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DavidJCW

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Posts posted by DavidJCW

  4. B46/48 DINAN STAGE 1 PERFORMANCE ENGINE SOFTWARE

    in Visiting & Questions

    Posted

    I have the great fortune of having an understanding wife as well!  The last mods we did on the Mini she ended up taking over completely (cosmetic mods:  She wanted the windows tinted and some vinyl work done).  She encourages the mechanical mods but leaves them to me.  It helps that she enjoys riding in the car with me during my 'spirited' trips.  The debate I have with myself is horsepower v. handling, and which to tackle first.

     

    My internal conflict is that the mods have to be purpose driven.  Like, what is the end goal I am trying to achieve with the mods I am contemplating, and then what is enough...where is the stopping point?  At what point do you say, "Yeah, I COULD do this or that, but I am happy with the setup as it is now and I really do not need to do any more."?  I am afraid of spending significant money on any modification without a purpose only to find that I am not really happy with it.  Once that money is spent, it ain't coming back.

     

    My exhaust is a good example:  $1,500 on a JCW Pro exhaust only to find out after it was installed that I could have gotten the same effect by straight piping the car.  The saving grace there is that the Pro exhaust is designed and engineered by Mini (BMW) to work perfectly with that model (F56), and I am still all OEM.  IT is a small benefit but it helps.  (Since I leave the bypass valve open all the time, I still feel like I would have been happier straight piping it, but I digress)

     

    So I think I am done spending money on the car for this year.  I like the way the wheels, vinyl, and tinting turned out, and I dig the exhaust with the wireless button.  That's enough for now (that and I still don't know where to go next) until you come back and tell me that the Dinan tune is an experience akin to a ride on the Falcon X, and then just maybe.....  😛  

  5. B46/48 DINAN STAGE 1 PERFORMANCE ENGINE SOFTWARE

    in Visiting & Questions

    Posted

    I agree...we do mods for the love of doing mods.  For me though, they have to be purpose driven and usually multifaceted (I can better justify the higher expense for coil overs over lowering springs since they are so much more functional (better handling, adjustable ride height, better suited for track time, etc), for example).  It is easy for me to hang with a limited budget, tougher to be a little patient (ex. "We will wait to do that mod next year") but simply difficult to decide which mod should come first, and which mod functionally makes the most sense v. "Do I REALLY need to do that?" type of mentality.

     

    Even though the car was clearly babied by the original owner, I worry about the high(er) miles also.

  7. B46/48 DINAN STAGE 1 PERFORMANCE ENGINE SOFTWARE

    in Visiting & Questions

    Posted

    OK; now I am interested.  I did not realize the gains were above 300HP.  Now I REALLY want to get your opinion of the final product after you reinstall the ECU!  And I much prefer an ECU flash instead of a piggyback system.

     

    I watched the R&R video and thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be easier just to remove the engine?  LoL...

     

    My concern is that my JCW has ~98k miles and I believe the original clutch.  Adding ~75 more HP is really going to work the clutch pretty good.  When the time comes, when I replace the clutch I am really thinking about adding a LSD at the same time.  Just more $$$, right?????  and then there are the coilovers and larger sway bar I want to get...  It never ends, does it?  

  9. B46/48 DINAN STAGE 1 PERFORMANCE ENGINE SOFTWARE

    in Visiting & Questions

    Posted

    I thought the Dinan tune was a piggyback?  Maybe a different Dinan product (or different car).  Very cool either way.  I will be interested to see what the turnaround time is and how well it works.  Do you know:  Does the tune only work in Sport mode?  Or does it negate the Green/Mid/Sport modes all together?  Maybe adds a boost to each?

     

    Re-assembly should be interesting; please do keep me posted.  Thank you for keeping me in the loop with your adventures!

  10. [CANCELLED]The Home Alone Run

    in Events

    Posted

    This is a scenic route starting at Sheetz in Haymarket.  We will be running radios and I will have a navigator (even though there are only 2 or 3 total turns on the run).  I will have at least one extra radio for anyone that needs it.  From the Haymarket Sheetz, we take VA-55 out to Marshall, VA, then we hit the back roads all the way to Sperryville.  There is a gas station & Convenience store just as we come off the B-roads and hop on to 211; we will stop there to fuel up and pit stop.  Then it is up and over the mountain to Luray.  I am looking at different spots for lunch to cap the run and get some pictures.  Hope to see some folks there.

    • Like 1

  12. COILOVERS - what's good?

    in Maintenance & Modifications

    Posted

    Thanks guys!  I am leaning towards BC Racing.  I do not have DDC so regardless what I go with, I am going to have to manually adjust.  Not there yet on the sway bar - seems like a pricey modification.

     

    I am running Pirelli run-flats for now - they came with the car and are brand new tires; can't justify ditching them when there are other things on the mod list.  When the time comes I will be curiouis to see the difference - everyone says that it is pretty dramatic.

     

    I am taking Sluggo up to a local tint shop today to get the windows tinted.  MORE MODS!

  13. COILOVERS - what's good?

    in Maintenance & Modifications

    Posted

    Who got what and do you regret changing from stock?

     

    Now that I have the exhaust installed, the next step is coilovers for my F56 JCW.  

     

    I have pretty much narrowed it down the BC Racing BR series.  Seems that they are the most popular and best fit for an average price point (not the lowest price, but certainly not the highest).

     

    I WAS looking at MEGAN RACING - they are less expensive AND made in USA (oxymoron, I know considering the GERMAN car I drive that was built in the UNITED KINGDOM) but have been steered away due to the lack of reviews and advice from a club member.  But there is also KW, Bilstein, ST, etc...

     

    Who runs what?  What have you heard good?  What have you heard bad?  What do you like?

     

    Help a brother out!

  16. The Mistress Run

    in Events

    Posted

    I have more goodies coming on Saturday so I will likely not be hanging out at Three Fox; Got to get home to get the box off my front porch before any pirates try their hand commandeering a HUGE box (it is about the length of the car itself!)  Any guesses??? (hint: pop....pop...bang bang bang!)

    • Like 2
    • Haha 1

  20. What did you do to your Mini today?

    in Maintenance & Modifications

    Posted

    Not today, but I have replaced Sluggo's wheels (bought them outfitted with snow tires), PlastiDipped the headlight and taillight surrounds, and replaced the tail lights with Union Jack tail lights.

     

    Next step is either Eibach lowering springs or coil overs for appearance.  Performance I want to get a Quaiffe LSD and replace the clutch at the same time.

     

    Then add a Evolve tune once I can effectively transfer the power to the pavement.

    • Like 3

  24. Tri-State endurance sprint

    in Events

    Posted

    Good morning god Mini friends (or is it fiends???)  I hate to drop out last minute but I had a change in plans late last night and I have some things to take care of today.

     

    Be safe!, Take some pictures! 

     

    I will catch you on the flip side.

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