R50/53 THE APRIL CLUB
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
NEWS FLASH***NEWS FLASH***NEWS FLASH***NEWS FLASH***NEWS FLASH
This just in!!! Finally spoke to my MA today and he said Shadowfax has been granted an unconditional pardon from the VPC and will be released on a truck bound for Texas. Arrival at the dealer is scheduled for Friday. In other news, OL updated my EDD again today and this time they moved it in the right direction, from 4/26 to 4/25... :smile: :smile:
MA was not sure if the car could be prepped in time for a Saturday pickup, but would definitely be ready by Monday...only problem is chef can't get away on Monday...OK, Tuesday then...nope, catering function after school...Wednesday, you ask...
YEEEESSSS!!!!
Of course I have to give all due credit to those of you who have focused an increduble burst of positive vibes in the direction of SC..IT WORKED!!!
This just in!!! Finally spoke to my MA today and he said Shadowfax has been granted an unconditional pardon from the VPC and will be released on a truck bound for Texas. Arrival at the dealer is scheduled for Friday. In other news, OL updated my EDD again today and this time they moved it in the right direction, from 4/26 to 4/25... :smile: :smile:
MA was not sure if the car could be prepped in time for a Saturday pickup, but would definitely be ready by Monday...only problem is chef can't get away on Monday...OK, Tuesday then...nope, catering function after school...Wednesday, you ask...
YEEEESSSS!!!!
Of course I have to give all due credit to those of you who have focused an increduble burst of positive vibes in the direction of SC..IT WORKED!!!
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR USA
Congratulation chef....
A 4/30 delivery date isn't so bad... it's MY birthday....
[gripe]
I'll be thinking good thoughts as I pass the MINI dealer for you to getting your MINI on Saturday...
good thoughts, good thoughts, good thoughs...
A 4/30 delivery date isn't so bad... it's MY birthday....
[gripe]
I'll be thinking good thoughts as I pass the MINI dealer for you to getting your MINI on Saturday...
good thoughts, good thoughts, good thoughs...
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Thanks for the good thoughts, I'll still take all I can get...right now I'm trying to think of a decent excuse to go to SA on Saturday even if I can't pick up the car...I could use the IMAX theater dodge, but we have one in Austin now...
hmmm, "Dear I just have to visit the Alamo..." no, maybe "Honey when's the last time we saw the Spurs play..." or there's always "Gee, its been forever since we went to the top of the Hemisfair tower..." perhaps "I want to go visit my MINI!!!"
Whatever works,
chef
Pamato, you need to give your MA a good spanking...there's no excuse for ignoring a customer...how far are you from the dealer, would an up close and personal visit help provide information??
hmmm, "Dear I just have to visit the Alamo..." no, maybe "Honey when's the last time we saw the Spurs play..." or there's always "Gee, its been forever since we went to the top of the Hemisfair tower..." perhaps "I want to go visit my MINI!!!"
Whatever works,
chef
Pamato, you need to give your MA a good spanking...there's no excuse for ignoring a customer...how far are you from the dealer, would an up close and personal visit help provide information??
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR USA
>>Pamato, you need to give your MA a good spanking...there's no excuse for >>ignoring a customer...how far are you from the dealer, would an up close and >>personal visit help provide information??
I live about 5 miles from my MA... I dropped by there the other day (Tuesday) ...since my MINI was supposed to be delivered on Sunday....
As usual my MA had future motorers in his office... I spoke to the sales manager who was VERY HELPFUL, POLITE, and EFFICIENT with answering my questions...
But all he could tell me that it was still not released to the trucking company so he couldn't tell me exactly when it would be here.
I'm just frustrated...
I know it'll be here when it gets here... and there's nothing I can do to make it get here any faster...
I hope OUR MINIs are on the same truck together... it's good to travel with a fellow Texan!
I live about 5 miles from my MA... I dropped by there the other day (Tuesday) ...since my MINI was supposed to be delivered on Sunday....
As usual my MA had future motorers in his office... I spoke to the sales manager who was VERY HELPFUL, POLITE, and EFFICIENT with answering my questions...
But all he could tell me that it was still not released to the trucking company so he couldn't tell me exactly when it would be here.
I'm just frustrated...
I know it'll be here when it gets here... and there's nothing I can do to make it get here any faster...I hope OUR MINIs are on the same truck together... it's good to travel with a fellow Texan!
