You know . . . you guys have struck a raw nerve . . . especially since I have a similar issue happening with another product. The more I think about this the more pissed I get. The FMIC should have worked if there had been just a little more design effort. It did work . . .albeit for short periods of time.

Sid, I do think that powerflex et. al. would have just prolonged the inevitable.

But what if we used cast aluminum runners or fiberglass and built in some flex at the intercooler? Damn!

 

You still will have the overheating issue in the hotter climates with a front mount as it blocks a lot of the radiator.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

M7,

Now that the throttle body and rubber intake tube are relocated with the ags, have you considered a wider intercooler and modified ic exit pipe? More surface area and better use of the scoop width.

 

Here are the final pics.

I figure they will get M7 approval .






Also added the grills. These suckers are designed to just stick on over the stock grill but I removed all of the stock horizontal slats, just keeping the original chrome outer ring. I also dremeled out the stock opening on both sides to the radiator. THEN it was peal and stick.

 

 

Agree with Sid

 

x3

Could you take a couple of pics of the grill from straight ahead to show what you dremeled out?

 

Pic really doesn't do it but see the 2 triangular white areas below. added value? well I shaved 2 ounces off the car wieght and just maybe a little more air to the radiator . Who knows but once you get a dremel in your hand sh@t like this just happens.

 

I did the right side for the AGS...didn't see any value to do the left...

 

While we're on the subject, why did MINI leave the openings as they come from the factory? Was there any reason to only let 'x' amount of air into the engine area, and not any more, thus the restriction?

 

Your 'modded' pic makes it crystal clear. I wish I had seen your approach to the chrome 'aero' grill - I think it might have been a better solution for me than the aero grill, which is what I did.

 

Intake water penetration control...not only does my AGS ingest bugs with this part opened up but also water during rain so I made an improvised plate to block the dremeled area during such conditions...

 

Looking good, if I must say so myself. First one I've seen in white. Was wondering what it would look like in white. Since it looks like I won't be getting a CF one, I've been debating whether to go white or black on my Pepper White car. Also like the asymmectrical theme carried to a second level.
JS

 

Adding to what Sid said( say Sid said 10 times fast ) you're also assuring flow through the radiator is optimized. Were the whole grill area open air would do what it does, take the path of least resistance, around the radiator.

Also too much air flow through the front opening will reduce downforce.

 

Bart, your car is looking good! With all the time and money (not to mention cuts/bruises hehe) spent on it are you sure you're going to be able to hand the keys when the time comes? hehe. Looks like I'm going to have to plan another joy ride to N. Miami. I just have to see the DFIC in person.

 

Thanks. Handing over the keys to my son won't be a problem - it just puts me back in the market for a new car . I was in the middle of closing on an Elise when my wife said "so this is the car your son is going to learn how to drive in? And thus I cancelled the Elise.

He has his learners permit and gets his license in September. he's driving stick quite well and has full comand of the Mini. I think it was an excellent choice as his starter car.

Miami trip - absolutely. I'm up for it.

 

You're giving up you sweet Mini Bart ?

 

At least it stays in the family . That'd be a nice garage, Mini AND Elise.

 

From day one, I bought this car so that my son would start driving w/ a manual car. I always felt that it made you a better driver if you started with manual shift.

A local dealer had 4 used Minis, I took a cab there and - well, left with the black/white you see here. I had read the writes up on MCs and felt it was the new generation Rabbit GTI which I had long ago. Drove the car an loved it and haven't been able to keep my hands off the car. I had forgotten how much fun MODding was. So the kids lucking out with a starter MCS and my signature items listed. He & I have either installed the items or watched it being done (header, exhaust & pulley). He's learned a little about cars - another good thing.

The MCS has been a great father and son project but I'm the one that is obssesed . The NAM board has been part of that great experience and so has Peter of MyMini.

The Mini will still be parked outside and I will still be paying the bills so it will be at my disposal. So you will not see me posting any "Good-bye letter" post anytime in the near future. Your suck with me .

 

Man, how I hope that's a typo.

Sorry, it's been a long Friday! Congrats on being such a thoughtful dad, Bart, your son is lucky to have you.