I just installed my VIP damper and I have to say, what a nice piece! I was amazed at how much faster I could snap off a shift using this piece in conjunction with my other modifications. This was absolutley worth the price!

As far as NVH is concerned, I have not seen any real vibration that should concern anyone. In fact, the car feels much more solid and idles much better as well.

The unit looks OEM! No gaudy colors or anything, just a good old-fashioned piece of metal with some durable rubber bushings! I couldn't believe how well it fit either. As far as quality, completely blown away!

Any questions shoot em my way! I can't really say much more than this right now because I have only had it on for 30 miles! I will post some pics when my camera gets some new batteries!!

 

Where did you get it?

Pics please!!!

 

You can get it at

http://www.vipcustomparts.com/

After another drive tonight, it was definitely worth it! I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow.

 

see? this is what I've been saying. It fits like things are supposed to. no modding the mod problems here. It's a shame we've become accustomed to 99% right, instead of parts like this where they fit so well, it's shocking.

 

Nice product, but I like the location of the LoTR's one better. This one won't work with the OMP strut bar.

 

nope....not a chance, as you know

 

 

I'm missing something, what is LoTR?

 

Lord of the Rings??? I think they are talking about the Lord of the Flies damper, which used to be for sale on this forum from a member (iirc) Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it a design similar to the TSW damper?

 

Will pics be up tonight?
Thanks

 

Yes they will! I would have had it done already but I am also trying to finish my senior thesis paper...

 

What year is your MINI rjtrout2000? I have an 03 and noticed that the mounting for 02 and 03 is different... can this affect the performance?
Thanks,
Rich

 

Yep......was referring to the Lord of the Flies one.

 

My car is a 2004. I'm not really sure how your car is different from a 2003 to a 2002. Perhaps give texas speedwerks a shout out and ask them what their experience has been here. I couldn't honestly say what the difference is. I wish I could be of more help here.

From what I understand the mounting differences would have come in 2004 just a FYI. Hope that helps!

 

 

 

 

 

There you have it peeps. I decided to put these in separate posts so if you all had questions on a particular pic, it would be easier to quote it and single it out.

It looks OEM minus the fact that it is the cleanest part of the engine bay.

Enjoy!

 

you are missing your intercooler. best replace it before summer

 

LOL at 5,000 rpms, no boost in necessary sir!

 

? Pic #3
Do you have to drill the strut tower for the bolts on the tower plate. If so whats on the inner panel, just nuts or another plale to distribute pressure.
Thanks for info. My car is napping for the winter so I don't remember if theres anything there.

 

This was the question I was waiting for!

This all depends on the year of the car. If your car was built after 03/2004, then you will not have to "tap" into the strut tower. Instead, there are existing holes for you to use.

Older models will need to be drilled. Check the tower BEFROE you purchase.

Good question!!!

 

I thought that is was the other way around? If it was built after 03/2004, then there are no threaded holes.
I just ordered mine the other day, can't wait to get it!

 

My '04 MCS build date is 03/04 and those threaded holes are clearly present. I will be ordering the VIP damper soon.