Just picked up my '02 DS/B MCS Sat. 17% pulley, header, alta sporttone catback, cai, spec stg3 clutch, fidanza ltw fw, vmaxx coilovers. I've had nothing but older Mercs and odd Ford trucks so this mini is all sorts of new I've never owned anything: newer than 96 (preference), FWD, 6spd, boosted, this short, or 4lug

Should be loads of fun hope I dont ask too many stupid questions. At least I know how to search

Current Garage:
1985 Mercedes 190e 2.3-16
1970 Mercedes 250c
2002 MCS

Past toys:
1988 BMW 325e (1700lbs, cage/seat int, 4.10lsd, is head swap...1700lbs+180hp+4.10lsd = woooooo)
1993 Mercedes 190e 2.6...the begining of an obsession
1983 Ford Ranger 5.0HO (AOD, cams, intake, headers, carb, shredded tires, crying civics)
1995 Ford F510 Flareside (300 straight 6's are in fact bullet proof...)

 

Welcome to the club! I suspect that your current stable will be getting lonely once you and the Mini get well acquainted.

 

Nah the 250's up for sale currently and the 190 isnt going anywhere any time soon. I've actually got a 300mile rebuilt motor and EFI conversion going in soon

Mini is loads of fun so far. I figured out rather quickly why it "bogs" so bad under hard shifting...I'm not used to having traction control 2nd to 3rd shift is a little rough. The cutch pedal engagement is a bear to get used to. I get a very slight grind going into 3rd under hard accel...PO shifted flawlessly so I'm not worried about synchros

 

welcome n congrats

 

Already took off the roof rack and stickers, raising the coilovers, and lookin for a new glove box door, keyfob casing, ac pressure switch, and door sensor. It goes off for a detail in about a week and then I'll probably start blacking out/carbon fiber here and there.

Headliner needs to be redone...I'm thinkin black alcantara maybe have a bud of mine do red stitching around the clock/dome lights/ect. I'd like to retrofit an OBC...stalk is worn and nasty anyway. I'd also like to retrofit the projector headlights/joey mod them if it's not a gigantic pain in the ***. Most of what I'll do will be maint and cosmetic for the time being...i'm sure i'll get the bug for something like a throttle body, inj, cam, ect ect

it's a little overwhelming...I've had to custom fab parts for my 190. It's kind of refreshing to be able to just order a short shift kit instead of having to spend thousands on developing your own and paying a machinist to turn out 30 sets just for 1 car

 

damn 2nd to 3rd shift is driving me nuts. i guess im too used to my old cars the LTW FW and unsprung clutch dont help either im guessing.

 

Hey congrats on the new MINI! Quick question, how do you like the ride from the vmaxx? I was researching lowering springs versus coilovers and the vmaxx have a very attractive price, but was worried about how they stood up over time.

 

Welcome to the forum, sounds like you have a few problems to work out, good luck.

 

Welcome

My second car was a 190, that I converted to a 5spd so I know what your talking about. If you need MINI parts let me know.

 

I'm not a huge fan of the vmaxx's. They're way to soft for my liking...they're great "lowering coilovers" but as far as performance they leave a lot to be desired. I'll probably replace them with Megan racing or PSS9s since I know I'll be able to kidnap fat woman and not rub my tread off the rims.

There's a handful of little things (mostly cosmetic) thatneed touching up or replacing. There's no headliner (cap is still there just no fabric) and the glovebox latch is busted...little **** but enough to irritate my OCD

I'm pretty sure tha shifting issue is just my lack of experience with any manual over 96. I can shift my cossie quick as **** no clutch whole nine...this thing is a whole different feel just for DD lol.

Way, which 190 did you have?

 

Cool, thanks for the feedback...and the very colorful description.