I just got off the phone with the people from Diamond Racing. I was calling to ask if the had the Carbon Fiber Bonnet Scoop in stock (which they don't), and I hung up with some useful information. Don't hate me for telling these secrets Cy.

It turns out that Diamond Racing is comming out with their OWN Carbon Fiber Hood, that is going to weigh a feather-light 6 POUNDS! The cost is going to be somewhere in the area of $1800.

I also found out that Diamond is comming out with their own TRUE cold air intake. I guess this system takes ONLY cold air in, not from the engine bay. It should be trick Carbon Fiber, and in the price range of $299.

Stay tuned to the Diamond Racing website for all the goodies!

 

any idea if the intake is gonna be for the S or non S cooper?

 

It is for the S. I was told it is going to be like a modified PiperCross Viper Intake...

 

CooperSpeed, speaking from direct experience with Diamond Racing, take everything they say with a grain of salt and don't hold your breath over the CF hood.
At this point, their reputation is about as good as Mini Mania's.

 

$1800.

thats a lot of $$$

I spoke with the diamond racing guys at the Euro car meet in So Cal, really nice dudes. I saw one of them holding an intake and showing it to someone, it looked like the pipercross but different. maybe thats the new intake?

 

why so much?

usually carbon fiber hoods run from about 400 for hondas to about 700 for bmw m coupes

 

It's called NICHE RAPE

 

>>It's called NICHE RAPE


oh well...not my thing

 

you could buy a honda for the price of that hood!

 

Based on what we have all seen about products that are advertised before they are really available-
From every source we have to be wary about distribution bottlenecks, shipping problems, low supply or parts needed to build parts, and host of other troubles. We are talking about small numbers and often limited production runs and even oceans to cross and US customs. Needless to say it isn't always as close as it would seem to get some of these upgrades. Patience, patience.
Everyone has good intentions but whether the ideas come to fruition will depend on many factors. Demand is simply not enough of a driving factor when there are so few Minis out there. This is and will always be a limited market. Expect high prices and limited supply. I don't blame any of the vendors about the long waits.
As I see it, it is good that it takes a little longer or I would go nuts and order everything. This way you have time to think and read about options on MCO. Learn a little more and then rethink about what your big plan is. It helps to cut down on impulsive buying. As a criticism, MCO and sites like it whip us all up into a frenzy of upgrade crazy owners ready to plunk down $$$ for the newest coolest fastest (even unproven) mod out there. A lot of what we read is just plain hype. As long as you realize this to be the case you can make a choice. Otherwise it is a bottomless pit of upgrades out there and you can easily invest $thousands if you get carried away.

CF bonnet for $1800? Right, I'd get a good set of light wheels and gasoline for a year than to get that bonnet for that price. But for a sponsored race mini- that would be different. Bring on the Bonnet gentlemen

 

The reason for the high price is partly what was just mentioned...limited cars out there....for every 1 CF Hood for a MINI they can sell 100 for hondas. Plus look at the hoods that cost 400 bucks on hondas...they are flat and simple. The MINI Hood is quite complex in shape and also needs to house things such as the headlights. Pair that all together and you will have high prices. This is not a mod for everyone...and even those that get it - half won't need it...but for those that are looking for the last few pounds to save it is a great area.