then add what you need to keep the wheels planted, then add some more power, then more adjusting or adding to the suspension, etc. Or vice versa...if you feel like you've got plenty of control and just not enough oomph coming out of the corners, add some parts to find some power until you feel like you are starting to lose handling characteristics.
Balance...its key...of course, the Mini handles so much better than Camaros in the first place, so while I had to focus more on stability, you may be able to focus more on hp.
just my two cents...which isn't worth a penny...
Balance...its key...of course, the Mini handles so much better than Camaros in the first place, so while I had to focus more on stability, you may be able to focus more on hp.
just my two cents...which isn't worth a penny...
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5,782
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, Ca
Seriously though, you sound as though you're thinking about "the plan" the right way and will end up with a bada$$ MINI.
I think many of us can come to the podium here at the inaugural meeting of MM or Modding Morons. Thanks to mozzarella for breaking the ice and being the first to share with all of us his Moronic Modding. Great to see you picked up some of the pamphlets we have around the room on how to step back and look at the whole. On a personal note, I’d like to thank Chuck of Chucks Mod It Right located right here in the outskirts of the next town over right off main street in an alley. It’s easy to find, just follow the dyno pull sounds. Also thanks for the guys in the AAA meeting for giving us all that beer and agreeing to be designated drivers for us tonight. Big round of applause for them please.
Now that the business portion is over is there any one else that would like to speak….
But first, yes I too am a Modding Moron, this is not my first time either, I should have known better, but I too fell into the oh oh, that’s cool trap and didn’t think big picture. I’ve reached a point where I need to learn the Mini more so I can access all the changes and then begin to tweak. It’s hard to admit, and the thrill of serial moronic madding is lacking, I miss that high of the hunt, the agony of watching UPS slowly torture me with slow tracking updates. The glee in finding a new package at the door and finally anticipation of is it a nice bit while surgerically opening the box. Oh, that give me shivers…
So, who’s next?
Now that the business portion is over is there any one else that would like to speak….
But first, yes I too am a Modding Moron, this is not my first time either, I should have known better, but I too fell into the oh oh, that’s cool trap and didn’t think big picture. I’ve reached a point where I need to learn the Mini more so I can access all the changes and then begin to tweak. It’s hard to admit, and the thrill of serial moronic madding is lacking, I miss that high of the hunt, the agony of watching UPS slowly torture me with slow tracking updates. The glee in finding a new package at the door and finally anticipation of is it a nice bit while surgerically opening the box. Oh, that give me shivers…
So, who’s next?
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville, Alabama
My first MINI, an 03 MCS, I ran a Phil Wicks event within the first year of ownership to learn the car. It was my first FWD. I feel that the nut behind the wheel is the most important thing when it comes to a cars performance. If you can't drive correctly and understand how driver inputs affects handling. It doesn't matter if you're running 110hp vs 218hp or stock vs full aftermarket suspension. 
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,926
Likes: 40
From: Greensboro, NC
ROFLMAO...That's funny...
<standing up> "Hi, my name is Joe & I'm a modding moron. It all started in 2003 when I had no idea of vehicle customization, but had a Visa/Visa/Mastercard on-file with 4 companies. It was a slippery, steep slope & I'm actually guilty of taking a sawzall to the rear interior of my Cooper & cutting out the rear seat belt structures because I didn't think I needed a back seat. Then I put pulsating strobe lights in the wheel wells because I thought it'd look cool. 
I'm now on steady doses of wife-induced moderation & have put together a game-plan with a reputable tuner. While I don't have rear seat belt structures & my Cooper now weighs 2396lbs, I'll always be thankful for my early days as a MM & that I've come to my senses. Thank you." <passes the microphone to the next MM member>
I'm now on steady doses of wife-induced moderation & have put together a game-plan with a reputable tuner. While I don't have rear seat belt structures & my Cooper now weighs 2396lbs, I'll always be thankful for my early days as a MM & that I've come to my senses. Thank you." <passes the microphone to the next MM member>
My first MINI, an 03 MCS, I ran a Phil Wicks event within the first year of ownership to learn the car. It was my first FWD. I feel that the nut behind the wheel is the most important thing when it comes to a cars performance. If you can't drive correctly and understand how driver inputs affects handling. It doesn't matter if you're running 110hp vs 218hp or stock vs full aftermarket suspension.
