Comments on: Top 5 Performance Mods for Newbies http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:28:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-2/#comment-18208 Gabe Thu, 25 Aug 2005 05:05:36 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18208 <blockquote> <p>DINAN will warrenty your car if you upgrade with their products. They will iron out BMW if you have an issue.</p> </blockquote> <p>I agree 100% with the first sentence. However I think the second can be a bit misleading. Dinan has had issues in the past with parts effecting cars that required fixes relating to non-Dinan parts. In those cases BMW has generally not covered them. Obviously this is case by case but in several situations I've heard of first hand BMW has treated Dinan like any other manufacturer of aftermarket parts and not gone out of their way to cover issues relating to said parts.</p>

DINAN will warrenty your car if you upgrade with their products. They will iron out BMW if you have an issue.

I agree 100% with the first sentence. However I think the second can be a bit misleading. Dinan has had issues in the past with parts effecting cars that required fixes relating to non-Dinan parts. In those cases BMW has generally not covered them. Obviously this is case by case but in several situations I’ve heard of first hand BMW has treated Dinan like any other manufacturer of aftermarket parts and not gone out of their way to cover issues relating to said parts.

]]> By: Matt http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18207 Matt Thu, 25 Aug 2005 05:01:08 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18207 <p>DINAN will warrenty your car if you upgrade with their products. They will iron out BMW if you have an issue.</p> DINAN will warrenty your car if you upgrade with their products. They will iron out BMW if you have an issue.

]]> By: blalor http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18206 blalor Mon, 13 Jun 2005 00:42:53 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18206 <p>Check out Phil Wicks' <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.minidriving.com/">Mini Driving</a> school. I was supposed to, but was unable, due to ongoing technical difficulties with my MCS. I did spectate for more than half the day (and got a ride with Phil for a few mighty fast laps). It seemed to be well run and regulated, and novice and intermediate drivers have an instructor on-board most of the time. He's going to be in Monterey, CA on 12/14/2005.</p> Check out Phil Wicks’ Mini Driving school. I was supposed to, but was unable, due to ongoing technical difficulties with my MCS. I did spectate for more than half the day (and got a ride with Phil for a few mighty fast laps). It seemed to be well run and regulated, and novice and intermediate drivers have an instructor on-board most of the time. He’s going to be in Monterey, CA on 12/14/2005.

]]> By: f david http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18205 f david Sun, 12 Jun 2005 04:06:05 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18205 <p>Hello guys: I would like to get more info on this driving instruction sessions. I just bought a new MCS 05 (upgrades: diamond black BBS RG-Rs 17", alta intake, borla catback exhaust, H-Sport lowering springs...don’t plan to mess around with pulleys or anything in the engine for a couple of years...just setting the car for a nice ride). Anyways, I would like to get my girlfriend a driving instruction (which I’ll take as well!) and wanted more info if you guys could help me on this. I am currently in Los Angeles. Thank you all. NOTE: DO I usse my own car or do they provide rides on this seminars?</p> Hello guys: I would like to get more info on this driving instruction sessions. I just bought a new MCS 05 (upgrades: diamond black BBS RG-Rs 17″, alta intake, borla catback exhaust, H-Sport lowering springs…don’t plan to mess around with pulleys or anything in the engine for a couple of years…just setting the car for a nice ride). Anyways, I would like to get my girlfriend a driving instruction (which I’ll take as well!) and wanted more info if you guys could help me on this. I am currently in Los Angeles. Thank you all. NOTE: DO I usse my own car or do they provide rides on this seminars?

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18204 Gabe Tue, 05 Apr 2005 05:51:11 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18204 <p>David - according to a MINIUSA memo released a few years ago any aftermarket product has the ability to void the warranty. MINIUSA and Dinan have no official relationship. In fact the only relationship that Dinan has to MINIUSA at all is that some MINI dealers also sell Dinan parts. Basically Dinan has it's own warranty that some of these dealers will honor. So keep in mind quite a few MINI dealers will not cover Dinan parts.</p> David – according to a MINIUSA memo released a few years ago any aftermarket product has the ability to void the warranty. MINIUSA and Dinan have no official relationship. In fact the only relationship that Dinan has to MINIUSA at all is that some MINI dealers also sell Dinan parts. Basically Dinan has it’s own warranty that some of these dealers will honor. So keep in mind quite a few MINI dealers will not cover Dinan parts.

