What have you done to your Mini today ?
Discussion
We bought a new Cooper, sold our old Cooper D to our daughter, who in turn sold HER Cooper to a friend of hers ...
Of course a couple of days before the swaps were due, the daughter tells me a few things wrong with her one (a 2003) ... it's losing water ...
So had to buy a new rad from EuroCarParts and fit it the next day - £70-odd so not too bad ...
They look a right mess though when everything is off the front!
Of course a couple of days before the swaps were due, the daughter tells me a few things wrong with her one (a 2003) ... it's losing water ...
So had to buy a new rad from EuroCarParts and fit it the next day - £70-odd so not too bad ...
They look a right mess though when everything is off the front!
Plugs and air filter have now been changed, while the sump plug flatly (now roundly) refuses to budge. The air filter was black and full of leaves while the plug electrodes were worn down to the ceramic bit and the change has done it some good.
One strange thing though was that the spark plug hole for cylinder 3 was full of oil, most bizarre so I cleaned all that out.
I also removed the front bumper to have a look as I think it may be using some water (but can't be sure), couldn't see anything obvious so I put it all back together.
One strange thing though was that the spark plug hole for cylinder 3 was full of oil, most bizarre so I cleaned all that out.
I also removed the front bumper to have a look as I think it may be using some water (but can't be sure), couldn't see anything obvious so I put it all back together.
t road surfacesDid a few things on the Clubman yesterday.
(1) Swapped out all the el cheapo LEDs I'd fitted on the rear number plate lights and door puddle lights for LED COB lights. The COBs give much better even illumination. Realised at the end that I'd forgotten the two standard bulbs in the driver and passenger footwell, so I tried to remove one and burnt my fingers.
They must have been on for 15 mins whilst I was changing the other bulbs. New tactic, change them as soon as I open the door next time!
(2) Used Michelin leather cleaner to clean and probably not feed much the leather. Gives the leather a nice even matt look.
(3) Bought a £8 spray bottle of Angelwax Interior Detailer from ECP, but decided not to use it because the 99p Lidl W5 stuff I used over a month ago is is still looking like new and satiny.
(1) Swapped out all the el cheapo LEDs I'd fitted on the rear number plate lights and door puddle lights for LED COB lights. The COBs give much better even illumination. Realised at the end that I'd forgotten the two standard bulbs in the driver and passenger footwell, so I tried to remove one and burnt my fingers.
They must have been on for 15 mins whilst I was changing the other bulbs. New tactic, change them as soon as I open the door next time!(2) Used Michelin leather cleaner to clean and probably not feed much the leather. Gives the leather a nice even matt look.
(3) Bought a £8 spray bottle of Angelwax Interior Detailer from ECP, but decided not to use it because the 99p Lidl W5 stuff I used over a month ago is is still looking like new and satiny.
Finally completed my de chroming, swapped the light surrounds and front grill. Also de chromed the belt line and the chrome strip on the front bumper. I got the bumper off easily enough but the grill its self was a bit of a pain.
Now wandering whether to do the door handles/fuel cap! Might just leave it as it is though. Its the first time I've ever modified a car visually and its got a little addictive, so I can now see why many enjoy doing it.
Now wandering whether to do the door handles/fuel cap! Might just leave it as it is though. Its the first time I've ever modified a car visually and its got a little addictive, so I can now see why many enjoy doing it.
Deep Thought said:
Ordered a Racechips GTS tuning box, +54BHP so that will take my MCS to around 246BHP. I've also in ITG air filter element in so in theory that should take it to around 250BHP.
Great news! 
You're teasing me though because it's something I want to do as well big time.
cerb4.5lee said:
Deep Thought said:
Ordered a Racechips GTS tuning box, +54BHP so that will take my MCS to around 246BHP. I've also in ITG air filter element in so in theory that should take it to around 250BHP.
Great news! You're teasing me though because it's something I want to do as well big time.
Interesting too though is the GTS box gives you a "free" reprogramming which means i can get it upgraded when i change car too
cerb4.5lee said:
Deep Thought said:
Ordered a Racechips GTS tuning box, +54BHP so that will take my MCS to around 246BHP. I've also in ITG air filter element in so in theory that should take it to around 250BHP.
Great news! You're teasing me though because it's something I want to do as well big time.
Well pleased, doesnt feel as peaky as the single point Bluespark, feels like theres more power all over the place. Definitely definitely worth doing. Doesnt change the driveability of the car, just makes it FASTER!
Deep Thought said:
cerb4.5lee said:
Deep Thought said:
Ordered a Racechips GTS tuning box, +54BHP so that will take my MCS to around 246BHP. I've also in ITG air filter element in so in theory that should take it to around 250BHP.
Great news! You're teasing me though because it's something I want to do as well big time.
Well pleased, doesnt feel as peaky as the single point Bluespark, feels like theres more power all over the place. Definitely definitely worth doing. Doesnt change the driveability of the car, just makes it FASTER!
I've been looking forward to your thoughts, I really need one on mine now for sure.
cerb4.5lee said:
Brilliant stuff and I'm really chuffed for you.
I've been looking forward to your thoughts, I really need one on mine now for sure.
Yes we're heading out for the day tomorrow so taking the MINI to see how it performs now. Only got a few quick miles this morning.I've been looking forward to your thoughts, I really need one on mine now for sure.
Its definitely smoother than with the Bluechip, feels very controlled and "natural".
cerb4.5lee said:
Finally completed my de chroming, swapped the light surrounds and front grill. Also de chromed the belt line and the chrome strip on the front bumper. I got the bumper off easily enough but the grill its self was a bit of a pain.
Now wandering whether to do the door handles/fuel cap! Might just leave it as it is though. Its the first time I've ever modified a car visually and its got a little addictive, so I can now see why many enjoy doing it.
That looks pretty good. How did you do the beltline? Just some black wrap - did you remove it, or fit while in situ?Now wandering whether to do the door handles/fuel cap! Might just leave it as it is though. Its the first time I've ever modified a car visually and its got a little addictive, so I can now see why many enjoy doing it.
I have only done the front and rear lights, there's so much reflective stuff in the headlights, I think the contrast is okay. The rear lights look much better without the chrome surrounds though ...
uk66fastback said:
That looks pretty good. How did you do the beltline? Just some black wrap - did you remove it, or fit while in situ?
I have only done the front and rear lights, there's so much reflective stuff in the headlights, I think the contrast is okay. The rear lights look much better without the chrome surrounds though ...
Cheers I have only done the front and rear lights, there's so much reflective stuff in the headlights, I think the contrast is okay. The rear lights look much better without the chrome surrounds though ...
with the beltline I ordered it off ebay and it came on a roll and you just cover the chrome with it and cut the edges. I got black gloss(Matt and other colours are available) and it looks really well to be fair. Agree regards the front lights, I'm pleased with rears on mine too with it being a black car because apart from the chrome exhaust tips everything is black now.
cerb4.5lee said:
uk66fastback said:
That looks pretty good. How did you do the beltline? Just some black wrap - did you remove it, or fit while in situ?
I have only done the front and rear lights, there's so much reflective stuff in the headlights, I think the contrast is okay. The rear lights look much better without the chrome surrounds though ...
Cheers I have only done the front and rear lights, there's so much reflective stuff in the headlights, I think the contrast is okay. The rear lights look much better without the chrome surrounds though ...
with the beltline I ordered it off ebay and it came on a roll and you just cover the chrome with it and cut the edges. I got black gloss(Matt and other colours are available) and it looks really well to be fair. Agree regards the front lights, I'm pleased with rears on mine too with it being a black car because apart from the chrome exhaust tips everything is black now.
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