Hey guys.

I'm working with ARDesign in developing a downpipe for the R56 Turbo motor. We are looking for an owner who'd like to donate their car for a minimum of 2 weeks for testing and fitment.

A little more information about ARDesign. ARDesign is one of the leaders in exhaust technology aftermarket BMW products. They have several products for the E90 3 series and the F10 5 series, focusing on the N54 Twin Turbo inline 6, the N55 Twinpower Turbo motor and the N63 Twin Turbo V-8.

Just as an example, the N54 Inline 6 motor gains on average, 25whp and 17 wtq with just the ARDesign catless downpipes installed, Even more with a tune.

Hit me up if you have questions! Thanks fellas!

 

is it two week solid?

 

..and for the car donation / test period..you're offering?

 

Exactly! What's in it for the owner of the car?

Hope there is some kind of agreement / waiver in case poop hits the fan (engine damage, broken doodads, etc).

 

Howdy rbrown81. Andrew @ ARD was in contact with myself back in July of 2010 to discuss aftermarket fabrication and the like.
However, no follow up was pursued after their shop relocation in late 2010.

As others have asked, what's the development including?
What parts / resources are is ARD wanting to put to market?

- Erik

 

Hey guys.

I'll try to answer all of your questions as best I can.

Two weeks a rough estimate. It could be longer, it could be shorter. The guys won't really know until they have had a chance to get into the engine bay and test clearances.

GTB and AR Design would be offering the owner of the donor car a free downpipe after testing and fabrication have been completed. That way you will get the first ever AR Mini Cooper Downpipe.

Erik, we had discussions regarding this product around January of this year. Andrew wanted to make sure there was a market for the product before they got to work on designing it. I've been pushing for it and it looks like if we can get a quality product to fit properly, then we may just have something special.

 

Does this downpipe include a working catalyst to pass Colorado Air-Care emissions testing?

If considered, I would love to visit to see ARD's ambitions and talk first hand about the R&D.

- Erik

 

Erik. I am not familiar with their production processes so I don't pretend to know if they plan on making the Catless or Catted Downpipe first. They offer both on most all of their other products, so I do forsee a catted DP in the future.

I'm sure Andrew wouldn't mind you visiting. Let me see what I can set up (If you are seriously interested)

 

Sounds good; I would like to hear more.

Please do; I am interested in assisting, but haven't been provided with pinpoint details to give them an "ok-go".
I don't believe many are going to hand a vehicle over with no guided time line, unlisted expected goals and other fine-line items that surround such R&D.
But if ARD has a written plan of attack and has the liability insurance and coverage in order, sounds like this could move very quickly.

To grab more attention for this local venture is to have ARD's next move be to provide an open house and show what they can offer / fabricate to the local MINI community and the market share they compete in. That could bring in heavy local interest and multiple owner resources for ARD.

- Erik