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I don't have a build thread, and don't remember to take pictures often. Thought I'd throw some pics up today.
Latest mods are new brakes all the way around, and a WMW 25.5 RSB.
Wilwood 12.2 kit on the front, rears are stock calipers (I got talked out of doing the Wilwood rears--I know they don't do much; I was just looking to fill the rear wheels a little more). I did paint the calipers, and added new EBC red pads (not realizing that they pads would show through--good thing I didn't pick a different compound!)
Front brakes: New Wilwood BBK
I decided to go down to the local car-photo spot and take a few pics. I'm not a photographer, but I like the location.
There was a line of WRXs with a pro photographer at the prime spot, so I went and found this one...
Pretty much done with performance mods, or I will be when Way has a Miltek Labor Day Sale
I've got some detail work to do to clean up some things that I've done that didn't turn out as well as I'd like:
I'm going to paint the headlight trim, probably body color, but I need some new rings, because the clips are broken on mine and the 3M tape isn't holding them flush enough to suit me.
I'm going to repaint the trim that I blacked out with wrap. It looks good from 5', but I get closer than that.
I wrapped the interior dash and upright tubes blue, but it's not a close enough match, so it's all coming back out to paint (plus the door cards).
Oh, yeah, and I need to do something about the chrome in the taillights--but I need a new taillight lens on the right side anyway.
Wow that looks awesome... the red accents make it pop some. Great framing on that last pic with the cat! Looks like its got a claw on the rear spoiler.
New to the mini so hope its not a dumb question... how hard is it to get the headlight rings & side trim off? I want to ditch the chrome & go to a flat black on mine.
Nice shots. I like taking pics at or near sunset for the best lighting.
I feel your pain on the headlight surrounds. I actually just removed weird patterned vinyl on my surrounds but didn’t secure one of the headlight washer cover portions. It fell off so I found one on eBay for pretty cheap.
Mine is electric blue. Want to do satin black or gloss black surrounds to give it a “meaner” look.
Wow that looks awesome... the red accents make it pop some. Great framing on that last pic with the cat! Looks like its got a claw on the rear spoiler.
New to the mini so hope its not a dumb question... how hard is it to get the headlight rings & side trim off? I want to ditch the chrome & go to a flat black on mine.
Thanks for the compliments!
Not a dumb question at all. Headlights have to be removed, which isn't difficult. Removing the rings isn't hard, doing it without breaking 14+ year old plastic clips is a bit of a hassle. The small clips around the outside edge do most of the work holding them on, with a little bit of 3M double sided tape. I tried to use 3M tape to reattach mine, putting more on where the clips broke. It holds fine, but the right side isn't as flush to the lens as original.
I didn't pull the belt line trim. Outmotoring sells some striping tape the matches the rubber and is the perfect width. I went that route. Most people don't realize it's tape unless I tell them.
Let me know if I can ever help with anything. I'm pretty new to MINIs too, but I've played with cars for a while. Holler if you ever need a special tool. I might already have it.
Nice shots. I like taking pics at or near sunset for the best lighting.
I feel your pain on the headlight surrounds. I actually just removed weird patterned vinyl on my surrounds but didn’t secure one of the headlight washer cover portions. It fell off so I found one on eBay for pretty cheap.
Mine is electric blue. Want to do satin black or gloss black surrounds to give it a “meaner” look.
Definitely a popular spot. WA right?
Yep, Downtown Tacoma. It's definitely a popular place for car pics.
Is that your Mini? Very nice!
I've never managed to mess with those stupid washers without breaking a cover or clip. Every time I start backyard engineering a way to remove the washers and permanently attach the cover.
The wrap job came out really good on the headlight rings, and if it weren't for the ring sticking up, I'd leave them. But since I have to pull them, I'm considering going body color. It feels like the front of the car is a little too busy, and that might tone it down some. Trying to balance the customizing with not looking like a cover car for a JC Whitney catalog (if you're old enough to get that reference).
That mural is awesome, bet it makes for some great pictures.
Start a build thread. Took me forever, but I'm glad I did. Makes it easier to keep track of things, and the community can follow along better.
How do you like the new setup? I went the poor man JCW route instead. I have yet to throw them on.
