<![CDATA[Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club - You're going to have FUN now! - Blogs]]> http://www.tarheelminis.org/blog.php MINI Cooper news, forums, how-tos, and links for enthusiasts and owners of MINIs. Devoted to the new MINI from BMW. The site lists breaking news on the new MINI. We offer visitors the chance to show their new MINI to the world, and share their driving experiences in the new MINI. en Thu, 17 May 2012 22:58:26 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.tarheelminis.org/images/tf_ideal/gray/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club - You're going to have FUN now! - Blogs]]> http://www.tarheelminis.org/blog.php Cloudy Lights http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?113-Cloudy-Lights Thu, 17 May 2012 01:00:55 GMT any suggestions on fixing my cloudy tail lights? Headlights could use some help as well. Thanks :wink: any suggestions on fixing my cloudy tail lights? Headlights could use some help as well.

Thanks
:wink: ]]> mini_swag http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?113-Cloudy-Lights Another Modurday http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?112-Another-Modurday Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:54:02 GMT Image: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5112/6963770050_07edb96397.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/blitzcat/6963770050/) I spent march buying parts (and stacking them in the living room) but never had a free Weekend + good weather to install them. Things finally worked out last Saturday, and this...
I spent march buying parts (and stacking them in the living room) but never had a free Weekend + good weather to install them. Things finally worked out last Saturday, and this got buttoned in:
  1. New track day tires
  2. New track day wheels (konig)
  3. Engine torque arm insert
  4. Rear control arms
1. Tires: I use a separate set of wheels/tires for going to the track, autocross schools, and spirited driving. They have a very low tread wear rating of about 200. They stick but they don't last long- about 30 hours of use, or a season and a half. This time I ran out of heat cycles before the tread wore out. They still had tread, but the rubber stopped getting sticky when hot. For my new set, I went with Falken RT-615's.

2. Wheels: I hate wasting time at tire shops. HATE it. To avoid it, I had complete wheels shipped from the internet. The wheels come pre-balanced and mounted, so all I have to do is mount them. These are gold Konig's. The spokes are much more open, so it should churn more cool air on the brake calipers. The hub offset is about one more cm per side from stock, so the wheel track is wider too.

3. Torque Arm insert: I ordered this on a whim because it was on sale and I heard it would improve the steering. I ordered a factory diff with my MINI, and on club drives its like having a magnet pulling my car around corners faster than everyone. But it has an 'interesting' effect on the steering as torque goes up. The car will dart left, then right, and then back left as torque steer starts, the diff engages, and then dis-engages. Squirrley every time I push the pedal hard. Supposedly the insert would help tame this. So far, I found it does do this, up to a point. But there is a cost. For most driving, it has made steering my car more enjoyable. Under heavy load, it still darts around, but less so. The cost is more NVH (noise, vibration and hum). I saw other owners say there wasn't a perceptible increase in NVH after installing the insert. WRONG. The radar detector shakes at certain rpms, and I can feel both the pedals and the bottom of the seat shake at idle. It definitely made the car less comfortable as a car. IE my wife hates riding in the MINI even more now.




4. Rear control arms: I was having a really hard time getting the car to rotate last year at the track, even on a wet skidpad. This was partially due to too much rear camber. I had lowered the car last year, and this increased the rear camber. Negative rear camber will help 'catch' the back of the car so it won't spin past the front. But I couldn't get it to turn out even when I wanted it to. The control arms let me dial the rear camber back down. I wanted the Texas Speed Works arms for this but had to settle for the H-Sports from Way.

Alignment:
Daily driving: I'm running -1.5 deg per side front and rear for camber. Zero front toe angle, and just a hair of rear toe angle to keep it highway stable.
For track days, the front wheels can go to -2.2 deg per side. ]]> blitzcat http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?112-Another-Modurday Brown Santa just left http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?110-Brown-Santa-just-left Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:35:33 GMT new wheels always seem enormous. They all fit in the car though. Image: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6854086880_b4f9be6989.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/blitzcat/6854086880/) Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/blitzcat/6854086880/) The spokes come right to the edge of the tire... new wheels always seem enormous. They all fit in the car though.


