I've decided that my IB/IB MCS would look pretty nifty with black grilles. Though I really like the looks of the aero grilles, I enjoy the chrome on my stock grilles but want to go black (will I ever go back? heh heh). Anyone out there swap their stock black MCS grilles for aero grilles and want to unload the leftovers?

Suppose I could paint my existing grilles but am far too lazy.

TIA...

 

You'd have much more work replacing the grilles rather that painting them.

 

I wanted to know about the 73 2002. How long have you had it? How does it compare to your Cooper S? I had a 73 2002 and have been searching far and wide for another round tail light for an e30 M3 engine conversion. I think it will blow the wheels off my Cooper S(without pulley).



:smile:

 

I was thinking of having the dealer install the chrome grills in my MCS ( $200.)when it arrives. How much would you pay? If I had him save them and ship them with the car.( Car should arrive mid Nov.)

 

think so? I'd remove the existing grilles to paint them, so I'd be looking at removel/reinstallation anyways.

they're actually pretty easy to take off and put back on, even the little lower grille.

guess I gotta keep looking!

 

jh2002 -

the 2002 is a different beast in so many ways - I'll do my best to describe them here.

first, it has a real back end, and so the weight is more balanced (I have the battery in the trunk, too). handling is almost on par with the MINI, but I admit that due to the adjustability of the Suspension Techniques rear antisway bar, I can dial in modest oversteer. The H&R springs (I run Bilstein HDs with them) are really nice - and in my opinion are second only to coilovers.

the steering is a bit notchy, mainly because the steering box is old and no longer has any adjustment left in it. but with the new tie rods, center link, and ball joints, it's pretty tight.

power delivery is pretty incredible compared to the stock motor the car had when I got it. when purchased, it had a '76 bottom end, a stock E12 head, and a Weber 38/38 DGAS downdraft. It moved pretty well. I added a TII exhaust manifold about a month after I got it, and it was even better. THEN - after the oil leaks were getting worse and worse, I decided to rebuild it with 9.5:1 pistons, had the flywheel lightened by about 2 lbs, and had Eric Kerman do the head work (port/polish, match port the intake manifolds for the DCOEs, install the Schrick 292 cam and Schrick HD valve springs). The higher compression and Schrick cam are a great match, especially in conjunction with the Weber sidedrafts. The sound is like nothing else - the intake is louder than the exhaust!!!

At the same time I added a 5-speed from an '80 320i and the 3.91:1 LSD from the same car, plus a 320i radiator and a perma-cool electric cooling fan. I did big front brakes (a la Volvo) up front and put 320i drums and cylinders in the back to even things out. I run a Bosch red coil, 8mm plug wires, a Crane optical ignition, and a mechanical advance distributor to keep things in check on the ignition end.

All in all, it's the most sorted out car I've had and it performs just as I wanted it to. If I ever got my hands on an S14 motor, I'd find a good early 02 shell and get busy!!!

Good luck, I'll keep you in mind if I see/hear anything.

 

I have a set from an '03 MCS. The upper is brand new, never installed, the lower is used. Let me know if your interested.

 

I was thinking the comparison was between replacing the stock with the aero kit which requires a bit of modification. If the chrome trim around the grilles is removable with out taking the bars off, couldn't you mask the surrounding areas and shoot the bars with paint while on the car?

 

>>I was thinking of having the dealer install the chrome grills in my MCS ( $200.)when it arrives. How much would you pay? If I had him save them and ship them with the car.( Car should arrive mid Nov.)

As far as I know the chrome grille kit is nothing more than thin chromed metal pieces which simply cover the stock grille bars. The are applied with double stick foam tape provided with the kit. I would definately not pay my dealer labor to install them. You can order accessories and parts with your MINI and instruct your MA that you do not want them to do the install, but rather add the part cost to your MSRP and save the labor for your self. Items like Chrome Grille slats, Crome Mirror backs, Package shelves, Aux Connectors are all very easy to do and not worth paying $80-120 an hour for your dealer to do.

 

>>I have a set from an '03 MCS. The upper is brand new, never installed, the lower is used. Let me know if your interested.


How much are you looking to get? I'm a cheap bastard!!! j/k thanks ---

 

i blacked the grilles on my ib/b mcs with 2" black striping tape. it looks painted, and is easily reversed if desired.