]]> By: David Marlow http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18203 David Marlow Tue, 05 Apr 2005 05:13:09 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18203 <p>DINAN does not void the MINI warranty. At least that was what my sales person at MINI in the Woodlands told me. I am sure that BMW/MINI will have to install it to keep the warranty though.</p> <p>The DINAN Stage III kit gives out just a little less hp (5 less I believe) than the JCW, but is quite a bit cheaper.</p> DINAN does not void the MINI warranty. At least that was what my sales person at MINI in the Woodlands told me. I am sure that BMW/MINI will have to install it to keep the warranty though.

The DINAN Stage III kit gives out just a little less hp (5 less I believe) than the JCW, but is quite a bit cheaper.

]]> By: greg http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18202 greg Mon, 04 Apr 2005 20:30:14 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18202 <p>i read something about a flywheel that adds 15hp anybody know about this? can it be added to JCW?</p> i read something about a flywheel that adds 15hp anybody know about this? can it be added to JCW?

]]> By: greg http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18201 greg Wed, 30 Mar 2005 17:20:37 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18201 <p>thanks again for the (2nd) reply. however i'm still confused about the rear sway bar. doesn't the jcw suspension i just dropped $2000+ have this already? if not(!) can it be added?</p> <p>Anybody know if any of the DINAN mods can be added to enhance power in addition to JCW tuning and is DINAN covered under warranty?</p> thanks again for the (2nd) reply. however i’m still confused about the rear sway bar. doesn’t the jcw suspension i just dropped $2000+ have this already? if not(!) can it be added?

Anybody know if any of the DINAN mods can be added to enhance power in addition to JCW tuning and is DINAN covered under warranty?

]]> By: ben http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18200 ben Wed, 30 Mar 2005 13:50:54 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18200 <p>Tanks gabe, thats the feeling i get, now imagine that stiffness with in a bumpy street, I was considering getting a bilstein kit, to reduce that since its adjustable, but may be I´ll try what you say before that. I read that changing the pulley may get the engine warmer, the smaller the pulley the warmer it gets, is it true, and if it is do i need to do anything extra to correct this. thanks</p> Tanks gabe, thats the feeling i get, now imagine that stiffness with in a bumpy street, I was considering getting a bilstein kit, to reduce that since its adjustable, but may be I´ll try what you say before that. I read that changing the pulley may get the engine warmer, the smaller the pulley the warmer it gets, is it true, and if it is do i need to do anything extra to correct this. thanks

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18199 Gabe Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:56:15 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18199 <p>Unfortunately I don't know what your particular situation is with your streets. If they are bad enough that you expect a flat tire then I'd keep the runflats.</p> <p>Runflats are hard in that they make the ride very stiff. The side wall has very little flex which amplifies every little bump.</p> Unfortunately I don’t know what your particular situation is with your streets. If they are bad enough that you expect a flat tire then I’d keep the runflats.

Runflats are hard in that they make the ride very stiff. The side wall has very little flex which amplifies every little bump.

]]> By: ben http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18198 ben Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:15:04 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18198 <p>Gabe I have an mcs, and I live in mexico(the streets are a mess), do you still recomend the non runflat tires, and what exactlly do you mean by harsh</p> Gabe I have an mcs, and I live in mexico(the streets are a mess), do you still recomend the non runflat tires, and what exactlly do you mean by harsh

]]> By: Kimes http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18197 Kimes Tue, 29 Mar 2005 02:59:11 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18197 <p>Sorry, I meant rear sway [bar].</p> Sorry, I meant rear sway [bar].

]]> By: Martin http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18196 Martin Sun, 27 Mar 2005 17:49:10 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18196 <p>I just got a 2005 S convertible. Do any of you know where I can buy a manual for it? All I see only cover to 2004. Thanks, Martin</p> I just got a 2005 S convertible. Do any of you know where I can buy a manual for it? All I see only cover to 2004. Thanks, Martin

]]> By: greg http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18195 greg Sat, 26 Mar 2005 23:49:15 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18195 <p>what is a "real sway"? i justed dropped $2000 on the JCW suspension. is this yet something else i can add on?</p> what is a “real sway”? i justed dropped $2000 on the JCW suspension. is this yet something else i can add on?

