HI everybody!! My name is Jeff, I am 27 and I live just north of Seattle WA Proud owner of a stock 2009 mini cooper s for quite a while now (30,000) miles. The reason I joined this board is to get advice/guidance about upgrading my mini now that my warranty has expired I'm not much of a car person, but I want to learn!
Ooooh man, hold on to your wallet! This place is full of fabulous DIY, pay to upgrade, and just plain fun upgrade ideas. But first you must post pictures and tell us more about what you want to do with your MINI.
Hi, Jeff: I'm in the Seattle area as well (several members here are). If you are into some do-it-yourself projects, let me know. I have a fairly well equipped garage, and enjoy helping Mini owners work on their car. Give me a holler if you want to start something. Pat
I'll second what Pat said. He has a well-stocked garage, and is always willing to lend a hand. Many local MINIs have visited Pat's garage. Get a few people together, and sometimes you'll even get a few that stop by just to watch the goings on, or even get dirty themselves. Lots of fun.
Thanks everybody! I'll have to dig my camera out and post some pictures and thanks for the offer Pat... I just might have to take you up on that some day soon. Honestly I have no idea where to even start. I guess I should start with small and easy things I can do myself to increase horsepower/performance. I remember reading something about putting a chip in or installing pulleys... maybe an air intake. Actually what I'd really like to know is what kind of tires would be good to use. My stock tires are just about shot at the moment and I don't think I want to continue with the same expensive and heavy run flats.
No pulley for you! Seriously, the 2009 doesn't have need for a pulley. You've got a turbo under there, so the supercharger pulley swap has been rendered moot. But, there are all sorts of things that can still be done. Just look around, ask questions, and you'll find yourself informed in no time. "To chip, or not to chip, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The lower horsepower and torque of stock ECU, Or to take the MCS to a tuning event, And by remapping increase them?" Yeah, that's all I got for now.
Welcome. PLenty of good modding to be had on R56 MINIs. The tire thing has been discussed many times and we all have our own opinions. Start here: Brakes, Wheels & Tires - Motoring Alliance :: MINI Cooper Forums But feel free to ask more questions in that or your own thread if you still are unsure.
Welcome from Olympia! There are a couple of really good MINI clubs in the area, Puget Sound MINI Motoring Club And SSMINI I joined both. Tons of help there! Dave
Hey - come join us for a drive and picnic tomorrow! (PSMINI Annual Family Picnic) . Lots of us have info to share on tires and mods and you can show off your MINI as well! Linda 'WOODSTOCK' PSMINI President
Welcome. I am just north of you, Vancouver, BC. We've had best weather lately, you must be enjoying driving your Mini.