Untitled
The spokes come right to the edge of the tire profile

spoke profile ]]> blitzcat http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?110-Brown-Santa-just-left Leg Daddy Racing Decals and Event!!! http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?109-Leg-Daddy-Racing-Decals-and-Event!!! Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:13:44 GMT Attachment 9296Attachment 9297

Hello Everyone!
I've posted some pictures of our Leg Daddy Team Car getting her decals put in place.She's looking good!
Also, I wanted to let everyone know about an event that Leg Daddy Racing along with Flow MINI of Winston Salem, will be hosting.
We are calling it the LEGATHON! The Legathon, will be held at Flow MINI of Winston Salem and is open to ALL you MINI lovers out there! Keep checking our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/legdaddyracing for details as they arrive! ]]> Leg Daddy http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?109-Leg-Daddy-Racing-Decals-and-Event!!! Lasik is paid off. Track time http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?108-Lasik-is-paid-off-Track-time Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:52:59 GMT So I didn't entirely take 2011 off. I managed a couple events. I did Shenandoah and AX school to see how the helmet fit without glasses. Totally great! And I'm up to 4 solo tracks!

My track tires are shot and the wheels were awful to begin with. And I identified a separate handling issue last year at Shenandoah. Upgrades for the MINI are on the way.

My old tires still have tread left but are 'cooked' from all the heat cycles. I hate to waste rubber but they don't work anymore. I ordered 'street' compound tires again instead of 'racing compound' tires. I'm not ready as a driver to make the move over yet.

The second issue was after lowering, cambering and aligning the car, I can't make it rotate because the rear camber is off. So adjustable rear control arms are coming in too.

First trackday: hmm ]]> blitzcat http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?108-Lasik-is-paid-off-Track-time Can I lower my MINI with 215/35 R18 tires??? http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?107-Can-I-lower-my-MINI-with-215-35-R18-tires Tue, 13 Mar 2012 01:15:57 GMT Can I lower my MINI, even though I have 215/35 R18 tires on it, it seems there is no space available to do so, please give some advice. I love my rims, and don't wanna change them, but want to lower my MINI. ]]> MiniMidence http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?107-Can-I-lower-my-MINI-with-215-35-R18-tires Helenblitz 2012 http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?106-Helenblitz-2012 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:09:49 GMT This was a rough draft of an article that I submitted to MC2 magazine about Helenblitz - the one I submitted was much shorter, but thought I'd share what a great weekend it was.

On February 17th, fellow THMMCer Jeff Cole drove his Astro Black 2008 Clubman S (TurboMINI) to Asheville, NC, to meet me and my husband, Ben. After a quick stop at German Motor Werks to install the Texas Speedwerks X-brace I bought from Jeff for my Astro Black 2007 Cooper (Moira), we caravanned down to the Alpine hamlet of Helen, GA. For those that have never been, Helen is a re-creation of a Bavarian village overlooking the Chattahoochee River in north Georgia, boasting old-world architecture and cobblestone alleys, numerous shops selling everything from local crafts to imported German goods, and some of the best German food and spirits in the Southeast. The town also hosts annual festivals including Winefest, Alpenfest, and the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the South.

We were greeted by the glorious sight of dozens of MINI Cooper hardtops, Clubmans, Countrymen, Cabrios and even a new Coupe along the streets. After checking in at the Helendorf Inn, we met at the Old Bavarian Inn where we dined on fresh homemade pretzels, beef rouladen, sauerbraten, spatzle, and more schnitzels than you could shake a stick at. We greeted old friends and made new ones, and drank a toast to a club member who was recovering from surgery and could not join us. After a quick stop to purchase some heavenly homemade fudge, we staggered past the streetlamps and horse-drawn carriages back to the inn, our stomachs full of fine food and brains abuzz with all of the fun planned for the next day.

Saturday morning, we joined our fellow Miniacs at Hofer's of Helen for a good German breakfast. We watched as plates of fragrant potato pancakes and omelets were carried into the dining area past the bakery case filled with sausages, beautiful strudels, and Black Forest cupcakes. I had a hard time deciding if I wanted to eat from the menu or the bakery case! We couldn’t linger long over breakfast, however, we had to get to the Habersham Winery to start lining up the MINIs for the annual Helenblitz group photo.

