Found out about this here: Removed Hood Scoop Honeycomb Insert

The part - Mini-Fini: P1. R55 56 57 Black Intake Scoop Grill

My guinea pig - Trigger.

There were no instructions, so for others like myself who are mechanically challenged, this is how I did it.

First step is removing the fuzzy black fire starter under the bonnet. Helps to pull on the plastic screws, when screwed out about 1/2", pull out.

One screw, a Torx T25, is under a rubber plug near center of scoop.

This was the scary part for me, prying off the scoop. I started at the top, and worked side to side downward. I had one plastic mount break (red arrow), must be the heat degrading the plastic, so be careful! You can see locations in the picture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/7116983973/
After removing the whole scoop, take out 4 screws to remove the plastic plug (it has a few holes in it).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/7116984693/
I think the carbon-fiber JCW scoop is thinner than the normal plastic scoop. The new grill doesn't fill the space, the top tabs with double-sided tape don't reach the scoop. The two lower tabs for the screws needed to be bent........ very carefully, to be close enough to the mounts. I also slightly bent the grill to the same arc as the inlet. Made sure the top was wedged against the top screw mounts snug (those screws not used) before screwing bottom screws in.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/7116986351/
It was simple to snap back into place. I didn't bother putting the black fuzzy thing back. Don't forget the Torx screw.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/53074154@N00/7116986433/
Saved maybe an once or two, so this should be good for 0.00008% horsepower increase!

 

Great writeup.

MINI Fini did mine at the dragon last year for free when i purchased it.

It really does help keep the hood cooler during long drives. As for reducing intake air it does not help as the intake air of the OEM intake comes from behind the drives side headlight.

 

Thanks for doing a write up. I was just looking for one.

 

You're welcome, that's what this forum is for!

 

I just recently purchased one of these grills (it's not here yet) and I was wondering where did you get the clip to replace the one you broke?
I'll want to have a couple on hand in case.

Thank you!

 

I had mine installed at the same time I had the NM-Eng Hi-Flow intake system installed. Too much of a chicken to do the work my self, so I had the local shop do it for me. I see they offer powder coated black ones, but I just spray painted mine with Krylon flat black. Looks great.

 

I didn't, 1 of 6, can't tell after install. If I wasn't in a hurry, I would have JB Welded it back on. With this JCW unit, everything is glued on.

 

I swear I was gonna buy one(still might since you posted pics) but I decided I just drilled holes in my OEM scoop grille. And honestly it looks great. But did you think it was worth the price? I'm asking so if I should buy one or not.

 

I just installed mine and it couldn't have been easier.
It happened so fast I didn't even take pics along the way

After taking the plastic "screw" out of the underside of the scoop I used a plastic putty knife to lift the lower right corner of the scoop gently until I heard the "pop" of the first clip letting go.
Then I workd the other lower corner, then the front center. After that I just pulled straight up and off came the scoop.
No broken clips

After a little bending and aligning the grill insert it went in with 2 screws and supplied adheisve pads.

EASY.

The only bit I have to work out is I had the under hood heat sheild (basically a flat piece of aluminum) (http://www.waymotorworks.com/mini-cooper-s-hood-heatshield-r55-r56-r57.html") and it was held in place at the front by the factory grill insert. Now with the Mini Fini insert it doesn't stay in place and droops down in front so I removed it.

Should I use a little double sided tape to hold it in place?
OR is the Mini Fini grill insert going to provide enough air flow that the shield isnt needed anymore?

 

I see that one is added to the stock black unit. I am tempted with the NM Titanium shield!

 

I took my scoop off the other day, so I could Dremel out the plastic grill, but I got looking at it and thought, "Hey it looks just fine with nothin' in the hole!"

So, I put the plastic grill thingy on a shelf and put the scoop back. I like the look, I don't think it needs anything in there.



Dave

 

This qualifies for my Dorky Cheapskate Modification thread!

 

So I am trying to decide between the Minifini insert or the OEM for a new OEM CF scoop. I can't tell from the pictures whether the Minifini fits close enough so that it looks clean/rattles. I don't want light around the edges... Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

I also thought about doing this because I have the Atla Intake. Aren't you guys worried about getting more water in the engine bay when it rains? Would the water mess up the spark plug wires or the electrical connections?

 

I took off my scoop grill a long time ago. I plasti dipped the beneath hood scoop in black and it looks great. Engine compartment gets a little air which is nice since it gets super hot in there. I never had any issues with rain getting in and what not, even car washes. You'll be fine if you buy the minifini scoop grill or leave it empty.

 

I am considering going with the new GP scoop grille only because it fits perfectly and better than the Minifini.

 

I just looked at a GP and the scoop grille looks just like the one mine had before I installed the mini fini grille.

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

The GP2 scoop grille is the same part number as the one on the Cooper S and JCW.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/51232752275/ES91639/




Hope that helps.

 

I see that now. Still prefer the better fit over the other options.

 

Removed OEM plastic vent and replaced it with garden fencing. Easy modification and cheap $17.