Didn't have to take lower crash bar off. It slide in perfectly. Shoe it in starting from underneath the top crash bar.

 

interesting...any rattles etc since there's not middle top mounting point or tab?

has anyone compared this with the wagner race ic?

 

Zero rattles.

 

thanks

 

I have the Wagner and actually cut the middle tab off (I have a '07MY so this tab was not needed) with no rattles or noises, so I'm positive this would be them same

 

Box has arrived!!! Damn shame I'm busy tomorrow. But Sunday its all me and Lucy and some quality garage time !

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Did you do the install yourself? If so how long did it take you including removing and reinstalling the JCW bumper?

 

I paid a friend to do it for 100 bucks. Took 1 hr total

 

Sounds impressive in just 1 hr. Very tempted to order now ;-)

 

1 hour is fast but 2 or 3 hours is typical if you're not trying to hurry. I just did mine this morning in 3 hours including a break to watch F1 qualifying and breakfast.

 

Performed like a champ through Decker Canyon / Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles today. Was definitely worth the wait!

 

Unpacked my big oh box from HELIX.

and this is what I got. Lots of them.





V
V
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NOT !!!!!!!!!!!!

Got one of theses beauties ! And a surprise. But I won't reveal it. You will all have to wait.







Can't wait to install tomorrow

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Ok you guys are convincing me to do my last major mod so will order this coming week. After installation, I'll have to resend my ECU to NM Engineering for the stage 2 flash ;-)

 

ITS IN.... Woooo.

First class all the way HELIX has a great product here.

A few install notes. The helix YouTube video is GREAT but for JCW and later model owners there are a few more steps.

All of the mounting stuff under the bumper is countersunk so it's not flush mounted like the video
There are 3 additional pain in the *** Philips head push pins that I had to mangle to get out and my car only has 2200 miles on it. Theses three push pins actually support the lower bumper and screw into the bottom of the additional crash bar. Also the bumper support and crash bar have to come off so it's 4 more bolts 6 more nuts and 4 torx screws no big deal at all no issues just unbolt it and put it back the same way.

For those who ask if the crash bar gets in the way. The answer is absolutely no. It gets in the way of installing it but once installed it's far far away.

I'm an advanced mechanic but never took the bumper off a MINI. I did it with hand tools and a cordless impact in 2:18 minutes. 5 CORONAS and a little delay dealing with those 3 additional push pins

Getting ready. ( car on jack stands. I did not take wheels off ). Lighting and drop cloth at the ready





Tools used.





Bumper off




3 push pins from hell. I replaced the plastic Philips center with 3 screws I had. No biggie.




Bumper crash bar removed




Hardwear for crash bar support.




Cooler installed with crash bar back in place




Plenty of room with lower crash bar and cooler installed




And it's all over




Add 1/2 hour for clean up and stepping back to look at your handy work and road test and you are all done !!!!!

Wifey said that she looked funny with the bumper off. Like as if she took off her bra. lol. !!! I guess that's why most guys name their cars after women.

But wait there is more HELIX. sends you a lolly pop in the box ! That's funny. BUT NEXT TIME SEND BEER !! lol.

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I don't bother with those 3 extra Phillips push type fittings anymore.

 

Lol. I won't after this either. Lol.

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Definitely heavier than the old Forge unit. The bar and plate construction is so much more robust. Add in the end tanks and they're not even in the same league. Florida heat sucks, but installation was straight forward with no fitment issues.

Thanks Alex. Very nice bit of kit.
P.S. Laughed when I saw the lollipop.

 

Drivehard, great post!

 

If this ain't a kick *** looking intercooler, I don't know what is.

 

My install took about 3 hours. Helix installation video was excellent, no issues with fit. I did curse the engineer who designed those Phillips pop rivets in the fender liners numerous times!

 

Yes, the plastic Popit connectors are a huge PITA. They're designed to make assembly more efficient--at the expense of the auto technician. We keep a full inventory of replacements, and if in doubt, we just destroy them off. They also have annoyingly sharp edges that cut up your forearms when working on nearby parts.

There still are about 4 people that we haven't heard from. If we finalized your payment on Friday you coolers are going out today, which will make it a total of nearly 60 coolers delivered! Thanks so much everybody!

 

I'm very please with mine all around. It showed up at my door much sooner than I expected! I did have to melt a new Phillips slots in the fender liner clips with a hot screwdriver.

 

PM send. Are there more in stock?

 

^Very MacGyver of you.

We've got them in stock.

 

I hate those philips pop clips...

But, the intercooler gains are well worth the frustration.