gratz, guys! Nice lookin' rides. I'm through the breaking and having a blast with the top down; already 14+ hours worth. I guess anupercasej is the last of us, then?

 

Huh, what's that leaking from the front end on the first pictures?

 

Looking sweet!!!
Did you put the black jcw grille trim on?

I can't wait to drive through a parking garage!

 

Congratulations mastawyrm!!!! Both for being home and finally getting your MINI!

 

Thanks for the pictures cop1406! Gorgeous car and I love the brake

 

aaronvb, Your MINI is gorgeous!!! How's the stick driving coming? I'll bet it's easier and easier...

 

yep, I picked up the Black JCW Grill from Outmotoring.

My parking stall is usually surrounded by two big trucks, but they weren't home.

 

Don't ya love the top down! I knew I would like a convertible, but am so loving driving with the top down - who knew it was so awesome?

anuppercasej is moving and then gets to pick up on the 31st (and that's almost here - hang in there anuppercasej!). I don't think there is anyone else?????

 

It's going okay, still a bit nervous when stopping on hills in traffic. Still trying to find the optimal seating adjustment for the clutch too.

 

Thats where I got mine from as well. I think it really makes the front end of the midnight black mini look really good!

 

I think so too! I'm trying to figure out if I want to black anything else out with matching glossy black vinyl. I do think a bit of chrome adds a 'classy' feel to the car. Maybe I'll black out the belt line and leave the rest chrome.

 

I've had a few manual cars over the years and I'm still a bit nervous on a hill with a car behind me... I love the hill assist in the MINI's, it gives you 2 seconds to get going before you roll backwards!

I've found that I have to have my seat a notch or two closer to be comfortable on the clutch. I adjusted the steering wheel to be as close to the dash as possible and that helped a bit.

You're doing great and it will get to be second nature to drive stick soon

 

I was debating the same thing... I have to agree that having some chrome really makes the car. I have seen some cars that are totally blacked out and I think its too much IMO.

I am debating the belt line as well; please keep me posted if you end of doing it.

 

That hill assit feature was really weird the first time I used it. I have never had a MT car that didnt roll back on a hill. Its def a nice feature, especially if you are a MT beginner.

+1 on it becoming second nature... before long you'll be driving it without much of a thought.

 

Waiting for our ReloCube right now, once it gets here, pack it up and send everything on it's way on Friday, then we fly on Sunday and pick up the MINI on Monday...

Less than a week to go!

 

It's a good thing the MINI is a car you want to drive. It will help the learning go that much quicker!

 

Hot!
You install the DOS Intake yourself?
I'm thinking about getting one...

 

That water because I had just washed it. It was dirty from the trip home.

 

That is one beatiful black beauty. Congrats....

 

I learned how to drive in a manual and still have a 67 Volvo 1800 manual now. The MINI manual is effortless and such a joy to drive. I love this freakin car.....

 

I've never had hill assist either - and it's still a little freaky to me! On steep hills I have to remind myself not to use the hand break... It's definitely weird, but helpful

 

Yeah - Monday!!!!!! You're almost there! Promise us some pictures?

 

Amen to that!

 

Yep, took me a while because I was pretty nervous about taking apart a brand new car that was less than 48 hours old. It was fairly easy once I got the bulkhead out. I was mostly worried about snapping any plastic parts like clips and such. Also didn't have to mess with any electronics which I was happy about. I installed an Autometer Boost Gauge yesterday, and that was a real PIA. Messing with the electronics of a car makes me more nervous than swapping out an intake.

Other than the performance gains(colder air), the intake sounds pretty cool. You can really hear the turbo sucking in air and also the recirc valve letting the boost out.

 

Nice. Pix of the gauge???
I'd be a bit nervous as well but then I'm not much of a DIY'er. Most I can do is change some fluids. Planning any other mods?