R50/53 THE APRIL CLUB
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
>>
>>I don't know about you, but it was hard to drive home without wanting to go up on a sidewalk or two.
>>
I weaved between a few cars while heading out on Geary, until my SO told me to knock it off. Copilots can be a drag sometimes.
Quinn
>>I don't know about you, but it was hard to drive home without wanting to go up on a sidewalk or two.
>>
I weaved between a few cars while heading out on Geary, until my SO told me to knock it off. Copilots can be a drag sometimes.
Quinn
>>>>
>>>>Which reminds me that Boston drivers have been declared some of the most aggressive in the nation.. well... we're still nicer than the New Yorkers, apparently.
My friend with the M3 had the same thing happen on the same road... someone pulled out, he swerved, thinking that he had the lane next to him, but someone had snuck into his blind spot since the last time he'd checked.
This is the friend who dropped $8k on wheels and tires for his baby. He's missing a few of them now, along with two fenders
>>>>Which reminds me that Boston drivers have been declared some of the most aggressive in the nation.. well... we're still nicer than the New Yorkers, apparently.
My friend with the M3 had the same thing happen on the same road... someone pulled out, he swerved, thinking that he had the lane next to him, but someone had snuck into his blind spot since the last time he'd checked.
This is the friend who dropped $8k on wheels and tires for his baby. He's missing a few of them now, along with two fenders
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 0
Thursday is going to be interesting.
GM is sponsoring an "Autoshow in Motion" in Nassau Coliseum's parking lots. Test drive any car they make.
So I picked a Hummer H2 (the modified Suburban). They built an "off road" track to demonstrate it's ability.
I have no intention of buying a truck, but I thought it would be fun driving the Hummer, then pop into the MINI and head out to my Southampton dealer for their party and Italian Job "preview".
If I get to take the Hummer through the cones, I will let you know if it is a threat to our slalom sweetheart.
Regards,
Red :smile:
GM is sponsoring an "Autoshow in Motion" in Nassau Coliseum's parking lots. Test drive any car they make.
So I picked a Hummer H2 (the modified Suburban). They built an "off road" track to demonstrate it's ability.
I have no intention of buying a truck, but I thought it would be fun driving the Hummer, then pop into the MINI and head out to my Southampton dealer for their party and Italian Job "preview".
If I get to take the Hummer through the cones, I will let you know if it is a threat to our slalom sweetheart.
Regards,
Red :smile:
>>GM is sponsoring an "Autoshow in Motion" in Nassau Coliseum's parking lots. Test drive any car they make.
>>
Hmm, I think I would've had to pick the Corvette Z06. Then I could do "OOPS, BURNOUT" and claim I'm not used to the horsepower. Mwuaaha ha ha ha
Red; make sure to have someone take pics of the severe body-lean as you attempt to swerve the H2 through the cones, tee hee!
>>
Hmm, I think I would've had to pick the Corvette Z06. Then I could do "OOPS, BURNOUT" and claim I'm not used to the horsepower. Mwuaaha ha ha ha
Red; make sure to have someone take pics of the severe body-lean as you attempt to swerve the H2 through the cones, tee hee!
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 0
Of course the Corvette was the first car that came to mind (after the Cavelier), but I thought at the speeds I was likely to attain, the MINI was more fun, and hey, why not go over to the dark side?
I will try to get some photos of sill rash if I am able to autocross the beast.
Regards,
Red :smile:
I will try to get some photos of sill rash if I am able to autocross the beast.
Regards,
Red :smile:
Just got back from the Italian Job preview showing out here. What FUN! Lots of friendly MINI people all admiring each other's cars
It's the BEST movie to see together - no one else would *get* it when you start cheering for every MINI scene.. of course it's hard to tell that anyone else is doing it when you're cheering so loud yourself.
Had a friendly local cop stop by to ask if they were some new 'lectric car. He stuck around and kept an eye on the bunch while we were in the movie.
heh... none of the other cars looked exactly like mine (lots of DS, no DS/W, TWO other DS/DS *sob*). Since it was an overcast day my stripes were almost invisible. Had fun watching people do a double-take and inspect it again.
It's the BEST movie to see together - no one else would *get* it when you start cheering for every MINI scene.. of course it's hard to tell that anyone else is doing it when you're cheering so loud yourself.
