Ah... you're talking late-build, factory JCW. The same exhaust did not go on ALL JCW cars. I have an earlier, pre-cabrio JCW exhaust sans pinch and with a convenient slip fit for replacing the resonator section.

 

For the record, I agree with the sentiment that since the GP is a special limited edition, that it'd be a crime to alter it much. That said, I don't see any reason not to mod it in a way that enhances and improves it without taking away it basic essence. It is clearly a great car and I'd have one now too if I hadn't wanted mine Burger King style. Good luck to you all in your mod quest.

 

Lucky man. I had forgotten about those of you with the pre-cabrio version. I was focused on the info for the GP's due to the thread subject.

 

If you have an early (some would say REAL ) JCW kit, you can replace your resonator yourself with one of these. Quick DIY job and totally reversible if you want to go back to stock. No cutting or fabrication required. I would not cut a JCW piece, myself.

 

Not much of a mechanic . . . nor desire to be.

I've seen the Ireland product rec'd on the site before. I must admit, I'm still a bit skeptical over the mushrooming issue, but obviously concerned enough to ask.

I doubt Mini's were ever designed to be driven over potholes and speed bumps like Hummers. However, if the Ireland plates are superior and I can have them installed without voiding my warranty, I'm not opposed to doing this.

Can my dealer do the install?

 

Got it. I was focused on the thread beacuse in addition to an original JCW kit, I also have a GP intercooler. Doubly lucky, I suppose.

 

I had checked those out and was bummed to find I couldn't use one. Cutting an exhaust is not a big deal to me, but that's me.

 

I'd seen a buy for those on here and considered it, but I'm waiting to see how the ongoing intercooler wars (M7, Alta 2.0, etc...) will shake out before I grab a replacement.

 

I'm sure there are slightly more efficient units out there, but I was offered a deal I couldn't refuse. I also like the fact that the GP unit will pass smog inspection here in CA and has integrated cover and hood diverter.

 

Well in a perfect world, I'd have one instead of my stocker also. But given the price compared with other options I'm going to wait. There's someting to be said for retaining the stock JCW look, especially in CA. I've had some less than enjoyable dealings with CARB before when I was a SoCal resident.

 

Don't get me started.

 

It's not a question of being made to be driven over potholes. The strut mounts and towers are not made to handle what the road throws at you. As a car that is regularly driven on streets, you will hit potholes at some point. Especially at night when they come up really quick. Hard impacts will bend/break your strut mounts and towers.

I have no idea about the warranty, since my mini is at about 90,000 mi. Although if you search for threads about the camber plates, you will probably find out for sure how they effect your warranty. If they void it, then it is a tough decision...since most dealers will not cover mushrooming or strut mount damage. They say it is considered an accident and that you should go through your insurance company.

As for installation, any shop that does suspension work could probably do it for cheap if you supply the parts. Since I'm a DIYer I never even considered it. Besides other than alignment or tire balancing type things, I don't let anyone touch my mini except myself or my mechanic friend who does everything I can't do.

 

Ok, thanks for the help . . .

Any opinion on the Dinan camber plates . . . ?

 

after doing my tint yesterday I received in the mail some new turn signal lights.... these make the lens look clear not amber when they are off - I think its a nice first mod. (sorry no pics)