That's why I don't have a build thread--I don't have time to work on the car, let alone write about it. 😒
I haven't really had a chance to test the new setup much. I bedded the pads, but since then it's only been a few trips around town, and I keep getting caught in traffic and can't play. The time last night that Mr Oblivious in his Exploder decided to swerve back out of the left turn lane, they seemed to be pretty effective. 😳😜
you’re planning on painting the rings body color, right?
i like how the black surrounds go with the black fender trim. Kinda want to wrap my roof black instead of white and blackout the trim. And go black wheels instead of white.
the blue white theme is cool, but the black looks “meaner” I think.
you’re planning on painting the rings body color, right?
i like how the black surrounds go with the black fender trim. Kinda want to wrap my roof black instead of white and blackout the trim. And go black wheels instead of white.
the blue white theme is cool, but the black looks “meaner” I think.
What part of S. FL? I lived in Vero Beach for a few years. Moved back out to the PNW about 4 years ago.
I'm going to try body color... Not sure if I will like, it better or not. I've seen pics, and like it. I would like like to paint all of the black plastic (fenders, valance, lower rockers) body color as well, but don't have the time to do it right.
I like the blue and white as well. Definitely has a different personality. The black out treatment has changed my car's personality quite a bit.
Not a dumb question at all. Headlights have to be removed, which isn't difficult. Removing the rings isn't hard, doing it without breaking 14+ year old plastic clips is a bit of a hassle. The small clips around the outside edge do most of the work holding them on, with a little bit of 3M double sided tape. I tried to use 3M tape to reattach mine, putting more on where the clips broke. It holds fine, but the right side isn't as flush to the lens as original.
I didn't pull the belt line trim. Outmotoring sells some striping tape the matches the rubber and is the perfect width. I went that route. Most people don't realize it's tape unless I tell them.
Let me know if I can ever help with anything. I'm pretty new to MINIs too, but I've played with cars for a while. Holler if you ever need a special tool. I might already have it.
Greg
Thanks for the offer and likewise,if you ever need another pair of hands wrenching, always happy to. I just did an upgraded motor mount on mine and need to axles next to make it daily road worthy. Going to do the other 2 mounts with inserts as well, the dogbone for sure while the car is in the air for the axles.
I dont like the wheels that are on it, 16" aftermarkets and may try to find a set of the OEM 8 spokes like what you have in the "before" pics below. For now, gotta make it "steve street" worthy first.
Thanks for the offer and likewise,if you ever need another pair of hands wrenching, always happy to. I just did an upgraded motor mount on mine and need to axles next to make it daily road worthy. Going to do the other 2 mounts with inserts as well, the dogbone for sure while the car is in the air for the axles.
I dont like the wheels that are on it, 16" aftermarkets and may try to find a set of the OEM 8 spokes like what you have in the "before" pics below. For now, gotta make it "steve street" worthy first.
Never heard of Sykart. Might have to check it out once they reopen. Have you been there?
The OEM wheels that were on mine are called "S-Lites", but are affectionately known as S-Heavies. They weigh a ton. I just sold mine a couple of months ago. You can find, them pretty cheap on Craigslist if you keep your eyes open.
The dog bone is super easy. That's the only mount I changed on mine. Factory upper hasn't sprung a leak yet--once it does the Vibratechnics mount goes in. The aftermarket one adds a little vibration, but it's not something you notice after a day or two. Definitely tightened up launches.
Have you checked your front lower control arm bushings? That's one of the first things these cars need if they are still running on the originals. Powerflex bushings doe a lot to tighten up the front end. That's typically the time to do front end service mode and all of the "while I'm at it" repairs, although Bryan (A383Wing on here) claims to have a magic tool to swap them without dropping the subframe. He's in Auburn, and is a retired mechanic who has been super helpful to me, so he might be willing to hook you up.
Never heard of Sykart. Might have to check it out once they reopen. Have you been there?
The OEM wheels that were on mine are called "S-Lites", but are affectionately known as S-Heavies. They weigh a ton. I just sold mine a couple of months ago. You can find, them pretty cheap on Craigslist if you keep your eyes open.
The dog bone is super easy. That's the only mount I changed on mine. Factory upper hasn't sprung a leak yet--once it does the Vibratechnics mount goes in. The aftermarket one adds a little vibration, but it's not something you notice after a day or two. Definitely tightened up launches.
Have you checked your front lower control arm bushings? That's one of the first things these cars need if they are still running on the originals. Powerflex bushings doe a lot to tighten up the front end. That's typically the time to do front end service mode and all of the "while I'm at it" repairs, although Bryan (A383Wing on here) claims to have a magic tool to swap them without dropping the subframe. He's in Auburn, and is a retired mechanic who has been super helpful to me, so he might be willing to hook you up.
Sykart is a blast, tight challenging track with some decent speed. The real fun is down at Pats Acres in Oregon, their rental karts will do up to 50 & the track is pretty challenging and fun.