Had a friendly local cop stop by to ask if they were some new 'lectric car. He stuck around and kept an eye on the bunch while we were in the movie.
heh... none of the other cars looked exactly like mine (lots of DS, no DS/W, TWO other DS/DS *sob*). Since it was an overcast day my stripes were almost invisible. Had fun watching people do a double-take and inspect it again.
great to hear your Italian Job turnout was fun Rachel. Our meet here in Detroit was awesome! An excellent turnout, despite a horrible thunderstorm that drenched everyone. There was probley about 50 MINI's in the parking lot :smile: Quite a sight. The film was lots of fun, and well done too.
...and I had my under-bonnet all detailed and all, then the damn rain killed that idea! Grrrr
Cheers,
Ryan
...and I had my under-bonnet all detailed and all, then the damn rain killed that idea! Grrrr
Cheers,
Ryan
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Santa Ana, California
Great photos of the TIJ screening. The L.A. Times gave a good review to the movie today. But they thought the MINI chase went on too long. I thought that was one of the best parts!
Anyway, here's the MINI at the Grand Canyon. I love the guy on the far right - here he is at one of the natural wonders of the world and he's taking a picture of... my car! Obviously a man of refined taste!
Anyway, here's the MINI at the Grand Canyon. I love the guy on the far right - here he is at one of the natural wonders of the world and he's taking a picture of... my car! Obviously a man of refined taste!
>>great to hear your Italian Job turnout was fun Rachel. Our meet here in Detroit was awesome! An excellent turnout, despite a horrible thunderstorm that drenched everyone. There was probley about 50 MINI's in the parking lot :smile: Quite a sight. The film was lots of fun, and well done too.
>>
>>...and I had my under-bonnet all detailed and all, then the damn rain killed that idea! Grrrr
>>
We luckily dodged a few rainshowers.. though my car wasn't nearly as clean as I'd like. My boyfriend took the car to work and picked me up from there. He just doesn't understand the evil of parking near trees!
It's been so rainy this week that it's been hard finding the time to detail the car. This weekend is supposed to be rainy too.
>>
>>...and I had my under-bonnet all detailed and all, then the damn rain killed that idea! Grrrr
>>
We luckily dodged a few rainshowers.. though my car wasn't nearly as clean as I'd like. My boyfriend took the car to work and picked me up from there. He just doesn't understand the evil of parking near trees!
It's been so rainy this week that it's been hard finding the time to detail the car. This weekend is supposed to be rainy too.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 0
MINI of the Hampton's threw a really nice party last night (wine, cheese, fruit, kabobs, fancy litte sandwiches), and they were gracious hosts.
They booked the entire Southampton theatre (328 seats) and bought everyone soda and popcorn when we got there.
We thought we would park together in the lot, but no. The police held all the spots open in the street in front of the theatre (diagonal park) for MINI's only! A couple of swells in their BMW 7 series tried to park there, but the cops said NO! (The dealer owns Mercedes and BMW dealerships, so I think they invited some of their better non MINI customers?)
Eveyone screamed YAY! at the first sight of the classic Mini. I was among friends. It was awsome.
That morning my wife and I got to drive (at GM's Auto Show In Motion) a CTS 5 speed, Denalli p/u with Quadrasteer (cool), a Hummer H2 straight up and down a very steep dirt hill among other obstructions, a Vibe GT 5 speed (looks cool, but handles like a typical sedan) and a Z06 Corvette!
The Vette's power really came on at 4,000, by the time you shift to 2nd, you ran out of course. They were not too concerned with smoking the tires, but they were very upset with people abusing the clutch. You could smell it in the air.
All in all, a great day! And the MINI felt the best of all. Best clutch feel, nicest shifter, best steering feel, best visibility, and best connection to the road.
My feeling is if you were to try to have fun with the Vette, you would run out of room (and points!) too quickly in the real world. The MINI is just more fun.
Best regards,
Red
They booked the entire Southampton theatre (328 seats) and bought everyone soda and popcorn when we got there.
We thought we would park together in the lot, but no. The police held all the spots open in the street in front of the theatre (diagonal park) for MINI's only! A couple of swells in their BMW 7 series tried to park there, but the cops said NO! (The dealer owns Mercedes and BMW dealerships, so I think they invited some of their better non MINI customers?)
Eveyone screamed YAY! at the first sight of the classic Mini. I was among friends. It was awsome.
