Mini CooperS

After 5 wonderful years, it is with a sad heart that I have given up my mini for a new ride. I only wish it was for a new countryman; however, Mini drug their feet (slipping the release to 2011) so I chose something new. The mini was the best car I have ever owned and I will some day own another. Here is the best image of the mini and me (and lola).

Yesterday, for the first time in my life, I pulled an engine. This was scarry to say the least. However, the part that sucked was that I was not able to actually complete the pulley install. In the instructions I was provided, a small little step was left out (which I figured out AFTER I had the engine out). I should be taken out back and beaten for not having the proper tools and trying this upgrade. Needless to say, I did not have the pulley tension tool, so I got to re-install the engine (went just fine) without the pulley upgrade. I am going to take a few more days off this week and give it another shoot (at the same time, I will drop in my new exhaust and springs).

Last week I made a business trip to Oregon, specifically Hillsboro. These trips are usually filled with long working nights, but this time I took a few minutes off to visit the mini-madness store. George, the owner, was great to chat with and like always, I walked out spending a little more then I intended. On the way are the following items: h-sport springs, miltec cat back exhaust system, 15% pulley and pulley tool. The installs will be next week.