On my new 2011 JCW... I was going to do the dremal mod and cut more holes into my Hood Scoop Insert.

Than my dremal gave out.
It lasted many years of punishment... so I can't complain too much.

But than I thought.. hey just take out the insert and lets see how it looks.

Well i like it. I had to use my daughters black finger nail polish and color the grey/white grommet that connects the scoop to the hood and hangs down..

But soo far I like it.

My question is ... has anyone done this? I'm sure you have.... so how did it work out? Any rain issues? Any other issues?

Will probably try this out for a while and test things..

Thx!

 

When I had my '04 mini, the hood scoop was open. The look was great, but I did have a lot of problems with leaves getting stuck on the inter-cooler...especially in the fall.

I actually had the option to do it on my '10 cooper a few days ago (replaced the scoop with a CF one) and after much thought I left it in because of those problems I had with the '04. Granted, ours are now turbo-ed so the inter-cooler isn't in that spot, but I have an open filter intake (NM) and thought I'd probably end up with leaves getting stuck on that, or at least building up below it which could be a fire hazard.

I'd love to see pictures of what it looks like off; I didn't latch mine down for fear of breaking it taking it off if i didn't like it. Also let us know how it works out if you do keep it off. If there are no problems, or they're minimal, I may have to reconsider my decision.

 

Uploaded quick pic

 

Wow, that looks awesome! So much better without the grill in there. I hope there aren't any problems with it open; I will definitely take mine out.

 

M7 Vortex 2 hood scoop...no mesh insert. Been running this about 1.5 years. No problem with rain, snow etc. The engine does get dirty quicker but I have my car detailed twice a year so the engine bay get cleaned often enough.

 

Mine is out also. Instead of taking a dremel to it you can just remove the hood scoop from the car then unscrew the honeycomb piece and remove. Then pop the scoop back into the hood. The piece comes out quite easy and if you want to put it back down the road, you can.

 

I had mine out for about 2 days and it look horrible so I dremeled the holes out and reinstalled. The gap was dirty and even once cleaned it didn't look right.

 

Or there's the available laser-cut full-open honeycomb insert from MiniFini; those are excellent for those who don't want to suck up large bugs or small birds into the engine bay.

- Erik

 

What dremel bit did you use. I tried that but couldn't find a bit that produced good results and a clean smooth edge.

 

I like it ..... will order

Think I'm going to paint it red ...shhhh don't tell anyone

 

I think it was about 1/8" or 3/16" and it had an aggressive bite, cylindrical shaped. It did leave a rough edge but a small file/rasp cleaned it right up.

 

Just a few weeks ago I installed the Mini Fini stainless grill. I thought about painting it black, but for now just left it the natural stainless steel color an like it more and more the longer I have it.

 

Wish they also made a grill for the front bumpers, rear bumper, and side scuttle
hint hint!

 

Had a similar grill-like setup on a previous car.
Instead of a Dremel, used an Exacto knife and heated the blade using a candle.
The hot blade easily cut through the plastic.
The key to ease, following the desired cut, and to safety, was to keep the blade hot.
I paused after nearly every cut to reheat the blade.

I like the Mini-Fini stainless one, but wish it was black.
Oh well, there is always Power Coating!

 

Minifini Black powder-coat insert....

http://www.minifini.com/ShopDetail.aspx?id=64

 

I have the MINIfini black powder coated insert. It works great! Also dropped my intake temps on the DDMWorks Street CAI a few degrees. Yes, it does get the engine compartment dirtier quicker, but like onefish, I detail the engine a few times a year, so no worries for me.

-Johnny

 

Sounds like a call to Russell is in my near future

 

That looks very good, but around here we need a grille of some sort to keep the grasshoppers and other critters out. They'd make a real mess on the engine...

 

I really like this product. Now I just need to find the original screws that hold it on.

 

Good luck... they are tiny silver screws

If you need a picture ... let me know

Although I won't be home til Friday night

 

A pic of the screw might be very helpful. Especially if you can get one of the whole screw from the side. THanks

 

If someone doesn't beat me to it.... I will post some pics & measurements Friday evening.

Does that RealOEM site show screws needed? Just an idea?

 

Ok, I think I found them. Four philips pan head wood screw style and silver/grey in color and look to be about a #4 in size and 1/2" long.

 

Sounds like them

 

Johnny!! What's up?? Loving my MiniFini Grill Insert!