That morning my wife and I got to drive (at GM's Auto Show In Motion) a CTS 5 speed, Denalli p/u with Quadrasteer (cool), a Hummer H2 straight up and down a very steep dirt hill among other obstructions, a Vibe GT 5 speed (looks cool, but handles like a typical sedan) and a Z06 Corvette!
The Vette's power really came on at 4,000, by the time you shift to 2nd, you ran out of course. They were not too concerned with smoking the tires, but they were very upset with people abusing the clutch. You could smell it in the air.
All in all, a great day! And the MINI felt the best of all. Best clutch feel, nicest shifter, best steering feel, best visibility, and best connection to the road.
My feeling is if you were to try to have fun with the Vette, you would run out of room (and points!) too quickly in the real world. The MINI is just more fun.
Best regards,
Red
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
We had about 75-100 MINIs at our IJ event in Dallas,TX. We even had a "mini" autocross course. We had to pull into a packing space then weave though some cones backwards unitl we parked into another space, then do the whole thing going foward. Fast 3 times got goodies. It was great to see all those MINI's in one place.
I think this whole TIJ ordeal is a great success! Great to hear all the stories too He'll be sitting patiently in the parking lot 
Hopefully the weather will cease it's sucking and the sun will come out!
Cheers and have a great weekend!
Ryan
He'll be sitting patiently in the parking lot Hopefully the weather will cease it's sucking and the sun will come out!Cheers and have a great weekend!
Ryan
::hauling TAC thread out of page four::
Rocket - those pics are great! All we did was wander around and oogle the other cars. Of course, by the end of the movie, everyone was itching to get out and check on their cars and try out some, ah.. spirited driving. No one stuck around!
Can I ask y'all to think positive thoughts? Just found out that my boss is planning on replacing me by the end of the summer.... ick. I'm still not sure I get it. Want to keep MINI!
Rocket - those pics are great! All we did was wander around and oogle the other cars. Of course, by the end of the movie, everyone was itching to get out and check on their cars and try out some, ah.. spirited driving. No one stuck around!
Can I ask y'all to think positive thoughts? Just found out that my boss is planning on replacing me by the end of the summer.... ick. I'm still not sure I get it. Want to keep MINI!
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
What's your boss thinking? That's tough news Rachel. At least you have some time to look around. Anyone who sees you drive a MINI to a job interview will immediately recognize an intelligent, classy person with great taste. Keep us posted and good luck.
Andy
Andy
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 0
Rachel, I agree with Andy. Besides, what kind of dolt would have an employee around for three months thinking their job is coming to an end?
Look for greener pastures. Positive thoughts are with you.
Regards,
Red :smile:
Look for greener pastures. Positive thoughts are with you.
Regards,
Red :smile:
Thanks for the positive thoughts..
See... I'm a research technician.. I've only got a Bachelor's degree right now. It doesn't mean that I know less than someone with a phD (quite the contrary, actually.. I've been training the post-docs coming into the lab), but it does mean that I'm less prestigious and don't reflect as well on the lab in publications, so... off I go to be replaced by someone with a better degree than mine. :evil:
I think he thought that he was being nice by giving me advance warning... he doesn't have any problems with the work that I do or anything like that.
Which makes it all the more depressing, really. I can't point and say that I did *something* wrong
Ah, well.. at least I've got my car for consolation for now. A nice brisk drive out to the barn to see the ponies and get hugs and a nice drive back.
See... I'm a research technician.. I've only got a Bachelor's degree right now. It doesn't mean that I know less than someone with a phD (quite the contrary, actually.. I've been training the post-docs coming into the lab), but it does mean that I'm less prestigious and don't reflect as well on the lab in publications, so... off I go to be replaced by someone with a better degree than mine. :evil:
I think he thought that he was being nice by giving me advance warning... he doesn't have any problems with the work that I do or anything like that.
Which makes it all the more depressing, really. I can't point and say that I did *something* wrong
Ah, well.. at least I've got my car for consolation for now. A nice brisk drive out to the barn to see the ponies and get hugs and a nice drive back.
