MINI Palooza VIR Parade Laps
September 27th, 2009
Quick video of the parade laps at VIR. Over 50 MINIs were on the track! The video has been sped up 3-fold.
The video is too wide for a normal post so click here to watch it.
Lover’s Leap Hillclimb Camera Test
July 17th, 2009
This is my first real test of the Kodak Zi6 pocketcam and Pannavise suction mount. The video’s pretty shaky but I’m going to try some software based image stabilization as well as mounting it a little bit differently next time. I’m planning on filming the drive from Richmond to Cooper Vineyards with the HRMINI people tomorrow. Looks like we’re going to have a pretty good Tar Heel turnout as well!
Mod: VIP Engine Stabilizer
July 6th, 2009
The week before the ‘09 Blue Ridge Parkway Tour, my dad and I got to work installing this VIP engine stabilizer (some folk call it a damper, I calls it a stabilizer mmmhmm). Thankfully my neighbor has a large shop with all the right tools for the job, such as a 90 degree drill and the right length drill bits. Otherwise you are required to remove some suspension bits in order to drill the holes from the wheel well inwards. Adding the stabilizer has the two-fold advantage of giving the engine’s power a more direct feel (and reducing lunge) as well as protecting the weak passenger side hydraulic motor mount. I’m on currently on my second motor mount, the first started leaking badly under warranty.
I have to say I’m really impressed by the more direct feel it gives my MINI in certain situations, and the steptronic shifting actually feels quicker now as well. This mod (or one that achieves the same result) is a must for first-gen MINIs with hydraulic motor mounts.
Visit the VIP Custom Parts website.
A Couple of MINI E Blogs
May 4th, 2009
Just stumbled across the blogs of two people who are sharing their experience with the new MINI E one year lease trial. Should be some interesting reading.
My Year with an All-Electric MINI
Edit: Okay, I didn’t look hard enough, here’s several more:
http://electricride.wordpress.com/
http://electricmini.blogspot.com/
http://www.stuartistry.com/my-mini-e/
Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club Grille Badge
April 28th, 2009
This is just a quick post to show off my new grille badge (and my first!). Paul from the club worked with Arnie Brown’s Automobilia to create these works of art. It’s the one part of my car that I keep clean.
More updates coming down the pipe
April 21st, 2009
Warm weather means more blog updates, and this year I’m going to attempt have a new post every one or two weeks. I’m already stacking posts up to make this happen, wish me luck!
Tar Heel MINIs Pisgah Covered Bridge Run
April 20th, 2009
I’d have to say this new event was a big success! We had a great turnout of about 20 or so MINIs and perfect weather. Big thanks to Jeff for the thorough planning for this event. I apparently stuck the wrong (dead) batteries in my 2-way radio, so I missed hearing the banter that I’m sure was going on on channel 20-20. If you want to get the full story, including accounts of sideways MINIs and carsick passengers, you’ll want to check out the last couple pages of the event’s forum thread.
See more in my photo gallery
Tar Heel MINIs : Mabry Mill / Picnic Run
September 28th, 2008
MINI Headlight Washers, With Musical Accompaniment
July 6th, 2008
The title really says it all, just watch and be amazed!
Pulley Mod: Smoke Edition!
July 2nd, 2008
I’ve had this CravenSpeed supercharger pulley on the car for a couple months, and now I’m finally making a post about it! Kellen let me send him whatever design I wanted on the pulley, so I decided to go with a Tony Stewart “Smoke” logo. I think it looks great, and the extra power is pretty nice as well.
Tar Heel MINI’s BRP Tour ‘08 : A video collage!
June 25th, 2008
Here’s a video I threw together (and Courtney filmed) of the Blue Ridge Parkway Tour. It was such a blast that plans are already in the works for the next cruise up the Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway Tour ‘08 : Arriving in Waynesboro
June 19th, 2008
