This weekend the folks at Greasy's garage installed a bunch of new parts on my mini to help it breath better.
- NM-Engineering Hi-Flow Intake
- NM-Engineering Discharge Pipe
- NM-Engineering Air Charge Pipe
- Forge Alloy Intercooler
- Mini-Fini Intake scoop grill

In addition, I had the following suspension items installed
- NM-Engineering Billet Tie-bar
- H Sport 25mm Rear anti sway bar

First thing I noticed when driving it home, was how quiet it was, could not believe the change from JCW intake and eliminating the noise maker made on the level of sound in the cabin. It's so much quieter.

Second thing I noticed, was how light the car felt. At low end it seemed to have more pickup, and was great at surging through the gears.

Here is a picture of the engine bay.

 

Looks Good!

 

Looks great. You may not have had a chance to test it but how do you like the tie bar?

 

Can't say that I notice anything from the new Tie-bar or Anti-sway bar, but that likely means I haven't pushed the car in the corners yet.

 

Which catch can is that?

 

Nice mods I'm a huge fan of NM Eng. products. Do you feel the intake improved throttle response?


-Steven

 

Its a catch can from Billet Technology. Its anodized in blue to better fit with the car color and all the great NM-ENG products.

 

ABSOLUTELY!

Huge difference. Much quicker to spool up the turbo.

 

Hmmm....great news I'm on the fence between this and the DOS CAI. Like I said, I love the quality/R&D this company puts into their products. Thanks again!


-Steven

 

Rockridge-

I was doing some research on the NM Intake and found this...pretty impressive gains, and not all at the top I may be heading down this road soon.




-Steven

 

bluetoy - are they running the stock tune in that dyno graph? and what's your take on the exposed air filter behind the engine block sucking in all the hot air vs. the DoS that'll suck in the ambient outside air?

 

It looks like the dyno was on a stock 'S'. Here is the statement from their website as to why they placed the intake (filter) where they did.

" "
So, it looks like at speed, 20mph+, ambient temp air is at the filter. Makes since, Mini's have rather large grill openings and obviously move a lot of air. I always felt that locating the filter there would be more of a "hot air" intake. However, if their tests are for real, this set-up works very well, as would all the others that use that location. The dyno is telling us the results. Now, the intake differences/selection for me come down to intake tube size/design, etc..

One of the advantages to this location as rockridge points out is it is quiet. The DOS intake with it drawing air from the bulkhead is a lot more sound. Some will think that is a benefit...others not. My last Mini was highly modded, and while a lot of fun, could be tiring after a while. Something I am really considering as I mod the Roadster. I think I'm sold.


-Steven

 

I am considering this same intake for my brand new 2012 MCS. What is the filter element? I read the thread about CAIs and the concern about oiled intakes messing up the MAF.

 

I have done both a DoS and a 'Hot air intake' with my Scangauge, and both run about identical IAT when normal cruising, but any type of heavy boost would cause the HAI to spike at much much higher temperatures. a 30 minute dash through twisties would lead to a 30-40F higher temperature with an open element filter in the engine bay.

 

not sure if i'd believe all the CAI temp hype ..er' Marketing.
It's ideally not in the best spot for a true CAI, but what are the other options.

How restrictive is the oe box with say a K&N panel filter? I'd like to see that comparo. $150 less 'might' be a good option.

I think a larger IC would be most beneficial.

 

The filter element is the one that came from NM-Eng. It is a pre-oiled filter. I also have read some comments from folks about the concern about oil and the MAF. I am planning to keep the oil light to I can keep it under control.

 

You should also be cleaning your MAF with MAF sensor cleaner at every oil change if you have an oiled filter.

 

I was looking at this intake for my 2011 N18. My only worry is getting a bit too much heat soak living here in a hot climate with low speeds as ours. Plus sitting in traffic in the summer heat.
I even emailed NM on whether or not they are planning on making a longer heat shield for the intake to seperate it more from the engine itself, they're not. I've been wondering if another manufacturer's box would fit around the NM filter, like K&N or AEM's box. DDM's will be too high to use with my NM FSB.
So as far as pick up, do you feel you've lost any from a standing start and in slow moving traffic?
I replaced my OE filter with the K&N drop in filter and could def feel a bit of an improvement and hear a bit more turbo spool sound as well(addictive)

 

....also, what's the deal with the OE box being a better choice because it keeps the air pressurized and an open filter doesn't have that pressure.....or vacuum effect?? Is there any truth to this?

 

There needs to be some sort of offset for living in paradise right? a little heat soak. I don't notice it, but I live in New England, and we have a few days a year in the 90's so most of the time it is no issue. I have not noticed it at all.

I think if you are going to box the NM filter, why not just look into the JCW intake. It's got an improved system over stock, and it's not going to be effected by heatsoak. I think Way has them at his shop for sale.

 

The tie bar will make the front end feel more together, if that makes sense.

The rear strut brace needs the nm adjustable end links to get the most out of it.

 

Great choice in products. I use NM Engineering products on my '09 MCS.









NM Engineering Stainless Steel Cat-Back exhaust
NM Engineering Titanium Turbo Heatshield
NM Engineering Engine Torque Arm Mount Insert
NM Engineering Carbon Fiber Hi-Flow Induction Kit
NM Engineering Discharge Pipe (Blue)
NM Engineering Air Charge Pipe (Blue)
NM Engineering Adjustable 22mm Rear Sway Bar
NM Engineering Adjustable Rear Sway bar links
NM Engineering Carbon Fiber front lip
NM Engineering Carbon Fiber scuttles

I spoke with Jerry at NM Engineering on Monday about getting a NM Engineering tie-bar with no finish on the bar. He set me up with a special price for it and I am going to wrap it with 3D glossy carbon fiber vinyl. This way it will match the NM intake and the rest of the carbon fiber on the car.

 

Have you gotten it tuned after all the add ons? Or just using the accessport?

 

@ MinMin

Great job, loving the whole package. Keep up the good work


-Steven

 

Thanks Steven. BTW, I get my Helix stepped intercooler installed on Tuesday.