Can anyone say whether this actually does anything for performance? Thanks.

 

you usually get more responses if you provide a link and/or picture.....

here, i'll help you out:

http://new.minimania.com/web/item/NMA1310/invDetail.cfm



Price: $160
Description:

The factory hood scoop is designed with a delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality. This Venturi Scoop is a functional upgrade to the factory hood scoop, designed to improve the 'ram effect' forcing more air to the intercooler. Increased air flow into the hood scoop improves the intercooler efficiency thereby lowering the inlet temperature. Lower inlet temperature equals more horsepower (or fewer 'lost horsepower' due to heat).

Easy installation with no tools necessary.

My opinion: this sounds an awful lot like the alta intercooler diverter, but the alta works under the hood while this works outside/on the hood.... i would by no means consider it as a FIRST performance mod, but i will concede that air does flow around freely under the hood through that scoop, and not directly "onto" the intercooler. The Alta diverter costs $180 (a little more), but comes with a lot more equipment and looks a lot nicer.

Here's a pic of the alta unit: (thumbnail taken from Webb's site)


from alta's site:




and the alta intercooler diverter comes with a water-spray system, to aid in the cooling..... here is a GIF of how it works...


Link to the Alta Mini Performance page on the intercooler diverter:
http://www.altaminiperformance.com/p.../ICDIVERT.html

I will say that if you HAVE to get something like this, i would get the alta b/c the alta actually extends up off the intercooler to seal the intercooler and the scoop... and includes the water squirter.... this mania venturi scoop apparently (i can't say for sure) just diverts air ontop of the IC, but not "sealing" it off, so it wouldn't be AS promising... but as performance gains, i would bet both would be the same. they are just two different options. If you are a do-it-yourself-er, you might be able to make your own as well....

if you have done EVERYTHING else possible to your car, i would consider this, just to do that little "extra" to put you over the top.... but if you have an extra 200 bucks to spend, i would look in other areas before doing this.
Cheers
-ABT-

_________________

 

That thing would be simple enough to test using a Magnehelic to see if it actually increases pressure of the air going into the intercooler at various road speeds.

Too bad they don't seem to have any such data. No tools necessary, eh? Is this a self-adhesive dealie?

 

Alta install also removes the inner liner to open up the volume.

 

is that the larger alta air-to-air unit, or just a stocker with the cover removed..... all i have to say is wow!

-ABT-

 

Well I saw one on the BBR 275 MCS. If you go to http://www.bbrgti.com and look under MINI go into DIY Parts and you will see it listed there.

 

I've got that exact setup, Alta IC and BBR scoop. Whilst this does add extra cooling for the IC it really only starts to kick in around 80KM/ 53+-MPH and then only around 10degrees C. But add the IC diverter and sprayer and you really feel strong on those hot days and faster on cold

 

if i'm reading this right, it looks like you can do both the mini mania/bbr version AND the alta diverter option.... this would be interesting.

anyone have extra dough to try that with a Magnehelic, that would make for some interesting results...

1) the mania/bbr version
2) the alta version
3) both together

very interesting...

 

Thanks, ABT. I've got the Alta IC diverter (I'm the guy they quote on their web page). So I'd be interested if the Mini Mania scoop does anything extra in tandem with the Alta unit.

 

Oh boy... something to let my MCS look like an STi wannabe... heh

As for the Alta diverter... have it, nice piece, easy install and seems effective.

 

Sure looks like a $16 piece of plastic instead of a $160 one.

 

A bit off topic but:

if you really have the bucks you can also get bbr's front mount intercooler that supplements your factory or aftermarket top mount:

"The BBR Phase Three includes phase 2 with the addition of BBR's twin high flow intercooler assembly. The conversion maintains the original top mounted intercooler and in addition uses a secondary front mounted cooler.

 

i bought that scoop it looks good..but its about 140. bucks over priced.. but it looks good on the car....

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Pics?

 

 

looks good. i think its one of those things where it would be a more aesthetically pleasing mod if you had a kit such as the orciari and grille as yourself.

i like it on your car!

where did you get that light kit BTW?

-ABT-

 

those lights are made by HELLA.. they are the optical lights... with halos.. they look good on at night with the other lights...