Sometimes a mod comes along that’s totally useless, but you have to have it nonetheless. This is one of those. Just use a plastic pry tool to remove the old light fixtures. Plug-in the new ones (use included adapter for Gen 3 cars), and pop them back in place. Easy-peasy. You can even change the lens …
When deciding the feature set of the first generation Cooper S, MINI USA decided not to make the rear fog light available in the USA. The rear tail lights of the 2002-2004 cars were actually wired for it (and could be modified to function as additional brake lights), but from 2005-2006 the cars shipped with …
Long-time readers of this blog may remember our Home-Depot inspired DIY splitter from several years ago. We’re still running it today. It’s had several coats of paint and a bit of body fill for some deep scrapes on the bottom, but in general it has held up well to several thousand miles of track use. …
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 …
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 …
Here’s another easy DIY brought to you by Home Depot Racing. If you notice that you’re picking up a lot of debris (klag, cigarette butts, rocks, etc.) then you might want to consider adding a grille between the scoop and the air duct plate that attaches to the underside of the bonnet. That’s the easy …