I've got an early 02 MCS and am looking to fit a newer head unit to get the AUX input. I have a factory 6 disc changer that I could trade for a solution. Any takers?

- Rich
San Jose, CA

 

Hey rich, there are a couple people trying to sell their head units on here.... maybe you could strike a deal with one of them.

I notice your from San Jose... check out this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?p=465131

 

I'm working on it!

You've got a serious list of mods there brother. You ever take that thing to the track?

 

hehe, no Ill probably take some driving lessons and start tracking it this year. I want to get another car and a few more mods (head, cam, p/p blower, brake upgrade, and clutch/flywheel/quaife) before I take it to the track. Got a few mods on the way this month too I know, im an addict. Where in San Jose are ya? Im off 101 and Montague just a few miles from the airport.

 

STOP... STOP!!!!! Maybe the brakes and differential, if you're really into spending money, but those little extra bits of power you're spending all that money on won't get you around the track much faster... especially at the tight tracks you'll want to start on like ThunderHill and ButtonWillow (and especially not at Infineon/Sears). Suspension and brakes win and lose it there, but it's really mostly driver.

Just take it out and get some seat time, that's the best investment you can make. Bring an instructor along on some laps... even better. There are plenty of great track clubs around here.

As for location, I'm at 101 and Blossom Hill.

 

I mainly have it as a street car, not a race car so I really want the power. There are some REALLY good engine products coming out soon that I am not at liberty to speak about, but they should really show vast improvements over current products offered.

If I were to take it to a track, I really wouldnt try to compete as much as just have some fun and LEGALLY drive the **** out of the car

 

That's all we do too. There's no "racing" at these events, just people learning to drive their cars closer to the limit of their abilities.

As for "hot new" products, I'm sure you must be talking about the turbo mods... there's some serious horsepower claims being thrown around!

 

Nah, no turbo mods. Im talking advancements over current products. Maybe I will join you at the track someday.... need some driving instructions before I get it on the track though.

 

OK I had to chime in and say how jealous I am about your mods and conversation!.....

 

I love it

 

Before my first track event, I felt the same way. I was a bit scared of going on a track with little experience, also scared of driving off, spinning or even worse, hitting another car. All of my fears were unfounded.

The first track thing I did as a "Big Mini Day" at Buttonwillow track (a bit north of Sacrametno). This was mini only, and split into three groups. Before you start, there is a track drive around, where all the new drivers get into cars (bigger cars) so that the instructors can show you the parts of the track to watch out for, the places where every one goes too slow, and can answer questions. Then, there's some instruction on what the various flags mean that the corner workers use, and how the "flow" around the track should go. There are also instructors to go with you on the first runs, or all if you'd like!

Anyway, it's a gas, and even with my first day, I felt much safer at 70 in a sweeper about two feet of the bumper of the car in front of me than I do driving home on 280.

Passing is only allowed on the straights, when acknowledged by hand signals (not racing, but driving!). So no worries about someone diving under you in a turn or the like.

There are different levels, so you can drive with people at about your same skill level, so the intimidation factor is less for the first drive.

I did two of those at Buttonwillow, then took my Mini to my Nor-Cal Shelby Club driving session at Sears Point! I was scared, because even though I'd be in the begginner class, there were cars with over triple my HP on the track at the same time. WHAT A GAS!!!!! Sears point is a much more fun track!!!! An I passed a Porche 928, a 911 Carrara, and an older 912, a bunch of older modified Mustangs, two C5 corvettes and a 427 Cobra (that had a really, really bad driver). There were two cars that could come out in my class that I couldn't touch: New BMW M5 and a new E55. With power, handling and driver skill, I only saw them after they passed me!

Before I went to the track, I wanted tons more HP. After driving on a road course, I want more handling! While there were many cars that could power past me in the straights, there weren't many that could carry the speed through the turns. ther ewas this cute little racing 57 alfa (1300 ccs putting out about 130 hp!) that wasn't fast, but he held the perfvect line and many faster cars couldn't keep up. Some of my best learning happened when I followed his line.

Anyway, get to the track. The only regret you'll have is that you didn't do it sooner! To start easy, the next Big Mini Day is June 2nd. Some guy (Brian Theising, I think) at Mini of Mt View puits it together. About $300, but well worth it. I'll be there.....

There are BMW teaching events that do Minis, but I haven't attended one.


Matt


ps, then you'll have to think about spending the money on the Air Gain System, or more track time. The decision won't be easy :smile:

 

I think Ill be there for that one Thanks for the positive input.

 

Buttonwillow is a fun track. At the end of the fastest straightaway, a stock S is doing about a hundred. You turn left at about 75, then hit a 180 degree sweeper. The gas is that you get to hit the same turns time after time, you can try different things, and see what works better. The 180 sweeper is fun because you can feel the weight shift in as you play the throttle, or the steering. (brakes you ask, if you do it right, you don't need them at all through that one.)

The first thing you learn is holy crap! you can go much faster than you think you can, and it's almost an act of scaring yourself a bit to push farther. Then you learn that smooth is fast, smoother is faster, and smoothest is fastest!

Then you've had your first hit of the drug and there's no going back. Those ideas of letting you friend drive, FORGET IT. All you'll want is laps, laps, laps! Like golf, only worse.....

Matt

 

Yea, I really look forward to it. Stock S 100.... me 120 Found out today its significantly faster than a JCW in the straights

 

It's at Thunderhill....

http://www.thunderhill.com/

Here's some photos to wet your whistle...

http://www.starship.org/aa/040902_BigMiniDay3/

Matt

 

Thought so I wanted to go to the last one but didnt have the cash. Definetely count me in this time!

Do they provide the helmets or do we bring our own? If we bring our own, whats a good one to get at a good price?

 

but it's first come first served. I usually take my friends besides mine.... but it's really a good idea to get one of you own. Just make sure it fits. Also, if you want to run in other events (like auto cross, with clubs or the like) see what the requirements are.

Honda had a great add in the motorcycle store when I bought my first bike. It said if you have a $10 head, get a $10 helmet....

Matt