I finally upgraded my suspension. I had a rear sway-bar installed. Everybody that has one has told me what a great upgrade it is for the price and I now agree.

I had it installed at Grassroots Garage in Thomasville, NC. The owner is Dan Zipkin, he is a former MINI tech from Flow MINI.

I also had him install a short shift kit that reduces the distance on your shifter. It gives the shifter a better feel when shifting.

I wanted to put this post out here to give Dan a plug. He has a nice shop is a great MINI mechanic and a nice guy. I know we have many do it yourself members, but if you are not, Dan is a great resource. If you need suspension work, engine upgrades or accessories installed he is a great option. You can also order the parts you need through Dan, as he is a dealer for some of the major MINI parts suppliers. He is also an installer for Tire Rack and can order your tires from Tire Rack for you.

I may try to plan a drive up near Thomasville in the near future with a stop off at his shop.

Here is his website http://www.grassrootsgarage.com

 

Great info, George! I'm impressed by your recommendation, as you clearly recognize good business when you see it.

I'm not sure where Thomasville is, but I could be interested in a drive nevertheless...

Glad you like your short shift kit and rear swaybar. Looks like Dan did a fantastic job.

 

I've dealt with Dan when he was a Flow mechanic. He's a great guy who's extremely knowledgable about the MINI. When my warranty expires, his will be my garage of choice.

 

Thanks for the plug.
It is really the all the great people that the MINI attracts that gave me the desire to open my own place. The same thing that makes the owners clubs great.

Cheers, Dan

 

Dan

We talked about you at our Charlotte Chapter monthly dinner Tuesday night.

You have two members coming to see you. One for an exhaust and one for a pulley.

Thanks
George

 

I went up and met the ZIP. He had my exhaust ready to install and also put on Helix Air filter system. Very good service and we even went to lunch for some good old Lexington BBQ. I've already made arangments for him to do some work on the BLUCOOPR. you guys wanting a pully party he is the man to set it up, for you!!! Luke

 

Great news, Luke!!!

How does the new air intake and exhaust sound? Sweet enough to turn down the Marshall Tucker Band on the CD player?

 

Thanks for the tip George... I called Dan about getting the pulley installed. I just need to decide on the pulley and date... Dan is the man to do the job. Great guy to talk to... lots of good info. Now I am thinking about exhaust and intake... sigh...
Still thinking of the JCW intake... now the milltek exhaust...
The pulley will be soon ...
Mike

 

Mike,

It was great to meet you. I hope you're enjoying your new found power.

--Dan

 

You NC area folks are lucky to have the Zipster: he's a top-rate mechanic and dealer trained to boot. Look him up for anything from simple intake installations to full race car build ups. Our favorite thing at Helix is to make up new nick names for Dan Zipkin. At this point we're bored with Zippy, any suggestions?

 

Dan... thanks! We had a great time there and I am sure I will be back! You did a great job and my car is now transformed and much more fun to drive.. Appreciate your attention to detail and for all the extra steps you took to ensure its 100%

 

Your favorite thing....HUH!!
I wanted to name my first rock band "the Ziptones", maybe someday.
You guys are AWESOME!!!!! Thanks
--Dan

 

I have just put an order in for a Mustang Gladiator series chassis dyno. Give it 6-8 weeks and we'll be ready to have some fun
--Dan

 

Dan, I look forward to meeting you at the maintenance day in June!! By the way, I gave Andrew your contact info so he can get up with you about those parts.

 

That's awesome Dan!!

I hear a Dyno day calling.

Which software upgrade are you recommending? I'm pretty happy with the way my car runs, but if I could eek a little more out, that would be great.

Also I've been thinking of that M7 DFIC... which should come first, that or the Chip.

Keith

 

Keith,

call me 336-476-8551

--Dan