Non-linear systems usually have unpredictable performance, so I wanted linear springs. So I messaged Scott at TSW asking when I could get a set for SK8BRD. He replies that they just got their final prototypes and that they are looking for a guinea pig; I supply the car, they supply the springs, and they do the install. If I like them I keep them. We set up to meet at TSW World Headquarters on a Saturday. They’ll need four hours since they need to do some testing and measurements. Prediction...
I was walking down “Vendor Alley” at the '08 MINIs On The Dragon and something caught my eye at Way Motor Works booth. It was gleaming in the beautifully crisp afternoon sunshine and beckoning my attention. I had no idea what I was seeing and I had to find out. Being the curious, mystery-solving detective I am, my feet swept me over to Waylan to discuss this intriguing looking new toy. As it turns out, Waylan had a brilliant idea; use aerospace materials to help the turbocharger in the...
A few people have commented on how the microphone for the Bluetooth phone kit is on the wrong (passenger) side of the car in the US. A few others have moved it to the correct side. I decided to do just that yesterday and thought that I would post some pics. It's a pretty easy mod and I hope that it is just as easy to follow along.
Welcome to Detroit Tuned’s how-to guide for an oil service for an R56 MINI Cooper. It’s always best to do an oil change on a hot engine as the hot oil will drain better and give you a more complete oil change. Caution must be used to prevent burns from hot fluids. Rubber gloves, work gloves, and safety glasses are all recommended for this job. Any time you are under the car, a jack stand must be used. You should never rely on just the jack to hold the weight of the car up while you are under it.
One of the most difficult tasks when setting out on learning how to maximize your paint finish is sifting through all of the choices. Spend some time at your local auto parts store and you will find hundreds of products promising to solve every problem you may encounter; such as scratch removers, insect and tar removers, glass cleaners, polishes and waxes, plastic trim products, and so on. However, before you go about selecting products, you really need to fully understand the basics of car...
You might not think too much about the steering in your MINI, except for the fact that it's quick, precise and adds to the well known "fun factor." Just like the engine and other mechanical systems in the car, it needs some regular attention to operate at it's fullest capacity and to prevent problems down the road. This article will shed some light on that system which most directly connects the driver to the road.
ECU Codes Chart - 2nd Generation MINI Look up your ECU codes for your 2nd Generation MINI to help troubleshoot issues.
Some things just have weak links – solid axles with c-clips, any car with Lucas electrics, and the MINI Cooper’s Midlands transmission. Marginally acceptable for street use, the Midlands 5-speed gearbox simply cannot stand up to track and autocross punishment like the Cooper S Getrag 6-speed. With any motorsports use or with any power modifications, the Midlands gearbox is a ticking time bomb.
It's that time of year! Here are a few techniques and advice we've all needed and used, hope it's helpful, I've culled these from a bunch of other threads & knowledge, not trying to come off as a know-it-all, but passing along knowledge from all over.
The serpentine belt on your R53 MCS is a critical component in the engine. It passes power from the motor to the air conditioning compressor to keep you comfortable, the alternator to keep your electrics running and to the supercharger, to give you a boost of power. A broken belt can leave you stranded on the side of the road, so it’s a good idea not to neglect this tiny strap of rubber!
Woodcliff Lake, NJ, October 10, 2017. The MINI JCW Team and MINI USA completed their second full season competing in the Street Tuner class of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge series with a hard fought final race of the season on Friday at Road Atlanta. The team qualified P9, P10 and P11 after an early morning qualifying session on Friday.