While Jeff got the 12' ladder to stand on for the shot and Ben helped line up the MINIs, I ran inside and purchased a few bottles of the white muscadine wine that Habersham Winery labels every year with the Helenblitz logo. I spoke with Carol Ann Thomas, the event organizer, as we watched MINI after MINI pull into the parking lot. "Five years ago, I had no idea this would turn into an annual event. I had heard about Helen from some of my friends, and thought it would be a nice place to visit to combat the Valentine's Day blues for our single club members. I decided to overlook the typical couples theme and made it about us and our cars. Before I knew it, we had a line of almost twenty-five cars headed here for a day of driving, dining, and the first auction. And now, five years later…Wow!"

We counted 82 MINIs in Habersham's parking lot from 8 different states driven by people of all ages. I talked to other Helenblitzers to find out where they came from and what prompted them to brave potentially bad weather to attend They came from as far away as Indiana, New Mexico and Colorado. Four-year-old Liam Blackmon, dressed dapperly in green frog Wellies, multi-colored dinosaur pajamas, and a stuffed dragon hat, came to see “all the Mickey Coopers” with his parents in their silver Cabrio. “It’s the first Mini event of the year, and we’re ready to get the year started." said Susan Sigmon, who was there with her husband Jamie in their 2002 Dark Silver Cooper S (Stirling) with matching teardrop trailer. “This may be our only opportunity to see some of our Mini friends all year, so we really look forward to it.” One of the ‘older’ attendees, Luther Shields, showed up in his heavily-modded 2005 Electric Blue S with Porche Race Yellow accents and a custom interior (Blucoopr). “I’m 69, and proud of it!” Luther laughed, when I asked him why he came to Helenblitz. “My friends don’t understand me driving to Vegas, Colorado, New Hampshire, Orlando, or other places just to be at a Mini event. When you travel a lot, you get stopped a lot, especially in a car looking like mine. I love to watch a cop’s whole demeanor change, when I roll the window down and they see this ‘old man’ in a long white beard and not some kid.”

After the group picture, we had the option to hang out at the winery, visit the shops and restaurants in Helen, or join one of two great drives. Jeff led the way and I took up sweeper position on a spirited run up part of the Unicoi Turnpike, the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, and the Gainesville Highway. "Those were some epic twisties!" Jeff remarked, as we stopped in Vogler State Park for a break. "Gainesville Highway up to Neels Gap is the best three-lane mountain passing road I have ever driven.” Next, we drove up the notoriously twisty Wolf Pen Gap Road (GA SR 180) to Suches, GA, then cruised down GA Highway 60. Back at the inn Jeff remarked, “Wolf Pen Gap has some of the best curves anywhere." He was right! On the run, we saw everything from a deluded Toyota Prius trying to keep up with our pack (failure!) to a stop sign draped with a passed-on possum. We even got to wave at Rob Cook of Upstate MINIs, who was leading the other caravan of Miniacs on a loop run of the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. By the time we got back to Helen, Ben and I were almost twistied out. We were the only non-S on the drive, but we wouldn't have missed it for the world.

In the Helendorf parking lot, Jeff & I installed a third brake light pulse module in Moira while we talked with other drivers about their clubs’ upcoming events. When Jeff went to race his RC MINI with some friends, Ben and I went back to the Old Bavarian Inn for another of those heavenly pretzels draped in buttery, salty goodness. We did a bit of shopping, then met Jeff for a beer on the river, while looking at pictures we’d taken during the day.

At The Troll Tavern that night, we dined on salads, steaks, wraps and cold drinks with 51 of our fellow Miniacs and looked at some of the items that would be up for auction to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Vendors like Way Motor Works, Hendrick MINI of Charlotte, Detailers Domain, and MC2 Magazine generously donated MINI floor mats, hood scoops, badge holders and badges, digital tire pressure gauges, key chains, hats, and car care products on which attendees could bid. Many of Helen's restaurants and businesses, like long-time contributors Lindenhaus Imports, Jumping Goats, Nora Mill, and The Music Box Shop, also donated a variety of items including apparel, beer steins, coffee mugs and gift packs, music boxes, gift certificates, a quilt, and a two-night stay at the Helendorf Inn.

