The "padding" is actually a thin thermal blanket material and does not block the hood scoop intake...
From the front you can see the openings>>

And under the hood here you see the thermal blanket stopping short of the scoop intake and the openings


Here is some info on the M7 turbo shield... I monitor temps in several parts of the engine and shows the shield works

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=148677

 

Melo,

Nice pics and thanks for posting them ! Nice write up also.

Cheers.

 

Do any of these mods affect/void the manufacturers warranty? Thanks

 

"Warranty" is a direct 'cause and effect' issue. If aftermarket X directly caused a OEM part Y failure (effect) then yes manufacture has a case to void the warranty on that particular issue. Misconception is if you install a aftermarket part it can 'void warranty' implying entire warranty... just not the case. Example, if you install performance brake pads and 1000 miles later the brake rotors crack/warp dealer/manufacture can void a warranty claim for replacing the rotors (regardless if pads caused failure or not), but case of direct 'cause and effect' could be made (doesn't matter you happen to be doing a track day when rotors failed ) thus denying warranty claim. Now... same but simple analogy, is installing aftermarket performance brake pads and clutch fails.. dealer can not make a direct 'cause' (pads) to effect (failed clutch) thus warranty not an issue...although he might discuss your driving skills and habits.

Biggest area of voiding warranties is engine performance mods... ECU reprogramming (like boosting turbo PSI or upping rev limiter), installing aftermarket big honker turbos, etc... this makes for an easy case by the dealer to void an warranty on the engine and drive train. Aftermarket parts like thermal shields, wheels, intakes make for a MUCH more difficult case to void a warranty. For more info go to link>>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson-Moss_Warranty_Act

Michael

 

Morbius,

If I wanted to do just one of the three things you did, Turbo wrap, M7 heat shield and M7 Vortex scoop, in your opinion, which is the most effective at reducing hood temps?

 

Slinger,

It depends on your skill level and warranty concerns. If you use the M7 heat shield its a 10 minute job and there are NO concerns for anything. If you are not overly worried about warranties issues, then the turbo wrap is very effective and has some added properties to it. The WMW wrap is somewhat of a pain to install and requires more time and a precaution.

The scoop main function was to aid the CAI, but having it and creating additional air currents under the hood helps with temp also. The scoop has no warranties issues either.

I did not test the M7 heat shield alone so I can not give measurements on it. Others at NAM are and they can be of better help but others have said it is very effective alone also. I have small kids that always want to be in my shop when I am working cars so adding the M7 heat shield was a safety measure to prevent them from placing their little hands on the turbo heat shield but also aided in drop hood temp to nearly nothing

I hope that is of help.

Cheers.

 

Very nicely put !!

 

Mobius, Thanks for the info. Just wanted to get your perspective since you have all three which is rare.

Generally, I am not too afraid of mechanicals but electrical is a whole other story.

 

Haha, nice fix. Looks great... makes me wanna get the AGS-R and M7 strut brace and stuff right away, but I gotta wait until after the holidays

How long did you wait for your CF scoop?

 

OK..so what about the two mods we are discussing in this thread? It seems to me that both of them could/might affect the OEM design specs for the engine. And if after installing them you start experiencing engine related problems (say...valves or rings), which may or may not be directly related to the mods, aren't you asking for trouble? In other words aren't you just giving the manufacturer (MINI) a reason to deny your warranty claim?

I think I know the answer to this rhetorical questions (Yes). And even though they seem to be well made and effective I would hesitate to install these mods while my vehicle is still in warranty. Just in an abundance of caution.

 

I solved the warping intake issue. I received my M7 heat shield today and will pick up my '09 MCS tororrow! A small price to pay for "piece of mind" insurance.

 

I respect you view which is the conservative side of the question... I tend to be the moderate and recognize what warranties are about and sort of walk a line I feel confortable with... but I do not subscribe to the extreme of do what you want and fight the dealerships on warranty issues
Michael

 

Exactly what my approach... take the moment and resolve
M

 

Not to sidestep this thread but for those that don't want to spend the money on a carbon fiber scoop, you may want to try what I did (am in the process of)

My scoop melted and I took it to my dealer. They said they would replace it but the problem is, with what? Another stock scoop that would melt again?

I asked my SA that since BMW is willing to replace the scoop with another stock one, how about I pay the difference and get the JCW carbon fiber one?

He checked on it and sent me an email that said once the scoops were off of backorder, they would do that.

That would free up some money to afford you guys that want to do the other two mods.

Just a suggestion.

Morbius, the wrap you put on the turbo??? Is it mini specific or is it like a sheet of dynamat? .... something you trim to fit?

Also, where did you order it from?

Thanks, good job.

Mark

 

Mark,

The turbo wrap is specially made for the mini R56 turbo. It made by Way Motor Works [ http://www.waymotorworks.com ]. It is designed to handle the heat that the turbo produces.

Direct link: http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...1&cat=0&page=1

Cheers.

 

I think if you have any real concern about warrantee issues then the best bet would be to remove the parts when you take it in the shop. The heat shield would be really easy to remove, and even though the turbo wrap would take longer, it at least will save you from having to buy a new turbo if it goes

 

Thanks bud.... much appreciated.


Mark

 

I just installed my M-7 Heat Shield this morning. It looks great and seems to work just as well. I had to bend the front part of the shield out because it was contacting the turbo and making a slight rattling sound. I also went ahead and added some some self adhesive heat blanket material on the inside of the shield where it was bare metal.

 

if you wrap that turbo be sure to run redline synthetic, its the most heat resistant oil, a turbo will cost $$$$$$ if it fails, especially if its stealer installed

 

Or change the oil at a more frequent frequency which is a must on turbo charged engines.

On insulated turbo's which factory synthetics, I change the oil every 7K miles and many years later still running strong Need to be careful if wanting to switch an engine from one synthetic to another, there can be issues that are far worst than turbo stuff. I have engines with much larger turbos than the mini running on dino oil with no issues either. Turbos and oil have evolved over the years.

 

Morbius,

Is there a scheduled changing of turbo oil from the factory?

Thanks,

Mark

 

MINI's schedule for service I think is is way off ! My first oil change was sceduled for 15K miles .... NO WAY ! Turbo charged engines are very hard on oils even with synethices but at least with synethices you can go longer.

My schedule is always 2000 miles first oil change, 5000 for next and 7000 for each from that point on. It may seem somewhat excessive to some, however; it has worked well for me over the years and the engines & turbos have done very well Better safe than sorry

 

Just to clarify, the turbo uses the engine's oil. Another reason why the MINI's computer service intervals are ridiculous, especially for the MCS.

-C

 

I agree. I did my first oil change at 1200. Then at 5000 miles and every 5K after that.

I've got 12879 miles on my car and according to the computer, I've still got 6000 more miles to my first oil change!!! Are they crazy? That would have been 19K miles for a first oil change!!!

 

Mark,

Good for you ! And MINI wonders why some folks are blowing gaskets, seals and having all sorts of problems. My car still things it has 6000 miles before the first change and I am at 11K on this mini.

Cheers.