Hello all, I am going to install a Megan racing strut tower brace on my wife’s 2014 jcw countryman and had a quick question. I am not sure what to do with the black felt like material, I am assuming it’s for heat/noise. It runs from the strut tower down towards the front of the car in both sides. Not exactly sure if the purpose of these items. My question is, do I need to remove this item for the strut tower brace to fit, or do I only need to modify it slightly to fit? I have attached a photo I found and circled the items I am talking about.

 

I had the same question when I installed a bar in my 15 JCW. Not sure if exclusive for JCW model but was told it’s there to help seal the area from hot air....
We ended up modifying (cutting the piece only so the width of the bar could fit)....