Waylen Hunsucker, two-time NAMCC champion and owner of Way Motor Works, was our guest auctioneer for the evening. He ignited the competitive spirit of the bidders with his unique sense of humor, driving bid prices higher and higher. He even offered a "free installation" to the highest bidder on a hooded sweatshirt, to peals of laughter. The items with the highest bids included a set of badges and organizer, a massive German beer stein, and a bottle of “Gentleman Jack” engraved with a MINI Cooper and the phrase “Motor On!”

By the end of the evening, a total of $2,243 was raised for the Wounded Warrior Project. I was impressed not only by the generosity of the crowd, but also by how many of us were either veterans or family members of active duty personnel. “No matter how strong you are or smart, when you are put into a combat situation, it changes your life forever. The things you see, do, and have to do can really make the brain go.” Luke mused, himself a USAF and Vietnam Veteran. “Losing an arm or leg takes a lot of healing, physically and mentally. I hope that the money we raised will help some of these young people to get on with their lives.” Carol Ann, whose husband recently returned from Iraq, agreed. “These soldiers give so freely of themselves. Without our military, our country would not be what it is today. They are heroes, no doubt. This MINI family gave so freely without thought…they are truly heroes in this Army wife’s eyes!”

Unfortunately, Sunday morning came all too quickly. We loaded up our Astro Blacks in the rain and returned to Hofer’s for more scrumptious potato pancakes, bade a fond farewell to our friends, and piled back into our MINIs. Despite the drizzle, we decided to take the "twisty" way home, cruising up GA Highways 356 and 197, then crossed over to pick up NC-264 through Highlands, NC. Thanks to almost no traffic, since everyone was in church or asleep but us Miniacs, we flew up NC-64 and NC-215 across the Eastern Continental Divide to Waynesville, NC. Jeff peeled off to head home to Durham, while Ben and I headed home to Asheville full of fantastic food, friends, twisties, and memories.

You can see my photos of the event on my Flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/24092787@N03/, and Jeff Cole took some really amazing pictures for the article. I so plan on going back again next year - come join us! ]]> Siospins http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?106-Helenblitz-2012 New Mini http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?105-New-Mini Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:57:39 GMT I traded my 2011 silver white mini for a 2012 spice orange cooper S two weeks ago and am loving it.

My wife drives a 2011 Countryman S.

The spice orange S makes our 4th mini. We love our minis.

Can't wait to get it out on VIR. ]]> Faison http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?105-New-Mini The Dragon in Febuary! Oh what fun it is. http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?104-The-Dragon-in-Febuary!-Oh-what-fun-it-is Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:48:01 GMT This time last month I was just getting interested in getting a Mini, since then my wife and I have become the proud owners of a Mini Cooper Countryman S All/4.
Discovered this club, attend our first Cars & Coffee, attended our first Triangle Third Thursdays and met some great people, learned about the MOTD and today after a long weekend in a cabin in Pigeon Forge Tennessee (a Christmas gift from my wife)we drove the Dragon for the first time on our way home.

All I can say is wow! And so looking forward to the months ahead for the fun and fellowship!
Attached Thumbnails
]]> nccoaty http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?104-The-Dragon-in-Febuary!-Oh-what-fun-it-is is there any other minis near charlotte? http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?103-is-there-any-other-minis-near-charlotte Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:26:11 GMT any other minis or mini clubs near or around charlotte that want to get together and go ride? any other minis or mini clubs near or around charlotte that want to get together and go ride? ]]> nc2011minis http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?103-is-there-any-other-minis-near-charlotte Really FAST Mini http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?102-Really-FAST-Mini Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:38:55 GMT Check out this link and see real Mini Speed ! ! *Mini Cooper With Helicopter Turbine Jet Engine Smokes (Part 1) *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDBFAt3uqrc :-) Check out this link and see real Mini Speed ! !