Yeah I saw that the wheels weigh 25ish lbs... they are heavy. I like the look for some reason. The ride I got has 2 bolt pattern holes on it and I hate that, they are supposed to be pretty light but not a fan of them. Heck my Rams OEM 17" wheels are lighter then those, they weighed in at 21# ea according to the shipping scale at work. Back in 2017/2018 I gave my truck a "makeover" and brought it back to stock height with newer alloys, AL driveshaft and some AL pulleys up on the front of the motor (diesel & 440k on it). It being the main drive I reverted it back to a state to maximize mpg. Running HP Tuners setup by me for my mods & managed to get 21~22 mpg year round. Not bad from a 6800# truck. (manual trans).
Have not checked the LCA's yet, overall it seems pretty tight but what do I know lol, just got it. I'm sure there are a lot of things that need updating.
If your looking for something to do on a weekend, go check out Pats in Canby, OR. Shoot for 3 races and plan on $100ish to get that done. Worth every penny. Karting is the hobby, been to 38ish tracks and have a ton of seat time. Rentals are the challenge cause you never know what kind of kart your going to get, good or bad, and the challenge is getting the most out of it with the low lap times. Fun stuff...
Big box on the front porch-new shiny bits for underneath!
Found this big box on my front porch this morning (really quick shipping from the UK!). Trying to keep myself from starting an install during my lunch break.
Found this big box on my front porch this morning (really quick shipping from the UK!). Trying to keep myself from starting an install during my lunch break.
Found this big box on my front porch this morning (really quick shipping from the UK!). Trying to keep myself from starting an install during my lunch break.
From stock. This was the last step in initial mods. I would have done it a month ago, until I discovered that my worn pads meant the brake upgrade superceded the exhaust upgrade.
Pfth, brakes are over-rated... just cut a hole in the floor board and use feet lol... Yeah I hear ya, brakes are a tad bit important... Got a new axle sitting in the garage waiting to go back in to get mine back up and running... the old one I pulled out had so much slop in it, more than any I'd ever seen on any axle. So easy to pull it too. Next time its maybe a 20~25 minute job to get the axle out, if that.
Install wasn't too bad, other than removing the flange bolts for the header to midpipe. Cutoff wheel did the trick.
But the rubber for the inner hangers ripped on both sides when removing them, and without them in place, the tips press up into the bumper. Hoping NW Mini has them in stock, and doesn't bleed me dry. Otherwise I'm stranded for a few days.
There is no suitable hanger option at any of the auto parts stores??? Don't forget Baxters out by the bridge (behind the Safeway shopping center), that place as a lot of stuff others don't have.
There is no suitable hanger option at any of the auto parts stores??? Don't forget Baxters out by the bridge (behind the Safeway shopping center), that place as a lot of stuff others don't have.
They're kinda unique. They have threads on one side. Sandwiched between the body and a bracket that supports the exhaust.
This is what he is looking for if you've never seen one. That cuved piece on the opposite end I believe has metal molded into it as well.
There is no suitable hanger option at any of the auto parts stores??? Don't forget Baxters out by the bridge (behind the Safeway shopping center), that place as a lot of stuff others don't have.
They weren't available at 10 pm last night. Called this morning - - they don't stock any exhaust parts.
The auto parts industry in general has stopped serving the DIYer. National chains have basic maintenance items, and regional warehouses serve indy repair shops, who schedule work in advance so they can get parts brought in.
NW Mini could get me the part tomorrow if I order before 10:30 today, or I could drive to Seattle where they have them in stock (most likely the same ones NW Mini would give me tomorrow). Dropping my wife off at her office so I can have the car to go to Seattle. 😜
They're kinda unique. They have threads on one side. Sandwiched between the body and a bracket that supports the exhaust.
This is what he is looking for if you've never seen one. That cuved piece on the opposite end I believe has metal molded into it as well.
It's a rather interesting design. "Hangers" is a misnomer, as they don't really support the exhaust. Instead they keep the exhaust from moving upward. If you find that your exhaust tips are too close to your bumper, or touching the bumper, these guys are probably the culprit.
I would recommend anyone doing an exhaust swap consider ordering a pair, or at least treating these like the delicate flowers they are. They probably will last forever when only faced with the vertical force as installed, but the lateral force of removing a barbed exhaust hanger from them will tear them easily. At least unbolt all hangarers from the car and drop them with the old exhaust, then attempt to remove from the exhaust system (suggest cutting the barbs off too).
