Lt. Dan

Easy stuff, less than an hour of work

If people want, I can get club members the BG restoration kit at a really good discount.

Oh, and if you don't think you can do it, swing by your local fire department and ask for help!

On my R53, it's a very tight fit. Try turning the latch sideways, sliding it in, and then twisting into place. Be advised- It's even harder to get the seat back out!!!

Well, in the past two years I've replaced: Alternator A/C Compressor power Steering Pump Power steering fan power steering lines clutch and flywheel both Xenon bulbs all four swaybar links two engine mounts timing chain tensioner drive belt tensioner valve cover gasket pcv valve bypass valve exhaust (rusted out and fell off) Passenger side airbag repair that's all the "non performance" stuff I can think of right now- but you get the idea.

My r53 has 200k miles on it. over the past two years, I've had to do quite a bit to keep it on the road, but the motor and trans have been solid!

I ran Afternoon on Sunday :top:

So Sunday was the last WDCR autocross of the season. Since I last ran the car, I had installed a Cooper Challenge coilover setup, and gotten a fairly agressive alignment. This really woke the car up, but I knew I was till facing an uphill battle since I still have an open diff, and my tires were starting to fall off in performance (they were new in april of 15). In the morning, I was initially disappointed in the number of entries showing up, but my concerns were unfounded as we ended up with 15 drivers for the class! The course was very interesting- It started out heavy on the transitions, with one crossover, but the second half was wide open, and rewarded drivers that weren't afraid to keep their foot in the gas! so the first half catered to the Mini, and the second half catered to me! :motor: Every run I got more comfortable with the car. The spring rates are very high, and while I will be changing them out for a longer, softer rate, I was impressed with the car's performance, and dropped time on each run! In the end, I finished up 6th, out of 15 drivers, but only 4/10ths out of the trophies! Hopefully the addition of an LSD this winter, and a step up in tire size will improve things next season, but I really think me and my Mini can compete in this class, at least on a local level!

GT Peace automotive does R53 tunes!

how are the speed bumps at RTC?

I wish- Have a trail work day in Manassas, followed by the D.C. United game... Drive fast, take chances!!!

Last night I called GT Peace and talked with both Sean and Galen! Looks like I've found a reputable shop that can tune my R53!!

looks like a mis-spoke. while there was rain on the second day, Craig pretty much just drove away from the twins in the dry. a lot of people online are saying that the course looked like it really catered to him and his car :motor:

He has an r56 JCW. He was leading by .1 after day 1, but it poured on day 2, and I can speak from experience- the twins can't touch a mini in the rain....

Yup, sitting in the garage...

Installed a set of mini challenge coilovers today!! With the added camber and better valving, it's safe to say my little car feels like it's on rails now!!

Selling a set of H&R lowering springs for an R50/53. These are still in terrific shape, with low mileage. $75 OBO

I dig it!! Really like the badge with the name on it

I'm not seeing anything local, but there is this one on NAM: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/mini-parts-for-sale/303896-oem-header-and-cat-2005-r53.html

So I'm looking around, and can't find a wite or program for putting a custom graphic on the roof of a Mini... Anyone know of a site that would work?

have pictures of the inside of the diverter? EDIT- Nevermind, I thought you meant the bypass valve...

Bruiser hangin' out in the country.... The rack has come off recently so I can get a little more "serious" with the autocross stuff... :motor:

Stuck working this weekend

Sorry, doing the Air Force Classic in Crystal City this Sunday

Okay that is WAAAAY COOL!!!!!!