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
::::postive vibes---------------->Rachel::::
Sorry about the news, Rachel, hopefully it will lead to something bigger and better. Before I got my current job I was one of two finalists for a different job and didn't get it. I was **crushed** but 6 months later a different position opened up and I did get it. It turns out that the first job would have really sucked and the one I did get totally rocks. Hopefully things will work out well for you too...change can be good!!!
chef
Sorry about the news, Rachel, hopefully it will lead to something bigger and better. Before I got my current job I was one of two finalists for a different job and didn't get it. I was **crushed** but 6 months later a different position opened up and I did get it. It turns out that the first job would have really sucked and the one I did get totally rocks. Hopefully things will work out well for you too...change can be good!!!
chef
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
A most excellent weekend of motoring in Austin!!!!
WOW! What a weekend just passed.
Friday...Italian Job Premiere--MINI count 48 New and 2 Classics. Awesome afternoon/dusk/evening drive, two hours through the hills and twisties of West Austin, tons of people and a fun movie (at a drafthouse theatre--hooray beer!)
Saturday--18 MINIs at the informal "car show" outside a go-cart racing place. More great chat, especially about mods--interior/exterior and performance. Got to see the Alta, BMP and Madness intakes and the BMP and Magnaflow exhausts, a parcel shelf, hot pocket, cool stripes and flags, etc., etc.
Sunday--65 new MINIs and 1 classic Cooper S, 1 hour meet and greet and ogle, 2 1/2 hour drive out through the twisties and back--fun "spirited" driving with the breakaway pack in the lead. Incredible reactions from other traffic. A couple highlights:
[list]
<LI>The lady in the expedition who asked if we were a convention and when told "sort of" asked why we were all driving the same cars
PS--I promise to post pics just as soon as my %$@# computer starts talking to my **^%$ camera...apparently they've had an argument and aren't currently on speaking terms
_________________
03 MCS-CR/B>>>>Now motoring through a twistie near you<<<<<< CWFAC 03 Rocks!
WOW! What a weekend just passed.
Friday...Italian Job Premiere--MINI count 48 New and 2 Classics. Awesome afternoon/dusk/evening drive, two hours through the hills and twisties of West Austin, tons of people and a fun movie (at a drafthouse theatre--hooray beer!)
Saturday--18 MINIs at the informal "car show" outside a go-cart racing place. More great chat, especially about mods--interior/exterior and performance. Got to see the Alta, BMP and Madness intakes and the BMP and Magnaflow exhausts, a parcel shelf, hot pocket, cool stripes and flags, etc., etc.
Sunday--65 new MINIs and 1 classic Cooper S, 1 hour meet and greet and ogle, 2 1/2 hour drive out through the twisties and back--fun "spirited" driving with the breakaway pack in the lead. Incredible reactions from other traffic. A couple highlights:
[list]
<LI>The lady in the expedition who asked if we were a convention and when told "sort of" asked why we were all driving the same cars
PS--I promise to post pics just as soon as my %$@# computer starts talking to my **^%$ camera...apparently they've had an argument and aren't currently on speaking terms
_________________
03 MCS-CR/B>>>>Now motoring through a twistie near you<<<<<< CWFAC 03 Rocks!
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Ok...the camera and the computer *REALLY* don't want to play tonight, I think I need to reinstall some software...how embarassingly unmaclike...
Anyway here's some links to pics from other TX motorers with cooperative cameras...enjoy!
Friday night at the movies
A MINI Sunday drive
Enjoy!
chef
PS OMLA soon I promise
Anyway here's some links to pics from other TX motorers with cooperative cameras...enjoy!
Friday night at the movies
A MINI Sunday drive
Enjoy!
chef
PS OMLA soon I promise
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Great report Chef. Sounds like you had a blast. Get that MAc straightened out and post some pics.
OMLA report. I know it’s been over a month, but I lost two weeks of motoring while in Hawaii, so this is it.
Exterior. I love the black roof, black bonnet stripes, and red/black color combo. Still get lots of looks and questions. Never get tired of looking at Pyro, or any mini. Brake dust is a nuisance, but livable. The size of the car is great, easy to park and maneuver, fits nicely in my garage with plenty of walk-around room. I really don’t like the orange repeater lens in the taillights. I clashes with the red body. I have thought about the clear assembly, but that’s more money than I want to spend. I have tried tinting, OK but not what I’m looking for. Minimania has a clear repeater lens for $30.00 each. The lens is clear with a colored bulb. This sounds like a good alternative. And so far, (knock on wood) no scratches, dings, swirls or chips!
