What did you do to your mini today?
06-29-2015, 01:40 PM
3rd Gear
Good luck! it is pretty straightforward. Getting to the compressor is not that bad when you put the car into service mode. Removing the belt is really easy too. Routing the belt back is straightforward but can take a little time to get everything right.
Once those items are done, then its 3 bolts I think to get the compressor off. Do you have an impact? That helped me to remove the a/c pulley bolt. Once that is loose just make sure you keep everything in order for when you put it back together. When I did my coil, I had to set the pulley and pull it off 2-3 times because I was encountering some drag when the pulley would go on. If you get the pulley on just right, you will know! It will spin nicely without any drag. A $100 coil is better than a $1,900 dealership repair bill for the compressor. (pre negotiation of course...)
When in doubt, replace that drive belt. It is only a few bucks and gives you peace of mind. Since you have the 15% pulley, some argue to get the JCW belt! Its smaller and still fits. Last time my MINI was at the dealer, I requested the JCW belt and the advisor said he would have to check on that for me. After a few minutes (presume speaking with the mechanics), he said no problem! I have the 15% as well. Something to consider.
Good luck!
Once those items are done, then its 3 bolts I think to get the compressor off. Do you have an impact? That helped me to remove the a/c pulley bolt. Once that is loose just make sure you keep everything in order for when you put it back together. When I did my coil, I had to set the pulley and pull it off 2-3 times because I was encountering some drag when the pulley would go on. If you get the pulley on just right, you will know! It will spin nicely without any drag. A $100 coil is better than a $1,900 dealership repair bill for the compressor. (pre negotiation of course...)
When in doubt, replace that drive belt. It is only a few bucks and gives you peace of mind. Since you have the 15% pulley, some argue to get the JCW belt! Its smaller and still fits. Last time my MINI was at the dealer, I requested the JCW belt and the advisor said he would have to check on that for me. After a few minutes (presume speaking with the mechanics), he said no problem! I have the 15% as well. Something to consider.
Good luck!
06-30-2015, 12:48 PM
07-01-2015, 04:25 AM
07-01-2015, 08:04 AM
Installed a CNT Racing v2 Exhaust System
Installed a CNT Racing exhaust system to complete my FBO (Full Bolt On-Upgraded Larger FMIC, Cat-less DP, AEM CAI, boost tubes, and cat-less exhaust) w/Manic Stage 2+ flash tune build.
Chose this system because it didn't break the bank, eliminated the secondary cats, and the quality of the system itself made me feel really good about the purchase. Install was painless and surprisingly fast and easy.
It growls deep and isn't raspy with cat-less dp's. No drone either at freeway cruising. When it backfires on engine breaking, it is now deeper, whereas the factory piping would create a higher pitch 9mm gun shot sound.
I've also noticed the turbo builds boost so much sooner and faster. No lag. The car just wants to go. I can feel more torque throughout the entire rpm range. Pulls me into the seat. And I can hit triple digits sooner than with the restrictive factory piping. I'm happy with the system. Next is meth, metal charge pipes w/Synapse BOV (VTA). Then an LSD and a bigger turbo.
The exhaust system hasn't broken in yet, but after, I know it's going to sound louder and that much more bad ***.
Chose this system because it didn't break the bank, eliminated the secondary cats, and the quality of the system itself made me feel really good about the purchase. Install was painless and surprisingly fast and easy.
It growls deep and isn't raspy with cat-less dp's. No drone either at freeway cruising. When it backfires on engine breaking, it is now deeper, whereas the factory piping would create a higher pitch 9mm gun shot sound.
I've also noticed the turbo builds boost so much sooner and faster. No lag. The car just wants to go. I can feel more torque throughout the entire rpm range. Pulls me into the seat. And I can hit triple digits sooner than with the restrictive factory piping. I'm happy with the system. Next is meth, metal charge pipes w/Synapse BOV (VTA). Then an LSD and a bigger turbo.
The exhaust system hasn't broken in yet, but after, I know it's going to sound louder and that much more bad ***.
07-01-2015, 06:02 PM
I got my parts from ECS.
That was one of the biggest ball drops ever in terms of shipping. Not ECS's fault our FedEx terminal sucks
First the package grows legs and walks off my door step.
Second FedEx basically tells me to get bent, no liability.
Third FedEx finds the package claiming USPS picked it up and they will deliver again
Fourth FedEx tells me the next day they lost the package and to basically get bent no liability.
The package gets delivered yesterday.
This all takes place over nearly a week.
I don't care much for FedEx Ground
That was one of the biggest ball drops ever in terms of shipping. Not ECS's fault our FedEx terminal sucks
First the package grows legs and walks off my door step.
Second FedEx basically tells me to get bent, no liability.
Third FedEx finds the package claiming USPS picked it up and they will deliver again
Fourth FedEx tells me the next day they lost the package and to basically get bent no liability.
The package gets delivered yesterday.
This all takes place over nearly a week.
I don't care much for FedEx Ground
07-02-2015, 12:18 AM
2nd Gear
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 143
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I had KONI Yellows, springs, NM RSE05's and Michelin PS3's installed yesterday. It's sitting higher in the front than the back, will the new shocks settle in? The shocks are set at the softest setting right now and need to dial in.
