Per miniusa, the air inlet works. Is this contrary to what many have said here. Maybe the new owners can confirm this.

 

Really it depends on what the definition of "functional" is.

Does it serve a function? Yes.
1. If it's function is to distinguish the MCS from the MC, then YES it does serve that function.
2. If it's function is to be a hole in the hood for the sake of being a hold in the hood, then YES it serves that function too.

Does it provide a direct source of cooler outside air to either the engine air intake or the intercooler? No.

So MINIUSA is right, it is "functional" to a degree, just not functional like we've become acustom to.

 

Yep the site says it provides air flow into the turbo charged engine.. which is true, but the main airflow comes from the grill vents on the bottom as the turbo is located down toward the front bottom part of the engine... that is what provies the most airflow.. The hood scoop technically can be sealed and it would still perform the exact same..

MINIUSA though is correct it does provide air into the engine which technically doesn't mean jack crap! :P

 

I'll be curious to see how many R56 owners turn around and buy a Cooper hood. I would. I hate "poser" features on any car, even a MINI.

 

+1 that would be my first mod.

 

I like the look of the scoop so I would keep it just for the look... Could give a rats *** if it works or not :P

 

I actually like it. A little more air on hot summer days to keep the engine cooler.

 

I quite like it I must admit. I certainly wouldn't spend additional cash to put a cooper bonnet on the car.

 

Isn't it funny that the lower the post count...
the more you like fake hood scoops

 

And what's that suppose to mean?

I'm beginning to hate the NAM community more and more everyday...

 

Get used to it man.

 

Because we arent buying your models of Coopers doesn't mean we won't enjoy the car nearly as much as you guys. To come in and say our opinions mean jack crap due to post count or what type of car we ordered is stupid as well..

 

You will find there are alot of negative people on here.

There is an ignore feature, fyi.

 

And a report feature which I have just gladly used.

 

ZING!


I love features!

 

the scoop is not functional for the turbo. it's blocked off.
the scoop is merely a distinguising feature.

 

The scoop looks like its in the perfect place to make a nice diverter to direct precious cold air right onto the turbo housing, from the pics ive seen.

If I get an 07, thats what my scoop will be doing....

Blowing air onto my GT42, hehe.

 

Yea the minute they make a scoop mod to properly cool the turbo directly.. I will be the first to be all over that :P

 

the ones ive seen, are closed by something that looks like a grid allthough it isnt.
no "real" function at all.

Maybe the JCW will have an intercooler...

 

It will be rather easy. It looks like it will have to shift to the drivers side slightly to direct it to the turbo, but thats no big deal.

It will probably just be a simple aluminum duct. I'll see what I can do once we get one at our dealer...

 

All the cars are intercooled!

The intercooler is at bumper level underneath the motor. It looks like one of the most ineffecient intercoolers ive ever seen. I gaurantee there will be big FMIC conversions for this car, ecpecially given the fast that all the piping is run to the front of the car already.

 

Pic of the intercooler on an R56 MCS

 

I have an idea. How about all the R53 owners that are bugged by the phony hood scoop all chip in to buy each and every R56 owner a new MC hood without the scoop. That ought to make them feel better - we won't be diluting their MCS scoop "cred".

Whew. Glad we worked that out and we can go forward one big happy family. Can't wait till my new hood comes. I'm going to hang it on my garage wall as a monument to the donors stupidity.

 

I'm not bothered by the "fake" scoop at all. Here is my reason...

The aftermarket is going to take full advantage of that blocked off hole in the hood. It's in a perfect location to force cold air into the air box at the rear of the engine bay. And there you have it, ram-air induction for the intake; something I would LOVE for my R53 to have! I have a feeling JCW cars and all aftermarket intakes will incorporate this "useless" scoop.

I stated this before in my "R56 Ideas" thread, and Gabe and others agreed that they too have thought about this becoming very popular.

Drew

 

Why would you want to admit to being a rat?