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Showing results for tags 'modification'.
Found 15 results
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Back in June, I installed a GP Intercooler on my '06 R53. I had intended to do a detailed write-up, but didn't really follow through. So, I just took a few pictures along the way. Below are three that pretty much sum it up. Swapping the Intercooler isn't very difficult and can be done in about an hour if you understand the process. The first picture just shows the stock IC before removal, the second picture shows the newly installed GP IC. NOTE: one minor downside to the GP is that the spark plugs are covered by the additional rows along the top, so changing spark plugs will now require removal of the IC!! This really isn't a huge issue since the spark plugs aren't changed very often. The third picture is the finished install with a DDM Works air diverter installed atop the GP IC. Picture #1 - Stock IC Picture #2 - GP IC Picture #3 - GP IC with DDM Works Diverter
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One of the things that I want to do is add some stripes, but the options from MINI weren't what I want. What I have in mind isn't terribly exotic or difficult, but what I'd really like to do is go to someone's shop and lay a template or test or something on the car to see if it looks like I think it will. Then, either at that time or on a return trip, have the shop install them. Does anyone have any recommendations for a shop in the area?
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Has anybody from DCMM personally installed the Ian Cull auto-up circuit before? How hard is it for a novice? is the final result totally concealed?
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Just got an email from DINAN advertising a sale they have going. It's 25% off all MINI mods in stock. A little history might be necessary - DINAN has traditionally been a BMW tuner shop and they've done good things with 3,5,7-Series standard and M cars. So, when the new MINI came out, they decided to give it a shot and released several modifications and kits. After MINI replaced the R53 with the R56 for 2007, DINAN discontinued development. Therefore, none of their mods are designed for '07 and newer Cooper, Cooper S, or Clubman models. However, their mods theoretically may work on the '07 and '08 convertibles. Many people feel that the mods are overpriced, but one thing that made them attractive was they offer a warranty through the MINI dealerships, which is where the installation takes place. MINI of Sterling was a participating dealership, but I don't know about MINI of Alexandria. Anyways... see the DINAN web site.
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If you're sick of those dang TPMS alarms going off - MoS has added nitrogen - the benefit is it keeps your MINI tire at a more consistent tire pressure and less vunerable to the vagaries of our always fluctuating temperature. Cost is $69.00 - the techs drained my tires of normal air last week and replaced it with nitrogen and green valve stem covers. Car corners a lot better and I'm getting better gas mileage. See your SA (service advisor) at MoS if interested in having it done. Krutty.
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Is anyone running one of these? I just put one on in and I swear the throttle responce is quicker. I don't think it is just in my head. Engine note is also different. Very cool. Jim
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Observations on Suspension & Clutch Mods
Christina-JCW posted a topic in Maintenance & Modifications
:motor:Starbuck has had a bunch of changes recently, some inadvertently. Clutchmasters FX100 clutch and flywheel (FW): the most noticeable are the changes from the 13lb FW (vs. approx 26lbs for the OEM). Quicker pickup, changes in shift points vs road speed. Starbuck hates to be below 2500rpm or so. MPG - slight increase. Suspension mods: 19mm Alta Anti-Sway Bar top and bottom Alta Rear Control Arms (adjustable) Alta End-links (for the Anti-Sway Bar) The 19mm bar adds the most: change in cornering - super responsive. The control arms are lighter than OEM - maybe 8lbs lighter for all 4. It's a good reduction in unsprung weight. What is really nice is that the car handles so much better with the JCW suspension than it used to. All of the parts contribute, and the advantage of the control arms (besides rear camber adj). My installer told me that he had to lengthen the lower arms a small amount (vs the OEM arms) to make everything assemble correctly and preserve alignment. One thing for anyone considering suspension changes: you will have to re-learn your car. Given the JCW suspension, the Alta parts and 16lb rims with Goodyear Eagles (non-Runflat) - the car handles very differently. It is hard to remember what it used to be like, but it felt heavier in turns, less responsive. At this remove, those are the best generalizations I can recall. In case anyone wants to know - the shop was Autotecnica in Manasssas, VA. Price for the 4wheel alignment and the suspension work is approx. $500 or so. -
After the Spring Run a few weeks ago - my clutch and FW went south.... So - after getting the slave cylinder replaced and an aftermarket clutch and FW (Clutchmasters FX100), my shop cannot align the transmission.... Last year both clutch and FW were replaced by MoS under warranty....hmmnnn... this is never good...2 clutches in just over 1 year (by 1 week)... So - anyone have any ideas on where to get the right clutch alignment tool? the one shipped with the clutch is wrong, and a universal one doesn't work right either....
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OK, now that I've started down the slippery slope of modding with the pulley, the CAI is next. Do I go with the Alta, the M7/DDM, or the JCW?
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Just got the info through my friend performance shop. Wilwood is changing the hat design for clearing issue on MINI wheels. Starting to ship out next Friday. Jason.
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I totally wasn't planning on this, but listening to the grit and debris bounce off the front of my car as I drive down the highway has really made me start considering getting some form of protective film for the front. And if I'm going to, now's the time before any damage has a chance to really occur. Has anyone here had that done and would recommend the company? If I do it, it would almost certainly be the full front of the car (don't want even a hint of a line if I can help it). Thanks!
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http://www.altaperformance.com/products/show/292/Intercooler-Air-Diverter-Version-2-0 Just picked one up for MINInurse and I and wanted to know how hard it is to install. TIA :beer:
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I thought I'd begin a thread for do it yourself modifications. This might be a great way to not only discuss the mods we have, but those which are easy enough to do on a weekend under the ol' shade tree. So, to start, I've installed a few mods on my MINI, and a few on others' MINIs. Being able to wrench on your own car is very satisfying, can save some money, and is a great way to learn your way around under the bonnet. Tell us your DIY stories! Pictures too, if ya got 'em
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Now you don't For those who haven't had a look yet. The Stow n Go retractor from AltecProducts.com, and pre painted chili red bumper plugs from bumperplugs.com. OK Got that part out of the way! The Stow n Go works via remote, comes with two. I actually put it on back before Christmas. I think the most fun I had was at the one car show I've been to since, the Euro one in Vienna for Toys for Tots. Stood back a way and would retract it occasionally as people from other cars walked up. The Euro 'Tuner' crowd loved it! hahahahahahahaha I've hated the look of the tag in front of the aero kit since day one. The bumper plugs I guess I could buy and paint, but these are perfect in appearance and I don't mind the look of them at all. I was going to do a tow hook mount but searched the hot rod sites and what have you till I found this. They have a manual version you can just grab and push under or pull out too for half the $. I had thought to have one wired to the ignition, but it's a simple widget you have to hold the button till it's all the way out or in. So to wire it to ignition would require a timed latch circuit. I decided to order anyway as I leave the tag visible MOST of the time. I really only retract it at MINI and other 'car functions'.
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If any one needs help doing this or some other stuff I could help you out. Just wired in my Valtentine 1 today and doing my laser jammers in the next week or two. Been aircraft mechanic for 5 years and beening doing car stereo for over 6 years on and off. Was kind of a pain in the arse until I found a good power source. Jason