>>Ryan, I have to ask you to give me (us?) a layman's description of oversteer and understeer in that patient yet knowing style you have developed as our VMA...did the bimmer find a good home? You must be loving having more cash for more mods...I'm following the continual evolution of Mr. Motor with serious interest...keep us posted!
>>
Over or under-steer are supposed to be steady state (aka constant speed) characteristics of a vehicles turning capability.
If you need to turn the wheel more to get the same line, or as you hold the wheel at an angle, and the front end "washes out", or "pushes", or generally turns less, this is called Understeer (quite literally, it is steering less (under) than your inputs).
While your turning, and the back end of the car "kicks out", "slides out", or the front end "digs in" or "hooks", where your steering inputs are less than the actual turning radius of the car, this is called Oversteer (literally, the car is turning more than your inputs).
There are many factors that can attribute to a car oversteering or understeering. Aspects to consider are: Camber, Caster, Scrub-Radius, Ackerman, Anti-Squat, Anti-Dive, toe-correction, the tires themselves, and maybe it's the "loose nut behind the wheel!"
In the case of Mr. Motor: from the factory, he understeered a bit, especially "on-power". This is a natural state for front-drive vehicles. In my persuit in a perfect handling MINI, I selected H-Sport springs as my first adjustment. H-Sport uses a much firmer rear spring rate than stock, which essentially transferrs weight (and therefore traction) to the front axle. (sidenote: Traction cannot be created with suspension, only transferred. Traction is only created or reduced by the tires.)
The change to the H-Sport springs reduced understeer, but did not eliminate it. There is a fine line between under and oversteering. Since there are no other springs in the market that I want to pursue based upon comfort or ride height criteria, the next area to adjust the steering would be anti-sway bars. To transfer more traction to the front axle to further reduce understeer, I will be ordering a rear anti-sway bar. I have selected MINI-Madness' rear [anti]-sway bar, it is highly adjustable, and will provide good range of adjustability needed to fine-tune the MINI's cornering. Another option would be to install a less-stiff front sway-bar, however, this would increase body-roll, which according to my criteria, is a no-no! I could also install firmer rear dampers, but this would increase ride harshness dramatically, also a criteria no-no!
[whew, that's enough for now!]
Cheers,
Ryan
>>
Over or under-steer are supposed to be steady state (aka constant speed) characteristics of a vehicles turning capability.
If you need to turn the wheel more to get the same line, or as you hold the wheel at an angle, and the front end "washes out", or "pushes", or generally turns less, this is called Understeer (quite literally, it is steering less (under) than your inputs).
While your turning, and the back end of the car "kicks out", "slides out", or the front end "digs in" or "hooks", where your steering inputs are less than the actual turning radius of the car, this is called Oversteer (literally, the car is turning more than your inputs).
There are many factors that can attribute to a car oversteering or understeering. Aspects to consider are: Camber, Caster, Scrub-Radius, Ackerman, Anti-Squat, Anti-Dive, toe-correction, the tires themselves, and maybe it's the "loose nut behind the wheel!"
In the case of Mr. Motor: from the factory, he understeered a bit, especially "on-power". This is a natural state for front-drive vehicles. In my persuit in a perfect handling MINI, I selected H-Sport springs as my first adjustment. H-Sport uses a much firmer rear spring rate than stock, which essentially transferrs weight (and therefore traction) to the front axle. (sidenote: Traction cannot be created with suspension, only transferred. Traction is only created or reduced by the tires.)
The change to the H-Sport springs reduced understeer, but did not eliminate it. There is a fine line between under and oversteering. Since there are no other springs in the market that I want to pursue based upon comfort or ride height criteria, the next area to adjust the steering would be anti-sway bars. To transfer more traction to the front axle to further reduce understeer, I will be ordering a rear anti-sway bar. I have selected MINI-Madness' rear [anti]-sway bar, it is highly adjustable, and will provide good range of adjustability needed to fine-tune the MINI's cornering. Another option would be to install a less-stiff front sway-bar, however, this would increase body-roll, which according to my criteria, is a no-no! I could also install firmer rear dampers, but this would increase ride harshness dramatically, also a criteria no-no!
[whew, that's enough for now!]
Cheers,
Ryan
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Thanks for the lesson oh wise one...like all great teachers you have given me both an answer and more questions to pursue. (Camber and Caster I know--weren't they Italian race car drivers???-- Scrub-Radius, Ackerman, Anti-Squat, Anti-Dive, toe-correction...hmmm I'll have to look into that!
I thought scrub-radius had to do with the diameter of the pot you were washing after you scorched a sauce...