Having cut my teeth years ago, I'm taking it slow with the MINI - though I finally succumbed to a pulley at AMVIV. Ok, I guess the power folding mirrors might earn me an MM chip.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,639
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, Ca.
<standing up> "Hi, my name is Joe & I'm a modding moron. It all started in 2003 when I had no idea of vehicle customization, but had a Visa/Visa/Mastercard on-file with 4 companies. It was a slippery, steep slope & I'm actually guilty of taking a sawzall to the rear interior of my Cooper & cutting out the rear seat belt structures because I didn't think I needed a back seat. Then I put pulsating strobe lights in the wheel wells because I thought it'd look cool.
I'm now on steady doses of wife-induced moderation & have put together a game-plan with a reputable tuner. While I don't have rear seat belt structures & my Cooper now weighs 2396lbs, I'll always be thankful for my early days as a MM & that I've come to my senses. Thank you." <passes the microphone to the next MM member>
I'm now on steady doses of wife-induced moderation & have put together a game-plan with a reputable tuner. While I don't have rear seat belt structures & my Cooper now weighs 2396lbs, I'll always be thankful for my early days as a MM & that I've come to my senses. Thank you." <passes the microphone to the next MM member>
Get new rims and you'll be under 2000.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
I figured that was a given, lol. (Just got an image of my granny driving through twisties faster than I ever could...)
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,559
Likes: 0
From: Orange County NY
OK now each MM needs to go to the 1st gear forum grab a newbie and sponsor them
Show them the correct path before we have to have another MM Intervention
Show them the correct path before we have to have another MM Intervention
Last edited by jeffc; Jun 23, 2007 at 04:56 AM.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: Cumming, GA
Maximum Mod Mileage Moronity
Top this for Maximum Mod Mileage Moronity:
When I got my '03 MCS, I tried to get a bunch of stuff from Randy Webb.
Back then (March, '03) he was unavailable (hard to believe, I know)...
So I drove from Atlanta to Austin, TX to get Terry Sayther to install the usual first round - pulley, cai, springs, etc...
Later, when I absolutely knew I needed camber plates, lightweight flywheel and a Quaife, I motored from Atlanta up to Charlie Rossier's RDR, way north of Milwaukee. The first good camber plates were the all-new RDRs - this is before the Helix/RDR joint deal.
Later, I drove from Atlanta to Detroit to get Chad at Detroit Tuned to install a 19% pulley and other goodies.
Then in my new MCS, I drove all the way to Maryland to visit John at LDG for a custom dyno tune.
So that's four road trips for mods:
(1) Atlanta-Austin-Atlanta
(2) Atlanta-North Central Wisconsin-Atlanta
(3) Atlanta-Detroit-Atlanta
(4) Atlanta-Maryland-Atlanta
Top dat...
When I got my '03 MCS, I tried to get a bunch of stuff from Randy Webb.
Back then (March, '03) he was unavailable (hard to believe, I know)...
So I drove from Atlanta to Austin, TX to get Terry Sayther to install the usual first round - pulley, cai, springs, etc...
Later, when I absolutely knew I needed camber plates, lightweight flywheel and a Quaife, I motored from Atlanta up to Charlie Rossier's RDR, way north of Milwaukee. The first good camber plates were the all-new RDRs - this is before the Helix/RDR joint deal.
Later, I drove from Atlanta to Detroit to get Chad at Detroit Tuned to install a 19% pulley and other goodies.
Then in my new MCS, I drove all the way to Maryland to visit John at LDG for a custom dyno tune.
So that's four road trips for mods:
(1) Atlanta-Austin-Atlanta
(2) Atlanta-North Central Wisconsin-Atlanta
(3) Atlanta-Detroit-Atlanta
(4) Atlanta-Maryland-Atlanta
Top dat...
Thread Starter
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Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,381
Likes: 0
Top this for Maximum Mod Mileage Moronity:
When I got my '03 MCS, I tried to get a bunch of stuff from Randy Webb.
Back then (March, '03) he was unavailable (hard to believe, I know)...
So I drove from Atlanta to Austin, TX to get Terry Sayther to install the usual first round - pulley, cai, springs, etc...
Later, when I absolutely knew I needed camber plates, lightweight flywheel and a Quaife, I motored from Atlanta up to Charlie Rossier's RDR, way north of Milwaukee. The first good camber plates were the all-new RDRs - this is before the Helix/RDR joint deal.
