Looked an NM Eng's intake and decided to just call them. Spoke with one of the wrenches there about their intake and charge/discharge pipes and the new RS Alpha springs. He didnt really sell me on the pipes, but the springs might be an option a little later. If I can decide on lowering or lifting.. lol

Anyway, I've been eyeballing the VIP gear, which several member have raved about. Pulled the trigger this evening and went with the combo package.

R60 Mini Cooper Countryman S and ALL4 S 2011+ COMBO KITS

(COMBO 1) VPN 803 /1110/1302 $531.00

VPN 803 - CAI
VPN 1110 - Strut Bar/ Mounting Plates
VPN 1302 - Turbo Heat Shield

Now I just need to settle on a FMIC. Rather not do any heavy body modification if I can avoid it. I was almost set on the Forge IC, but I saw a post today where a guy took delivery of his IC from Forge and it was jacked. Bent fins, dings, unfinished welds.. Could be the re-seller... but could be a sign! Can anyone read tea leaves?

 

I've got most of the VIP gear on my car (intake, exhaust, strut bar, heat shield, quad driving lights) and am totally happy with the changes to the car. I'm shying away from doing too much more until the ECU options open up (not really wanting to crack it open and send it away, hoping for an AccessPort option to get here).

 

I did the ECU right off the bat to see what the options were. Jags has a great map and I have been nothing but pleased since I had my ECU re-mapped a week ago. Pulls strong through the entire power band. I can't wait for the VIP Intake to arrive... UPS tracking shows delivery tomorrow, so it looks like I'll have a fun weekend.

I like the quad light set-up, but I don't know if I like the 6.3 Hellas. Those peak over the hood about what, an inch? I need to see it up close to make a decision, I think.

Exhaust I might do down the road. The VIP exhaust sounds awesome with a high flow down pipe. I've done exhaust on every vehicle I've owned and is one of my favorite mods. I'll let the options cook a bit longer. My biggest struggle is the FMIC. Helix can't confirm fitment on a '12 CMS All4 with Steptronic. I don't think there would be too much of an issue, but I want to be crystal clear before I purchase and install. Looking at Alta, Forge, and Tyrol as well. After that, I'll lower it just a bit with some springs, possibly the NM Eng Alpha springs.

 

Threar, what made you go with the BOV as opposed to the re-circ valve? The purge sound?

 

I've read pros and cons for both, so I went with what Way was selling. I'm a bit confused on the Forge site, because both kind of look the same, so I don't understand the physical difference. For example, my BOV kit looks an awful lot like the picture in Forge's recirculation valve.

I do like the whoosh, though; and haven't really seen a problem with it installed.

 

I'm itching for an ECU re-map, but so far remain in the scared masses of people not wanting to crack open the case. Though I look at the car and wonder how much of my warranty really is left.

I added a pic in the thread on the driving lights. I went for the bigger ones cause I like the look; but to each their own.

I've left the downpipe stock for now. When I can get the ECU option, the other changes will likely be striking.

 

Did your ride change much with the addition of the torque arm inserts? Would you recommend for a daily driver of 100+ miles?

 

I had the TA Inserts installed at the same time as my exhaust, and then drove from Phoenix to Boulder (~890 miles). With the inserts the engine is definitely kept in place better (there's a noticeable increase in the engine vibration through the frame) but nothing that is annoying (sound or vibration wise).

I've put on quite a few more miles since then and wouldn't go back.

 

I'm planning to do the torque arm inserts this weekend if the weather is nice.

This summer I'll do an exhaust, though I haven't yet decided on cat back or turbo back. Front runners are VIP or JCW for now. I'll wait to do a downpipe some time in the future. I'm also hoping for an AccessPort ECU kit, because I don't want to have to pay for a retune every time I change something on the car.

Also considering charge/discharge pipes, intercooler, and a strut bar, but my wallet says I should take it one mod at a time

 

VIP parts have arrived!

Also swap out the RFs during lunch today. Now running BFG SportComp 225 50s on the stock 17s! HUGE difference in the ride and handling. Sticks in the corners. Almost went to 18s, but I remember so many threads of folks wanting to go BACK to 17s after going bigger. Happy with the BFGs.

 

Installed everything this morning...except the turbo heat shield. I dont want to modify the plate cover. I might order a replacement engine cover if they aren't too spendy and mod that one. Too bad, it would have looked nice.

One thing to note on the VIP CAI kit. I had to dremel the lower intake tube slightly to get the rubber tube supplied by VIP to go completely over the intake tube. Nothing major, but worth noting. The engine compartment isn't as tight once you get the airbox off.

 

You can actually run without the plate cover with no problems (I did that for a while, before finally just trimming the cover).

Congrats on the mods, every little bit just adds to the fun.

 

Thanks! Oh man, the fun is just getting started! I'm lucky to live near this...



This image shows the elevation changes pretty well, but the whole route has these amazing cutbacks and corners. Now that there's no construction going on deep in the canyon, it's a freakin BLAST to drive (until you run up on granny-Sunday-driver)!

If you live in SoCal, this little drive is a must. At least once.

 

http://www.pashnit.com/maps4/OrtegaHighwayMaps.htm

A few more maps of Hwy 74..

 

Hi Solar10,
I installed NM CAI & heatsheild. I don't know if I was suppose to, but I was able to install heat sheild without trimming cover.

 

The NM heatshield is slightly shorter than the VIP.

 

The stand-offs have to be different too, yes? Angled maybe on the NM? It seems like the stand-off posts could be made to angle towards the turbo just slightly, enough to clear the cover. I'd be ok with the turbo shield overlapping the engine cover a little. I was too excited to put any thought towards it Sat. morning. All I wanted to do was drive.

 

Dude I'm in OC as well, please tell me more about the ECU and the extra power. I'm interested in JAGS, can you point me in the right direction?

Thx.

 

http://ecutuninggroup.com/ is their website. I sent a quick email to info@ECUTuningGroup.com and Jags got back to me that same day. He did my tune at GI Motorsports in Santa Monica, which is where he does most of his work I gather.

If you want to meet up in OC, let me know. I live in RSM but work in South Gate. So anywhere in between is fine by me. I'm curious about your audio upgrades anyway.

 

Nice! I live in RSM as well, I'll shoot you a PM.

Will be nice to check out the ride, I'm ready to pull the trigger on a CAI and have been wanting a DoS. According to them the R60 isn't ready yet and no ETA so I'm debating NM.

Bring you're favorite CD/MP3 for the sound stage.

 

I've got the V.I.P. CAI and strut brace. I like the additional volume on the turbo chatter and it breathes much easier through the entire power band. The strut brace is really noticeable going over the Ortega Hwy.