Since my MINI is 1st Gen this data point may be irrelevant, but I replaced my stock bonnet with an R53 version while having some other body work done. The scoop is wide open to the engine compartment. I have never observed a degradation in H2O temp even on the hottest summer days. Also, no adverse effects from driving in heavy rain either, other than a few water spots on the fuel rail cover. I'm hoping to eventually find a way to route the air flow from the scoop over to a CAI.

For the R56 folks, seems like the biggest advantage to opening up the scoop would be to allow a place for venting of the astronomically high engine compartment temps that seem to occur after driving it (several other threads on this subject). I'd be considering the mod for this reason alone.

 

I think the rubber airdam that everybody keeps scraping is there to lower the pressure behind the intercooler and radiator.

 

Do you think this will be ok in the winter? My concern is the snow slush mixed with salt? I know I can change it back but im just curious on thoughts?

 

Wait, wait wait. It already has holes in it? Are you just adding more holes? If so, then it isn't going to make a significant difference. If it comes stock without ANY holes, then adding holes would make a difference.

If the stock scoop already has some holes off the showroom floor then the theories on here are correct, but nominal in the grand scheme of things.

 

Early models in the US had none .

Some later cars have some... some don't . Go figure :impatient .

 

I can't imagine they would start opening them up without checking with an engineer or two.

 

Have you ever worked with engineers? (no offense to the good ones, just speaking as someone who worked with a bunch of ostriches)

 

Hmmm...You may be right!! Glad I stumbled on your post because I was considering taking it off. Maybe I will just trim the 2 low spots on the sides.

 

here you go...afternoon of work while it snows...grill from grillcraft which matches the M7 grills....paint by rustoleum....holes by craftsman drill....finest german engineering

 

front airdams are usually there to help keep the front end stable at high speeds and reduce the drag on the underside of the car.
years ago I took the airdam off my prelude because it kept scrapping, and at 127mph the car wanted to lift off like an airplane wing.
As another example....I had a 77' porsche 911 and it was a huge no-no to have a rear fin without an airdam

 

I trimmed my air dam. Easy to do with a razor blade, it took about 5 min. I cut it so it is straight across and parallel to the ground. Not as much hitting it with my H & R springs and it looks better too. No problems discovered yet.

 

Why bother? It's flexible so doesn't really do any damage if it scrapes. does it?

 

You are right but it was annoying to hear it scrape all the time...besides, the car looks much better in the front now. I will take a pic and post.

 

there is a tiny bit of NSFW language... just watch it without sound after the car stalls.

this is why you shouldnt mess with the aerodynamics of a car... He took of his rear wing to try to go faster... he did, by 1 mph but almost died in the process.

 

 

Looks like the car was very scared after that... didn't want to start up for a bit! Lucky guy, good thing he tried it on a track and not on a highway... different story, eh?

 

Thats a slightly different situation than we're talking about here I think.



On a side note, has anybody installed a Cooper hood on a Cooper S? Is that even possible?

 

although it is slightly different... i wouldnt underestimate some of the factory aero pieces... they are there for a reason. Granted most people wont be going fast enough where aerodynamics becomes a safety feature more than a fuel savings feature.

 

Exactly

 

mine feels like it's glued to the road, especially under acceleration....