so guys im new to everything. i mean i know how a car works but i dont know a great deal of how a car works. For example, i dont know what a car completely is made of. Duh, i know we got an engine, transmission, braking, exaust systems and what not but i dont know even how those work. Any good websites that discuss in depth how every part works?

i am here so i can pick up and learn things. there are a lot of parts to a car which i do not quite understand and i really am confused on what to upgrade on my mini if i were to do anything and in what order

any suggestions on ways to learn the quickest about mini's, the mini's specs and the whole aftermarket scene of the mini?

i got a stock mini cooper S 2002 with the sports package, not that it makes any difference.

 

hmmmm... if you want some basic automotive knowledge, my suggestion would be to use a site like HowStuffWorks.com... they have a lot of good articles with diagrams and videos describing some of the general concepts you'll probably want to learn. Once you're familiar with some automotive principles, I gather your natural curiosity should assist you in learning more about the MINI community and all the modifications we perform to our car.

GotMINI

 

sounds good sounds good. of course you know that howwstuffworks only teaches you to a certain extent. But of course i understand where your coming from. eventually ill take classes but i just want somethin NOW
so much to learn, so much ambition, not enough time

 

I say if you want to start customizing your MINI, start with what has the most effect on your pleasure with it. If you are satisfied with handling or power for now, start by customizing the exterior. Take a look around this forum, find ideas, you will come across some mods that will make you go "Man that's amazing, how do i do this!?!"

If you want some performance mods, dont be shy to ask around, start threads like "more power, x budget, what can i do?". Of course if you dont have experience in mechanics, you might want to get the job done by a place you trust, or at least get a hand by somebody that does have some experience. Some mods are actually quite easy to perform when accompanied by good instructions.

Have fun!

 

Welcome to NAM, glad to have you here. You might want to get the Bentley
repair book on MINIS. By reading and seeing how to repair things you may be able to understand how they work. It will also be a big help if you ever try and do you own repairs. Just my two cents.

 

There is a lot of stuff on the Internet, like HowStuffWorks, but many of these just cover the basics. I would recommend a good book. There is something called a "Public Library" () where you can borrow a lot of books for free. You'd be surprised at what they may have. Have fun!

 

I'm surprised nobody jumped on this already, but three other areas:

1) Find a local mini club. We have one here in Pittsburgh that holds garage days where folks who know how to do stuff teach folks who don't, well, how to do stuff. Or we just do it for them! Great advice can be had there as well.

2) First thing to upgrade on a car (assuming your basic systems are functioning well, not worn out, and the car is in a good state of tune) is to tighten the loose nut between the pedals and the steering wheel - take a performance driving course! That way you can learn what those systems do, and where an upgrade would make the most sense.

3) YOU ARE A RARE BREED! Thank you for asking before upgrading! Nicely done. You do NOT want to upgrade stuff *****-nilly because it looks or sounds good, or you can end up with a bolt-on queen: A laundry list of great parts that don't work well together. Good first step just in asking the question.

Kudos & welcome!