I had the MINI at Summit Point this past weekend on the extended Jefferson circuit and it ran great. I really like the new Bilsteins. Very predictable weight transfer, good grip, and nice ride-height. Currently riding about 40mm lower than stock in the back and 50mm lower than stock in the front. Could go another 10mm lower …
Two years ago, we tried using the budget-priced Speedtech coilover suspension for MINI at the track. The suspension is the bargin cousin of the KW v1 coilover. Similar spring and (non-adjustable) dampening rates, a bit heavier construction, and a limited 5-year warranty. On paper, it’s a good trade-off of function vs price, but it wasn’t …
At some point if you track your MINI, you’ll notice that you’ve destroyed a rear dust boot. It will tear because you caught the rubber in the pad retaining clip thanks to its poor design, or you’ll cook the rubber and notice it has cracked to pieces and decide it needs to be replaced. If you talk …
At some point you’re going to want to do this mod. Will it make you faster, better looking or get the chickweed out of your lawn? No. You’re going to want to do it for one of two reasons: 1.) You’ve become obsessed with removing all the shiny bits from your car; or 2.) Your …
Not sure how long this link will remain active, but while it is, check out Ross Bentley’s newest ebook: Performance Driving Illustrated. It’s a free download from Amazon.
Sometimes a part comes along that you just want to have. The CravenSpeed Hand Brake Handle is one of those. It won’t make you any faster; it won’t save any weight; you don’t NEED it. But once you pick one up, you will WANT it. Installation takes about 10 minutes using common hand tools. Installation …
For those of you keeping track of the score at home, the score is now New Jersey Potholes 2, Porsche Wheels 0. The Potholes seem confident they can run the score up to 4:0. All the Wheels can hope for is an early spring. Stay tuned. The wheels coach said they’re fighting back the best …
The High School Parking Lot. Ah, the Horror. The Horror. Since dents and dings are inevitable in this crucible of parking trial-and-error, it’s best not to get worked up over dents and dings until graduation. There are some hints that will help get you through. Take for example this trifecta: scrape, dent and cracked paint. …
Another tool you need and didn’t know about. If you keep messing with suspension set-ups like I do, then you need this camber gauge by SPC. The FASTRAX™ Hands Free Adjustable Camber/Caster Gauge comes in two models: the 91010 which fits wheels 17-22 inches in diameter; and the model 91000 which is for wheels 13-17 …
At some point during your MINI adventure, you are going to get the ABS-light trifecta: ABS light; DSC/ASC light; and Tire Pressure light. The most likely culprit: a failed ABS wheel sensor (aka ABS Pulse Generator.) It is most likely to be one of the front sensors rather than one of the rears. If you’re …