Originally Posted by MattSaint

Howdy Folks,
Looks like the under-body paneling is in short supply in the US. Any thoughts around installing the diffuser without it?

Originally Posted by ra2fanatic

When you get the underbody panels, you might as well look into getting the front engine shield too. I'm 2 weeks out for mine to complete the underbody aero.

Originally Posted by ra2fanatic

Very nice. I'm excited to get this piece. I have a fumoto valve installed and this would ensure it never tears off from underneath. Everyone was saying "don't do it" on some other thread, but with this....hell yeah it's gonna stay on! Oil changes made easy!

Originally Posted by BlueToy

It's a well made piece. What I was most exited about was the engineering Mini put into it. I remember reading about the development of it for the GP2 and the engineers stating it draws a lot of hot air off the engine bay at speed, as well as the obvious aero.

-Steven

Originally Posted by ra2fanatic

Yes definitely. I read about that too and there was no doubt I wasn't going to pass up on this piece. I could get the GP2 wing as well, but it's nonadjustable compared to some offers out there. I'll order the real Challenge Wing later this year.

Originally Posted by MattSaint

I just got my car back from the dealership. Aero kit is on, as well as the black ' challenge' type stripes. The diffuser from ECS Tuning was delivered today. Just need to figure out how the brackets attach to the car as I didn't see any nuts in the kit? The under panel pieces are currently in short supply in the US. I am on the waiting list for the engine bay pan. I also ordered the license relocation kit so I did't need to drill holes in the front bumper. Very excited about the whole thing.

Originally Posted by ra2fanatic

Brackets attach to the hangers that hold up the muffler. Take one side off, slide bracket into place, and screw the nut back in. Repeat on the other side. Really easy.

Originally Posted by SuperGreg

Love it!! Where did you get that back up light on the drivers side?

Originally Posted by SuperGreg

Thank you!! So how does it work? Does the back up light work on that side just like the right side?

Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks

We've been selling them before the GP came out as this was one of the things I did the day I picked the car up.
The Driver side Reverse light can be activated a couple ways. I added the rear fog light option so I can turn it on with the rear fog light switch. But the other way is to run a wire over to the other reverse light to make them come on together. You will need a diode in the wiring if you want to use the fog light switch too.

Originally Posted by BlueToy

Good point, if you've got the sides and rear diffuser, go full aero and install the front as well. I picked mine up from ECS Tuning.




-Steven

Originally Posted by Chor

Dying to get my hands on this, but ECSTuning is out and they are on back order.
I have the GP Diffuser on already, when the Aero comes in I will probable install the NM short shifter at the same time.

Originally Posted by joyride305

Damn love that green!!!

Originally Posted by kfmuller

The bottom piece on the JCW aero bumper was a tiny bit difficult to get off because I didn't have an 8 mm socket, and there are three 8 mm screws holding it on. The one by the tailpipe is easy, the other two are at each end and require a tiny 1/4 inch ratchet to get them off - tight space. I took out the rear vent pieces (where the fogs go) and it's easier to see and remove. You keep and reuse those screws. The brackets attach to two bolts that go into the chassis, which are currently holding the back end of the exhaust system. The tunnels screw into the new diffuser and onto the brackets. I only needed to buy 6 screws with big washers from the MINI parts desk to be used when I screwed the tunnels onto the brackets. All of the other screws are there, except for those six screws. They all screw into the self-tapping metal clamps that come with the parts. I've got a June 2008 build - 2009 JCW, and except for the screws I bought, everything else just snaps and screws in. I noticed that I don't have the underbody aerodynamics shields, but I'm looking into getting those too. There's a link to a Total MINI thread on the first page that tells you all you need to know. Really simple install

Originally Posted by ra2fanatic

If you're doing suspension work too, you might as well get that done before the panels and such also. I learned that the hard way when I had to install my control arms. The GP2 diffuser AND the body panels gets in the way. Removing the rear section of the diffuser and the body panels allowed me enough access to install my control arms. What a pain in the *** having to do all that....

I have the engine shield on order from my friend's shop and they're on backorder too. I was told 3 weeks, but I think it's been over that though. I'm not too worried about that though since it wasn't an expensive piece and the wait is worth it in the end. Hope to get it before I leave from my next project though.

Originally Posted by jkapinos

I've been doing a lot of suspension work on my roadster. I also have all of the under panels installed. The rear diffuser has been off three or four times, the rear exhaust a few times. Yes you need to take off the rear exhaust section to install a RSB on a Roadster because of a fifth bolt on the rear subframe. Also the side panels come off real quick and the front under belly pan comes off in seconds (quick release screws). You need to remove for oil changes. The biggest pain in the butt is still to jack the car up on stands to get to all of this.

Originally Posted by CR&PW&JB

You might be right. Of course, my MINIs are usually anything but subtle.

Will sleep on it for a bit.

Appreciate the input!