MINI_Voyager

Thanks for the detailed explanation! :top: I had heard that 2012 R56 has a redesigned intake manifold that minimize the carbon-buildup and thus an oil catch can is not as necessary as before. What do you think? I was considering getting an oil catch can for a new 2012, but now I wonder if it's still necessary?

Looks like I can make it. I don't suppose there's an extra t-shirt (men medium) available? If not, no sweat.

Yep--actually I decided to switch to Xenons, based on what you've told me. But I was too late though... :banghead: The car's already in production. :rock: Next time I'll be sure to get Xenons--although hopefully that won't happen for a long time.

OK, that's interesting and good to know--I'll have to think fast on whether to change the order....hmmmm.... Thanks!

And I cheerfully and respectfully disagree with you, my friend. I do admit that they're very bright and very useful and I've thought of getting it in my new car. However the sharp cut-off is what concerns me, as I wouldn't be able to see what's just off the side of the road. Let me give you a bit of background. I'm an amateur astronomer so I often drive down backcountry roads with no street lights, and where I drive, deers abound and can bound into the road without looking both way (apparently their parents don't teach them that...:rofl: ) So that plus not wanting to PO my fellow astronomers when I come or leave is why I stick with the normal headlights. Unless of course I'm possibly wrong in that the headlights don't give enough "side" light to see what might be just off the road?? I'm willing to reconsider if I can be sure that I'd be able to see just off the road (besides the cone of headlights). I concur with H/K Stereo. :top:

Picking options is fun! :top: I'd point out that 17" tires means less rubber and will lead to a more harsh ride than 16" tires would. I love the 17" wheels, but didn't want any harsher ride than I already have. Ditto for sport suspension. My ride in 2007 is harsh enough even with 16" and non-sport suspension. However if you've already test driven with 17" and 16" with and without sport suspension and you like it anyway, more power to you! :rock: Seat heaters are a must! :rock: I wouldn't get Xenox headlights though--like others said, they are BRIGHT. So bright that you might not be able to see what's just outside the headlight's cone, because the contrast is so sharp. Also you'd have to remember not to flash hi-beam except when necessary, as it can burn out Xenox lightbulb more quickly, I believe. Also even though the headlights are supposed to be self-leveled, I find them too bright when I have to drive oppose them (yes, I do turn away from looking at the light, but still....) Just my opinion. Have fun!! :top:

The very first mod I did when I ordered my Dora was the Light-in-Sight, because I knew there was no way I can see the traffic light without cradling my neck (and probably breaking it in the process :rofl:) I haven't really made any other mods though....but with the next car (another MCS), in addition to Light-in-sight (probably transferred from Dora), I'll probably get the car tinted, as soon as I can confirm that the tine won't exceed the maximum 70% that is allowed in all 50 states, a sway bar, a couple of extra gauges (1 for oil temp, one for something else, maybe oil pressure???), a new ScanGuage II, as well as customized stripes, maybe even a customized roof graphics. I'm not into racing or auto-crossing (although might try one sometimes), so don't need suspension or other similar mods. I had thought of putting in catch can, but have read that 2011 and onward has their engine changed to prevent carbon build-up though. Anyone know about that one?

I think I saw TGGRR this morning, at about 8:10-15, when we were going from N. Beauregard St to Little River Turnpike before getting on 395 South, where I lost him (I think he went on 95-S while I went up and over to 495 toward the river. At least what I saw was an orange convertible with non-personalized license plate (I wasn't sure if TGGRR has personalized license plate?)??? If that was you, TGGRR, cool! :rock: I flashed a couple of times, but not surprised if you didn't see me.

And where did you go to do your Seafoaming? Just for future reference--and if you don't want to say where out here, please PM me. Thanks!

Shoot--I didn't see this thread until now... :banghead: :banghead: Would have been interested in trying it out. But don't you need to change the oil before (or after?) the Seafoam treatment? Also is this something that would be useful with a new MINI (no, I haven't placed the order.....yet )? Or best for older MINIs?

I like being able to leave 5 mins from my place before it starts! :rofl:

Can't one bypass I-95 and take US 301--it intersect I-95 at roughly where one might get off I-95 anyway for the vineyard? Or take US 29 out southwest to Culpeper then US 522? Or do they just make too much sense?

Thanks for the suggestion, although I'm in no hurry. I had contacted him about some ideas for my next MINI (not sure when yet though). I'll ping him again if I need his answers soon. Thanks again!

Not to worry (too much anyway), but the owner is still on Facebook and I emailed him a couple of days ago and got an automated response. So they seem to be still in business though. :rock:

There's a place out near Dulles that I used for my stripes (from Aesthetic Creations too)--they did a great job, and I think they also do stripes for MoS. Unfortunately I don't remember their name though, but I think they were just south of the Dulles airport, not far from Route 28. Anyone remember the place I'm talking about? P.S. Aside--I noticed Aesthetic Creations is no longer in the Vendor Directory at NAM, and in fact the # of vendors seem smaller than before. Anyone know what's going on? Poor economy?