Interior. Love the roominess. It is getting hot out here, and the cloth seats are great. AC works well although at a power drain to the engine. The one interior thing I don’t like is visibility. There is a blind spot to the drivers left, and traffic lights are sometimes tough to see if I am at the front. I think Katie mentioned this also. Cupholders are not great, but there is a new system due this summer from Minifini.com that looks promising. I still haven’t taken a long trip, but I think it will be comfortable over the long haul. Great car, very comfortable, plenty of room. And I love driving it barefoot.
Performance. I removed the stock airbox and fitted a pipercross intake. Added nice sound at WOT and a bit more power at high rpms. This week I installed a Rogue exhaust system. I love the low rumble at start-up and idle. There is a definite drone at around 3,00 rpm’s but a nice sweet powerful sound while accelerating through 4,000 up to redline. The car pulls strong from 4,000 rpm right up to redline. With this setup I am getting 0-60 times of 8.2. I believe the stock cooper is listed at 9.2. I think I can do better as I have room for improvement. My pocket dyno also does an estimated HP and I have been getting consistent 128-129 hp at the wheels. I would like to try a real dyno sometime to compare. Handling is superb. A madness swaybar is on my list for this summer. Mileage is in the 30’s except when driving hard, then down to 27-28.
Overall, great car, no regrets.
Andy
OMLA report. I know it’s been over a month, but I lost two weeks of motoring while in Hawaii, so this is it.
Exterior. I love the black roof, black bonnet stripes, and red/black color combo. Still get lots of looks and questions. Never get tired of looking at Pyro, or any mini. Brake dust is a nuisance, but livable. The size of the car is great, easy to park and maneuver, fits nicely in my garage with plenty of walk-around room. I really don’t like the orange repeater lens in the taillights. I clashes with the red body. I have thought about the clear assembly, but that’s more money than I want to spend. I have tried tinting, OK but not what I’m looking for. Minimania has a clear repeater lens for $30.00 each. The lens is clear with a colored bulb. This sounds like a good alternative. And so far, (knock on wood) no scratches, dings, swirls or chips!
Interior. Love the roominess. It is getting hot out here, and the cloth seats are great. AC works well although at a power drain to the engine. The one interior thing I don’t like is visibility. There is a blind spot to the drivers left, and traffic lights are sometimes tough to see if I am at the front. I think Katie mentioned this also. Cupholders are not great, but there is a new system due this summer from Minifini.com that looks promising. I still haven’t taken a long trip, but I think it will be comfortable over the long haul. Great car, very comfortable, plenty of room. And I love driving it barefoot.
Performance. I removed the stock airbox and fitted a pipercross intake. Added nice sound at WOT and a bit more power at high rpms. This week I installed a Rogue exhaust system. I love the low rumble at start-up and idle. There is a definite drone at around 3,00 rpm’s but a nice sweet powerful sound while accelerating through 4,000 up to redline. The car pulls strong from 4,000 rpm right up to redline. With this setup I am getting 0-60 times of 8.2. I believe the stock cooper is listed at 9.2. I think I can do better as I have room for improvement. My pocket dyno also does an estimated HP and I have been getting consistent 128-129 hp at the wheels. I would like to try a real dyno sometime to compare. Handling is superb. A madness swaybar is on my list for this summer. Mileage is in the 30’s except when driving hard, then down to 27-28.
Overall, great car, no regrets.
Andy
Well, I'm back from my weekend at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes in west Michigan. It was a great time, relaxing yet exhausting. My brother and I hiked at least 10 miles...in the sand! It's much more work than is seems, whew. Here are a ton of pics to enjoy :smile:
Cheers!
Ryan
Cheers!
Ryan
Thanks for the OMLA Andy!
Chef: Great pics and looks like you had an excellent time!
--> Rachel, you go find yourself a better position where they appreciate you! You deserve it!
Chef: Great pics and looks like you had an excellent time!
--> Rachel, you go find yourself a better position where they appreciate you! You deserve it!
Ryan - great pics! I always tend to forget that there's sand in the Midwest.. hard to believe that I spent 6 years in MI and I still manage to forget the dunes.
I'll blame it on the toxic air where I lived....
Chef - what software are you using that's not talking to the camera?
I'll blame it on the toxic air where I lived....
Chef - what software are you using that's not talking to the camera?