Mini Cooper With Helicopter Turbine Jet Engine Smokes (Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDBFAt3uqrc

:-) ]]> SHAGDANCR http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?102-Really-FAST-Mini VIR Trip http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?99-VIR-Trip Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:05:31 GMT Is there still going to be a trip up to VIR soon? would like the details. Thanx. Mikesmini:happy: Is there still going to be a trip up to VIR soon? would like the details. Thanx. Mikesmini:happy: ]]> mikesmini http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?99-VIR-Trip Armrest installed, some cosmetic stuff, and future plans http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?98-Armrest-installed-some-cosmetic-stuff-and-future-plans Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:23:39 GMT Catching a falling patient left me with pins&needles and muscle spasms up and down my right arm; my Doc said I needed to support the arm while driving, but the pillows and cardboard box just weren't cutting it. Thanks to Brad's suggestion, I ordered the woodcompany armrest in black from Moss Motors last month. After a backorder delay, it finally came in yesterday. Rather than try to install it in the dark holding a flashlight in my teeth, I waited until I got home from work this morning to put it in.
Click image for larger version.  Name: before armrest.jpg  Views: 7  Size: 781.3 KB  ID: 8222 Pre-installation cupholder/brake area

I was a little concerned, as it only seemed to screw into the existing cupholder behind the parking brake, but my fears were unfounded. Like the instructions said, it installed in less than 5 minutes with a phillips screwdriver
Click image for larger version.  Name: armrest1.jpg  Views: 8  Size: 445.0 KB  ID: 8223 armrest slid completely back

It folds back for when I might not want it (i.e. after I get a bionic arm or someone finds the magic wand to fix the arm) and makes a great barrier to prevent my corgi from hopping into the back seat.
Click image for larger version.  Name: armrest folded up.jpg  Views: 7  Size: 685.8 KB  ID: 8224
And the padded area slides forward to reveal a hidden compartment that has a cupholder that slides back and forth, depending on what you're using the compartment for.
Click image for larger version.  Name: cupholder.jpg  Views: 6  Size: 551.3 KB  ID: 8225 Click image for larger version.  Name: hidden compartment.jpg  Views: 7  Size: 600.4 KB  ID: 8226

I know I should be spending my money on important mods, like the cold air intake and installing the rear swaybar, but right now I'm settling for comfort measures and security - the armrest, some cosmetic decorations and adding to my toolbag based on all the great suggestions from everyone as to what tools you should have in your MINI. (John and I have enjoyed shopping for tools on-line together, but he's hesitating on the torque wrench for some reason.) Of course, the 0.3mpg savings I gained in gas mileage adding the 17" rims with the non-runflat tires is probably negated by the weight of the toolbag, but knowing I can deal with small emergencies is worth the extra weight in the boot.

So now I have the spiffy THMMC enamel badge, magnetic badge holders on the front and rear plates, chrome side light brackets, the 17" 8-spoke S wheels (thanks, Jim!) and now the armrest. Later this month, I'll take Moira to Bryan and Mark for some vinyl webbing before MINIpalooza. Hopefully in November I'll scrape the money together to get the cold air intake, and make the pilgrimage to Grassroots to meet Dan and have him install it and the rear sway bar.

Some folks enjoy adding accessories to their wardrobe or upgrading their computer - me, I think I'll buy presents for Moira and I so we enjoy the twisties even more than before. :glee: ]]> Siospins http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?98-Armrest-installed-some-cosmetic-stuff-and-future-plans Mini BRA?? http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?97-Mini-BRA Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:58:51 GMT Has anyone used the bug shield or "BRA" b4 on your MIni. I hwy drive a lot and thought it may protect her. I'm also afraid road grit could get under the bra and scratch her. Any history/thoughts......?:girl_wacko: ]]> BobbiB http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?97-Mini-BRA 2011 Mini Cooper S Driving lights http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?96-2011-Mini-Cooper-S-Driving-lights Sat, 27 Aug 2011 12:05:12 GMT Hi Fellow Miniacs

I just purchased a 2011 Cooper S Convertible and immediately added the JCW Tuning Kit, strut brace, and drilled/slotted rotors. Now I need help with driving lights. Mini's lights for 2011 are placed in the upper grill, but I would like to add my lights to the lower grill. My surveys of the aftermarket finds such kits - but they specifically exclude 2011 models.

Can anyone provide advice and/or identify a vendor that makes driving light kits (back shells) which fit in the lower grill.

Thanks! ]]> mamoseley http://www.tarheelminis.org/entry.php?96-2011-Mini-Cooper-S-Driving-lights