How does it look from stock?
How does it look from stock?
Last edited by Rrotz; 07-02-2015 at 03:15 AM.
07-02-2015, 12:33 AM
2nd Gear
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Victoria, Australia
Posts: 143
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07-02-2015, 02:30 PM
Platinum Sponsor
Nicefeet- sorry the here about Fedex dropping the ball :(
Rrotz - Coming along very nice !
Rrotz - Coming along very nice !
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MINI Guru/ MINI Owner Since 2004 | NEW Lifetime Part Replacement | Local Pickup
Milltek | Genuine MINI | Forge Motorsport | NM Engineering | ECS Performance | M7 Speed
Customer Service Hours: 8am-8pm EST|Sales Team Hours: 8am-11pm | SAT 10am-7pm 800.924.5172
07-02-2015, 08:59 PM
I washed and waxed Pepper today. Oh, and I won the #DadsMotorBig Photo Contest. 
http://miniusa.tumblr.com/post/12305...on-proves-that
Facebook Post
http://miniusa.tumblr.com/post/12305...on-proves-that
07-03-2015, 08:12 AM
I washed and waxed Pepper today. Oh, and I won the #DadsMotorBig Photo Contest.
https://www.facebook.com/MINIUSA/pho...588221/?type=1
https://twitter.com/MINIUSA/status/616690337461858304
https://instagram.com/p/4pX7QZnZ-q/
http://miniusa.tumblr.com/post/12305...on-proves-that
https://www.facebook.com/MINIUSA/pho...588221/?type=1
https://twitter.com/MINIUSA/status/616690337461858304
https://instagram.com/p/4pX7QZnZ-q/
http://miniusa.tumblr.com/post/12305...on-proves-that
I saw this on the MINI instagram page yesterday and wondered if it was any of us on there, so cool!
07-03-2015, 12:11 PM
07-03-2015, 05:59 PM
07-04-2015, 05:17 AM
1st Gear
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 25
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Suspension and 1st SCCA Track Night in America
I had Madness Motorworks of Portland install their performance springs, Konis and their 22mm rear sway bar, as well as their poly motor mount and a short shifter kit, picked it up yesterday and 2 hrs later (after a quick run on a curvy road) went to my first track event at Portland International Raceway!
What a difference! Flat as a board on hard corners! I haven't done anything to the motor yet, but have the Madness/Wagner intercooler going in next week and am trying to decide which tune and CAI to go with. After Track Night at 95 degrees I'm thinking big brakes too.
Just joined here so reading up!
What a difference! Flat as a board on hard corners! I haven't done anything to the motor yet, but have the Madness/Wagner intercooler going in next week and am trying to decide which tune and CAI to go with. After Track Night at 95 degrees I'm thinking big brakes too.
Just joined here so reading up!
07-04-2015, 06:26 AM
3rd Gear
PM and Detailing
Nothing big and title says it all...
Last weekend- oil change
This weekend full interior detail, wash/dry. Used McGuires spray on wheel cleaner (purple bottle). Good stuff-not great but acceptable.
New NGK SP wires (3rd cyl contact on ignition pack a little brown so I used #0000 steel wool). Prob will replace.
Also new JCw CAI air filter. Figured I'd give the Open Flapper Mod a try while I'm in there. I'm not too keen on keeping an electrical connection unplugged and not expect an ECU code but hey....I'll go with it and see if it jives with my driving style.
Headed back out to give Mothers Back to Black a shot on the ext trim.
2 Questions:
Silver polish for foggy headlights?
Where to get a foam gasket (near firewall for flapper) for JCW CAI?
TIA
-md
Last weekend- oil change
This weekend full interior detail, wash/dry. Used McGuires spray on wheel cleaner (purple bottle). Good stuff-not great but acceptable.
New NGK SP wires (3rd cyl contact on ignition pack a little brown so I used #0000 steel wool). Prob will replace.
Also new JCw CAI air filter. Figured I'd give the Open Flapper Mod a try while I'm in there. I'm not too keen on keeping an electrical connection unplugged and not expect an ECU code but hey....I'll go with it and see if it jives with my driving style.
Headed back out to give Mothers Back to Black a shot on the ext trim.
2 Questions:
Silver polish for foggy headlights?
Where to get a foam gasket (near firewall for flapper) for JCW CAI?
TIA
-md
07-04-2015, 10:04 AM
6th Gear
I suggest brake cooling, rather than a big brake kit. Brakes that are too big (or rather, too heavy!) will hurt handling, acceleration, and even braking. Getting air onto the brakes should allow them to work effectively for longer, without the downside of the big heavy brakes. Plus, if you're creative, it can cost a whole lot less!
07-05-2015, 08:11 AM
Just heard back from the BMW dealership Friday afternoon. Somehow my MINI Barnaby is going to live another day! They installed a new lower cooling hose, pressure tested and watched the coolant temp, and they have been driving it for a few days now to make sure it doesn't overheat again. Nothing...No oil and coolant mix, no lights, and no smoke. Somehow the MINI gods were looking out for me on this one. I am so happy. Now to buy a plane ticket and drive him back home where he belongs.