I think my older brother the NASCAR fiend tried to explain this too me once, but lost me immediately!!
6 days 17 hours to go!!!
chef
I thought scrub-radius had to do with the diameter of the pot you were washing after you scorched a sauce...
I think my older brother the NASCAR fiend tried to explain this too me once, but lost me immediately!!
6 days 17 hours to go!!!
chef
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Stamford, CT
Congrats Chef!
Welcome MCJoe and Flea (I love the name too)
Rachel - You should tell the place that did your stripes that it wasn't what you ordered. They may rectify it for you. it's worth a shot. Sorry to hear it didn't work out the first time, though.
Welcome MCJoe and Flea (I love the name too)
Rachel - You should tell the place that did your stripes that it wasn't what you ordered. They may rectify it for you. it's worth a shot. Sorry to hear it didn't work out the first time, though.
>>Rachel, sucks to hear about your bad experience with the ghetto stripe-shop :smile:
>>
Actually, you might be surprised to know that they were from one of the MCO sponsors.. I had someone locally do the install. I'm a bit frustrated, but I'm positive that it was just an error and that they'll do everything possible to correct it. I've been nothing but impressed with the customer service in the past with the company, so I'm SURE that this was just an isolated thing.
I wanted stripes on for this weekend for a local (audi) meet, though (plus it's REALLY hard for me to take the time off of work). The sign shop that I was working with has ordered another set in the same pattern, but this time in a dark charcoal that should go with the whole stealth look pretty nicely. The stripes should arrive on Friday and be installed the same day...
>>
Actually, you might be surprised to know that they were from one of the MCO sponsors.. I had someone locally do the install. I'm a bit frustrated, but I'm positive that it was just an error and that they'll do everything possible to correct it. I've been nothing but impressed with the customer service in the past with the company, so I'm SURE that this was just an isolated thing.
I wanted stripes on for this weekend for a local (audi) meet, though (plus it's REALLY hard for me to take the time off of work). The sign shop that I was working with has ordered another set in the same pattern, but this time in a dark charcoal that should go with the whole stealth look pretty nicely. The stripes should arrive on Friday and be installed the same day...
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Welcome MCjoe. you're gonn alove your chilli red.
Chef, I'm happy for you. What's your stategy for the next 6 days wait?
Katie, I noticed the stoplight visibility problem also. I'm tall, and with seat way back I have to scrunch down to see stoplights too. I just figured it was a tall person thing. I almost mentiones it in my OWLA.
I'm trying to figure out a way to mount my PDA for navigation. Nothing yet, but I did order a cup holder PDA mount from ARKON. It should arrrive tomorrow and looks promising.
My son is home this week on spring break and I had fun freaking him out on offramps. I even let him drive Pyro which was risky because he is not what I would consider the safest driver out there. He was careful, but he's not going to drive without me in the car.
So, Who have you let drive your MINIS? For me, just my wife and 18 yr old son.
Andy
Chef, I'm happy for you. What's your stategy for the next 6 days wait?
Katie, I noticed the stoplight visibility problem also. I'm tall, and with seat way back I have to scrunch down to see stoplights too. I just figured it was a tall person thing. I almost mentiones it in my OWLA.
I'm trying to figure out a way to mount my PDA for navigation. Nothing yet, but I did order a cup holder PDA mount from ARKON. It should arrrive tomorrow and looks promising.
My son is home this week on spring break and I had fun freaking him out on offramps. I even let him drive Pyro which was risky because he is not what I would consider the safest driver out there. He was careful, but he's not going to drive without me in the car.
So, Who have you let drive your MINIS? For me, just my wife and 18 yr old son.
Andy
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
>>
>>Chef, I'm happy for you. What's your stategy for the next 6 days wait?
>>
Strategy...now I need a strategy...geeez, nobody told me this was sooooo complicated!
I guess I'll try to stay as busy as possible (not hard with the end of the school year approaching, btw). I am finding the wait more bearable now that I have some solid info on dates...just hoping for no surprises, unless they are good ones!
6 days, 8 1/2 hours,
chef
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: Keyport NJ
Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone. Ryephile, thanks for the advice on calling my MA, however, when I finally got him to call me back, he knew little more than me, other than telling me it was at the VPC, and not at the dealer, even though the owners lounge has been showing it as at the dealer since Sunday.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
>>I just got mine! whoo hoooooooo I posted the story seperatly as this is the longest damn thread i've ever seen.. got it from tate mini took a months rock on!
>>
Welcome Chollomo!