]]> By: greg http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18194 greg Sat, 26 Mar 2005 23:46:34 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18194 <p>thanks kimes for your reply. i checked the DINAN web site and they have LOTS of mods for mini's but i have no clue if or what can be piggy backed on top of JCW. does anyone know if DINAN mods are warranty cool?</p> thanks kimes for your reply. i checked the DINAN web site and they have LOTS of mods for mini’s but i have no clue if or what can be piggy backed on top of JCW. does anyone know if DINAN mods are warranty cool?

]]> By: LTL M CPE http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18193 LTL M CPE Sat, 26 Mar 2005 16:33:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18193 <p>Regarding driving instruction, the Phil Wicks suggestion is a great one. He has events all accross the country and focuses on MINI drivers at many of the events. Go to midwestdriver.com</p> <p>Another option is your local BMW Car Club of America chapter. They glady welcome MINI's and many offer safety schools, autocross schools, autocrosses, and driver's schools. Evan, not sure where you are located but Windy City BMW has an autocross school happening 3/17.</p> <p>Happy, and safe, motoring!</p> <p>Jim</p> Regarding driving instruction, the Phil Wicks suggestion is a great one. He has events all accross the country and focuses on MINI drivers at many of the events. Go to midwestdriver.com

Another option is your local BMW Car Club of America chapter. They glady welcome MINI’s and many offer safety schools, autocross schools, autocrosses, and driver’s schools. Evan, not sure where you are located but Windy City BMW has an autocross school happening 3/17.

Happy, and safe, motoring!

Jim

]]> By: morknmini http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18192 morknmini Sat, 26 Mar 2005 07:22:18 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18192 <p>Thanks again, Lawrence, for a checklist of modifications. </p> <p>I especially appreciate the recommendation about the nut behind the wheel. It's been a long time since driving school and never for a front driver. I will put that on my list for when my MINI finally arrives. </p> <p>I wonder about an add-on cannister that supposedly collects dripping oil. It's not a power or handling modification, but I read it might improve performance in a different way (not power, not handling, so what?).</p> <p>Excellent article in Motoringfile as usual.</p> Thanks again, Lawrence, for a checklist of modifications.

I especially appreciate the recommendation about the nut behind the wheel. It’s been a long time since driving school and never for a front driver. I will put that on my list for when my MINI finally arrives.

I wonder about an add-on cannister that supposedly collects dripping oil. It’s not a power or handling modification, but I read it might improve performance in a different way (not power, not handling, so what?).

Excellent article in Motoringfile as usual.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18191 Gabe Fri, 25 Mar 2005 21:27:14 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18191 <p>Rudy - I actually have the Remus exhaust and while I love the sounds it makes, I think the Supersprint is made with better materials.</p> Rudy – I actually have the Remus exhaust and while I love the sounds it makes, I think the Supersprint is made with better materials.

]]> By: Rudy http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18190 Rudy Fri, 25 Mar 2005 21:02:53 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18190 <p>Thanks Gabe, I do have a Cooper and that's exactly what I want: a little sound (cool factor)and a little HP.</p> Thanks Gabe, I do have a Cooper and that’s exactly what I want: a little sound (cool factor)and a little HP.

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/03/23/top_5_performance_mods_for_newbies/comment-page-1/#comment-18189 Gabe Fri, 25 Mar 2005 18:09:49 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/03/23/#comment-18189 <p>Rudy - it sounds as if you have a Cooper. I would recommend going for an exhaust first. The intake does very little in the way of power on the Cooper. A good exhaust will create more interesting sounds throughout the rev-range than just an intake and it will look great. I'd recommend the Supersprint from Promini. You can read a review on in the reviews section of MotoringFile.</p> Rudy – it sounds as if you have a Cooper. I would recommend going for an exhaust first. The intake does very little in the way of power on the Cooper. A good exhaust will create more interesting sounds throughout the rev-range than just an intake and it will look great. I’d recommend the Supersprint from Promini. You can read a review on in the reviews section of MotoringFile.

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