By: Jeffrey Zurschmeide . Introduction by the Author As an automotive journalist, people often ask me for my favorite car of all those I've driven. I usually answer them by saying: "The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is hands-down the best car I've ever driven. But if you mean cars that mere mortals can afford, my favorite is the car I bought to be my own daily driver—the MINI Cooper S." Since its introduction in the 2002 model year, the "New MINI" has become a daily sight in every American city and town. The combination of sporty fun and practical, with a heavy helping of economical and reliable on the side, make the MINI a consistently popular choice. Now with a convertible option, the longer-wheelbase Clubman variant, and a John Cooper Works hot rod package, the adaptable little MINI can be customized to almost anyone's needs. I believe a variety of opinions and experiences make a better guide. In the course of my work on this book I've talked with folks who know MINIs down to the last nut and bolt. This book is the result 'of extensive consultation with a great many of those subject matter experts. The experts I interviewed are quoted in this book and the project would have been impossible without them. Most of them sell, install, and maintain the products they talk about, and their contact information appears in the Source Guide. This book is designed to give you necessary information as you consider various performance modifications and products available for your car. I have included some step-by-step projects for common performance enhancements that can be performed in a standard garage, but this is not a comprehensive repair or maintenance manual. If that's what you need, I recommend you get an official MINI factory shop manual for your car. In fact, I recommend that you get one of them no matter what. Also, most aftermarket parts come with installation instructions, and you should always follow those instructions. This book contains snapshot overviews of a variety of successful, custom, high-performance MINIs, built for a wide range of purposes. These profiles show how all aspects of the car come together to enhance performance for a particular purpose, and to provide a model for you to consider as you plan and build your own ride. In general I've avoided endorsing any particular brand of parts or any particular setup for a car. If your favorite manufacturer or a product is not mentioned by name, it's only because it would be impossible to mention everything available for the MINI today. Also, I have not personally tested every kind of brake, every kind of shock, or every kind of turbo. In each area, I simply chose a few representative products to show what's widely available on the market, and I personally installed or observed the installation of those parts to create the project procedures. All the products installed in this book are quality parts that I would use on my own car. Book Hihlights Styling & Performance Street, Track & Rally Hands-On, Step-by-Step Instructions Intake, Exhaust & Forced induction Transmission Suspension, Handling, Brakes, Wheels & Tires and More! Covers All Years of Mini Cooper & Cooper S Other Details Publisher Code: 9781613250228 black and white illustrations product images may differ (reprint)
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