Normally I'd post this in the other forum, but I'm curious to see if anyone local has done the M7 STB installation. There seems to be a bit of conflicting information with regards to whether the installation requires major surgery for the bonnet.

So...anyone?

 

SpitfireMKI, had one on his car. i think JustJAY got one as well.

Info on Installation

 

Done a few.

and CRRIKEY (my son) did this.
Install bar DO NOT CLOSE BONNET !
really wet the liner and even push with a blunt object (handle end of screwdriver ) where the brace WILL touch the liner.
put a piece of cardboard 2 parts thick on the bar ...tape it in place...
close the bonnet and come back the NEXT day !
open bonnet, remove cardboard....

this will collapse the foam at the bar and all should be good.

 

I have it installed. I removed my under hood liner.

 

now nothing "seals"

 

Looks like you need warm weather (or a heated garage) to do the "molding" of the liner.

 

I also had one on my '06. I ultimately got rid of it due to the fact that the Bonnet wouldn't close properly. It is unfortunate, because it is a nice bit of kit. I didn't want to remove the insulation or go through the trouble of trying to modify it. For whatever reason, the Bonnet on '05 & '06 seem not to have as much clearance as earlier models.

 

I have one on mine and MINInurse's MINI. The "soak n slam" method works pretty well, but I removed the liner on both cars like ciscovip.

 

I just cut the liner out where it meets the bar and left the rest of it in.

 

That is how I felt too, I was concerned with the seals on the areas where the ABS and master cylinder are. Those have rubber seals for a reason and I would worry about warranty issues if I removed the insulation.

Looking at Maxicooper's JCW brace I think that is how I would go if I had to have the crossbrace. With Wensley, I'm more concerned with the mushrooming and the M7 plates appear to address that better than the JCW setup. I just ordered the whole kit and figured I'd give it a try.

If anyone is interested in just the brace, I'll sell it for $50.00 (no plates) I think the plates run $120 ? That would be less than the full kit at $200

Cheers,

Mike