Ok,
I'd like to avoid mushrooming on my 06 MCS and the M7 Strut bar sounds like the best solution but I've heard a lot of bad things about how it fits under the hood. Wearing out the hood release cable preventing proper closer?

What strut bar is the best all around solution? Will one like the JCW with unsubstantial plates do much to help fight mushrooming?

I'd love to do all kinds of crazy performance mods to this car but it's my daily driver and don't won't to sacrifice drivability and longevity.

(I know that this has probably come up a lot but I'm bringing it up once again)

 

I've been running th M7 brace for ~70,000 miles now and I think its fit is fine. When you first install it take time to get the under hood padding to mold around the bar. I did that by getting it wet (with a spray bottle) and then closing the hood. After a few time it molded in just fine. Or you could always take the liner/padding out.

I've never heard of any problems with the release cable.


Nik

 

I recommend getting the M7 plates and an OMP lower brace rather than a strut bar.
At the least there are differing opinions about a strut bar for the MINI, and with some of the fitment issues I decided to just get the plates for the mushrooming.
If you want better control of the car the OMP lower brace is inexpensive, easy to install and very effective.

 

I just dropped an M7 STB in last night and had to spank the towers flat on my '05 MCS to get it to fit. The strut is keeping the hood from sitting flat but I am in the process of moulding the engine liner to fit on top of the bar . Not looking too bad at the moment but if it doesn't lay flat I will pull stuffing out of the liner. The drive to work felt a little steadier with perhaps a little more "feel of the road" transferred through the steering wheel.Or it's all in my head! Will let you know how it works out!

 

I have no fitment issues at all. works great with clearing my Alta airbox lid too.

 

no strut bar will stop mushrooming, but camber plates are your best bet in combating it.

 

Did a hoodlinerectomy last night cause I got tired of the spritz and slam technique. Hoodlinerectomy: remove liner and cut carefully from the back all unwanted insulating material where bar sits. Closed the bonnet and presto perfect hood. The wife said she knew I wouldn't be able to live with the hood lifted even a little bit. Oh... and when it comes to strut tower protectors and braces....the installation showed me the passanger side was warped..Hammer Time! The brace was only a little more money than the protectors so why not go with it. Where did my squeeks and rattles go? Must have improved something and if that's all it solved that's good enough for me. Still plan for camber plates as I am aware they will nail this problem of mushrooming down permanently.