Later, I drove from Atlanta to Detroit to get Chad at Detroit Tuned to install a 19% pulley and other goodies.
Then in my new MCS, I drove all the way to Maryland to visit John at LDG for a custom dyno tune.
So that's four road trips for mods:
(1) Atlanta-Austin-Atlanta
(2) Atlanta-North Central Wisconsin-Atlanta
(3) Atlanta-Detroit-Atlanta
(4) Atlanta-Maryland-Atlanta
Top dat...
When I got my '03 MCS, I tried to get a bunch of stuff from Randy Webb.
Back then (March, '03) he was unavailable (hard to believe, I know)...
So I drove from Atlanta to Austin, TX to get Terry Sayther to install the usual first round - pulley, cai, springs, etc...
Later, when I absolutely knew I needed camber plates, lightweight flywheel and a Quaife, I motored from Atlanta up to Charlie Rossier's RDR, way north of Milwaukee. The first good camber plates were the all-new RDRs - this is before the Helix/RDR joint deal.
Later, I drove from Atlanta to Detroit to get Chad at Detroit Tuned to install a 19% pulley and other goodies.
Then in my new MCS, I drove all the way to Maryland to visit John at LDG for a custom dyno tune.
So that's four road trips for mods:
(1) Atlanta-Austin-Atlanta
(2) Atlanta-North Central Wisconsin-Atlanta
(3) Atlanta-Detroit-Atlanta
(4) Atlanta-Maryland-Atlanta
Top dat...
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,870
Likes: 0
From: Taking the kids to practice
(2) Chicago-Battle Creek-Chicago
(3) Chicago-Tulsa-Chicago
(4) Chicago-Danville-Chicago
(5) Chicago-Reno-Chicago
(6) Chicago-Denver-Chicago
(7) Chicago-Cincinnati-Chicago
(8) Chicago-Tulsa-Chicago
(9) Chicago-Atlanta-Chicago
(10) Chicago-Oklahoma City-Chicago
(11) Chicago-Tulsa-Chicago
(12) Chicago-Indianapolis-Chicago
(13) Chicago-Madison-Chicago
(14) Chicago-Kansas City-Chicago
(15) Chicago-Columbus-Chicago
(16) Chicago-Virginia Beach-Chicago
(17) Chicago-Reno-Chicago
(18) Chicago-Cedar Falls-Chicago
(19) Chicago-Virginia Beach-Chicago
(20) Chicago-Charleston-Chicago
(21) Chicago-Kingsport-Chicago
(22) Chicago-Ocean City-Chicago
(23) Chicago-Waterloo-Chicago
(24) Chicago-Decatur-Chicago
(25) Chicago-Quincy-Chicago
(26) Chicago-Green Bay-Chicago
(27) Chicago-Cleveland-Chicago
...well these are the trips that have kept me from my planned mods, kids get expensive
but we love them
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: Cumming, GA
Wow, that's a lot of trips!
I put almost 120K in miles on mine. And over 20K on my wife's MCS.
But in this thread, I was talking specifically about moronic mod mileage trips only.
Your trips actually meant something!
I put almost 120K in miles on mine. And over 20K on my wife's MCS.
But in this thread, I was talking specifically about moronic mod mileage trips only.
Your trips actually meant something!
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 883
Likes: 2
Hi I am "Da Minian" and I'm a Miniholic/Modding Moron.
I spent umpteen thousand dollars on an 03 MCS (MyTMaus) only to have it die by fire in May of 06. In July 06 I started all over again with an 06 MCS (Tonka).
I haven't learned my lesson yet, but I have slowed down, because of the wifes new power of foot. I have followed, understand, and simpathized with all present at this meeting. Having said that, I still yern.
Que: I'm aware of the "Jesus Head," but what/who is "the dog?"
I spent umpteen thousand dollars on an 03 MCS (MyTMaus) only to have it die by fire in May of 06. In July 06 I started all over again with an 06 MCS (Tonka).
I haven't learned my lesson yet, but I have slowed down, because of the wifes new power of foot. I have followed, understand, and simpathized with all present at this meeting. Having said that, I still yern.
Que: I'm aware of the "Jesus Head," but what/who is "the dog?"