Hi all,
I'm the third owner on my '06 MINI GP. It looks like one of the previous owners had modified the top of the strut tower for adjustable camber plates, at least that is my best guess as to the metal that has been cut out.

My question is, is the thick black plate highlighted by the yellow arrows in these pictures a reinforecment to the underside/ top of the strut tower (to address the mushrooming issue) or is is just the top of the strut?

Part two, and I know there is already a ton of info on this, what is the best solve if I want to reinforce the top of the towers? I want a simple, strong, bolt on top option. I do not plan to add a strut bar, but may be open to the option of it provides multiple benefits (strength and handling).

Thank you in advance!

 

That does look like an under tower reinforcement. Also, the studs coming out of the tower look longer than normal so the strut mount or the bolts/studs might have been replaced.

For top protection I really like the plates by VIP. The plates are full thickness at the mounting holes with machined T nuts for full thread engagement, and the notches for the strut tower contours are rounded and not square edged which are probably weaker or have stress points in the corners. It just seems like more thought went into the design of these plates. They also have a strut bar if you decide to go with one in the future. Just make sure to get the plates with the mounting holes as the pics on their site conflict. On the plate only description page there are pics with and without strut bar mounting holes.

I went with with the full set up and haven’t had any issues with mushrooming. I don’t know if the bar adds anything in the handling department, but it definitely helped with dash rattles. A couple of picks I have are the bar is not one piece and the hood padding caused the back of hood to bulge when first installed. The bar looks like it could have been one piece but machining time and material cost probably were the factor in having the two small mounting “brackets” at the ends. Instead of removing some of the padding I wet it several times which compressed it and allowed the hood to sit flat.


Rounded notches for the tower contour and T nuts for thread engagement without recessing the mounting holes.


Tower plates and bar combo installed


Strut bar clearance with JCW airbox


Compressed hood pad

 

Here's a link to a how to with video. Just follow the posts to the video. BTW, if it's not mentioned, the nuts torque down to 25 lbs.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-shroomin.html

 

Thank you for the reply and info! I was fairly certain, but wasn't 100%.

I'll check out the VIP site...I like the bolt on option as it allows for easier access if needed, and I like the idea of getting rid of some rattles! Your car looks to be in amazing condition!

Cheers!

 

Thank you for the specs!

 

The guy who hacked up those strut towers..... should be flogged !

GL!

 

agreed...hoping the tower plates will hide her scars a bit.
overall she is in good shape, but there are a few more of these "floggable" infractions that just make me shake my head.
I did not buy the car, it was passed on to me and has huge sentimental value, so it is easy to overlook these issues and enjoy the ride.

 

One more suggestion to advance ride enjoyment. Look in to adding a stiffer RSB.