We are glad to have you as part of the longest--and best--thread ever!
While other CWF*C clubs wither and die, April rocks on...love to hear more about your car and to see pictures if possible!!!
Enjoy!
6/8
chef
>>
Welcome Chollomo!
We are glad to have you as part of the longest--and best--thread ever!
While other CWF*C clubs wither and die, April rocks on...love to hear more about your car and to see pictures if possible!!!
Enjoy!
6/8
chef
CONGRATS Chollomo! I'd love to see pics of your BRG with Cordoba :smile:
--->my2003mini; it's almost time for your One Month Later Assessment! cool stuff
--->MCJoe; your MA can't know much more than its' shipping status at and post VPC, and they can only guess when it'll arrive, unfortunately. Hang in there!
Cheers,
Ryan
_________________
Wisdom is not a function of age, but a function of experience.
*Keeper of the CWFAC list*
--->my2003mini; it's almost time for your One Month Later Assessment! cool stuff
--->MCJoe; your MA can't know much more than its' shipping status at and post VPC, and they can only guess when it'll arrive, unfortunately. Hang in there!
Cheers,
Ryan
_________________
Wisdom is not a function of age, but a function of experience.
*Keeper of the CWFAC list*
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Chollomo,
Sounds like you have a cool mini! Cordoba sounds great w/BRG.
Chef r,
Good luck on Sat. I hope you get to pick it up then, since that is when I pick up Motor'nMAX. It would only be appropriate for the rascals to be delivered together.
MCJoe,
Welcome aboard and I love the name Flea.
Regards,
Sounds like you have a cool mini! Cordoba sounds great w/BRG.
Chef r,
Good luck on Sat. I hope you get to pick it up then, since that is when I pick up Motor'nMAX. It would only be appropriate for the rascals to be delivered together.
MCJoe,
Welcome aboard and I love the name Flea.
Regards,
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: bristow va
I promise picture as soon as I can get them.. I haev a thread that says (got it, named it, etc.. that tells you where Ambrosias got its name. my camera needs a cord to hook it up so i'm goignto tyr and borrow one at lunch and then post today abtou 12.. I LOVE MY MINI. ps.. do you guy ( girls respectivly) have a BF GF that jsut love your mini as much as you do.. mien does, she bought me a key chain hat mouse pad model, all just to pump me up for my car, ( my b-day was teh 13th of april) I christend Ambrosias withteh key chain. I don't wan tto make my GF a widow to my MINI. But i still love the car! woo hoo.. april club rock on. i'll get pick for you soon.!
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
>>
>>Chef r,
>>Good luck on Sat. I hope you get to pick it up then, since that is when I pick up Motor'nMAX. It would only be appropriate for the rascals to be delivered together.
>>
Yaaaaaaaaaay for Par4...the Jingu crew is overdue!
I still hoping for Saturday, but just knowing its at the dealer is happy news. MA wasn't sure if they could finish prep in time for Sat. pickup, but I'm reasonably cool with Wednesday. It will allow me to pull up to the Teacher of the Year awards banquet in style on Thursday...valet parking--I THINK NOT!!!
Have a great Wednesday y'all!
6/6-1/2
chef
Chef - CONGRATS! ::happy dance::
Ryan, thanks for the explanation about over/understeer. I've got something to point at when people ask me what the heck they are. I know what they are, but it's SO hard to really explain it. I spent two days at a winter driving school in NH this winter learning about both on an ice skid pad (SO much fun - highly recommend it for everyone!).
Ryan, thanks for the explanation about over/understeer. I've got something to point at when people ask me what the heck they are. I know what they are, but it's SO hard to really explain it. I spent two days at a winter driving school in NH this winter learning about both on an ice skid pad (SO much fun - highly recommend it for everyone!).
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Chollomo, Congrats and happy birthday. My b-day wa the 13th also. there's a bunch of April birthdays in this club. I got mine on the 11th, and my MA gave me a baseball cap with red trim.
Looking forward to seing the Jingu minis. Hoping the bags under the lights from all of the partying are gone by now.
Andy
Looking forward to seing the Jingu minis. Hoping the bags under the lights from all of the partying are gone by now.
Andy
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, TN
Beautiful weather forecast for Saturday when I pick up Jack. BUT, get a call from the dealer today and says he's unavailable Saturday and wants me to pick Jack up today :evil: :evil: :evil:
Oh well, I'll be there at 3 p.m. today. Hey, I'm not complaining
Oh well, I'll be there at 3 p.m. today. Hey, I'm not complaining
