Thanks Andy I'm hoping it all fits...we'll see.


-Steven

 

very nice ! the more I see Roadster with the GP rear diffuser the more I tell myself I need it for mine !

 

That sounds like you are half way to rationalizing this mod I think it will look great on the Roadster, and if I can fit some underbody panels, I could quite possibly improve the aero


-Steven

 

I WILL make the side under panels work!. I'm still looking for a front under panel. If the GP comes with one then that is what I'll get. Otherwise RennTech has one but the picture makes me think it doesn't hug the car well enough and might cause problems for a lowered car. Any one have any other idea's?.

 

I'm holding out for the GP front under panel. I remember reading that Mini engineers spent a good amount of time on it, not only improving/cleaning up airflow under the car, but it's ability to draw hot air effectively from the engine bay. Hopefully we get that piece from Mini.

Have you ordered the underbody panels yet? I'm curious as to how the braces will interact with the panels. Do we cut the braces into the panels, or space them done for clearance? Thoughts?


-Steven

 

No I have not received my rear diffusers yet. I will install my front splitter, NM discharge pipe in black, and Helix intercooler this weekend with a bunch of other parts I have. I'll install all my suspension parts and then the under panels as parts come in. I just want the rear diffuser to be functional.

 

Sounds like a great weekend to me Where will you order the underbody panels from? I agree, it all needs to work together, under panels are going on the Roadster.


-Steven

 

ECS tuning they where nice enough to supply the part numbers and shipping is only $17.00. I was worried about shipping cost, but I can handle the 17 bucks.

 

Yeah, I'll probably do the same. Did you order yet?


-Steven

 

No. Need to finish the suspension first then seal it all up. I hate to install stuff and then take it off.

 

Steven,
What would you say are the essential mods for the S Roadster?
I am not interested in gaining power or cornering better as it will be a simple daily driver. I just want to take care of the car properly.
Thanks in advance
Danny

 

My first roadster mod was the heat shield under the hood scoop. I had it before the car. Then the NM Ti turbo heat shield.

 

I'm pretty happy with my Mud Flaps. They actually make the car look a bit lower from the back which is always fun.

 

Hey Danny-

I hope this helps...when you start modding, it's important to define why you are doing a mod. My philosophy is to try and not "un-engineer" the car. Engineers spend countless hours working on systems, however, some designs are compromises. Most of the mods I've done were done to improve upon where Mini left off, and they are centered around more power, better response, more neutral handling, think FMIC/plumbing, AP, Short Shift Kit, NM springs/Koni's, Sway Bar, etc..

You state you are not interested in gaining power or cornering better, then just drive it and enjoy it. Check and see if your Mini came with the hood insulation, mine did not. That may be the essential piece to protect your paint. You have the N18 engine, and I am not sure if an Oil Catch Can is even effective. So, given your criteria, maintenance is the key. Change your oil at around the 5k-6k mark. I'm still not convinced running them to 10k on the oil is a good idea. Perhaps just cosmetic mods are where you put your money...done just because you want to. Youiffication


-Steven

 

[
You have the N18 engine, and I am not sure if an Oil Catch Can is even effective. So, given your criteria, maintenance is the key. Change your oil at around the 5k-6k mark. I'm still not convinced running them to 10k on the oil is a good idea. Perhaps just cosmetic mods are where you put your money...done just because you want to. Youiffication


Steve,

I don't necessarily disagree with you on this, but BHS does make a N18 specific oil catch can which I have ordered. Granted, it's just extra insurance, but I intend on keeping the Lil Ragtop for a longer time this time around. I'm also going be adding several of what you have mentioned here as recommendations. Did you know that Outmotoring have the black tail light AND headlight rims? Another of my future additions. I prefer black to chrome, except on some things. I've also got a pair of carbon fiber door handles, which I never installed on my r56. I could be talked out of those if anyone wants them.

Bill

 

I saw Outmotoring is now carrying the black light trims...good news. I have a pair of OEM headlight trims I can sell someone. With any luck, I'll have the Akrapovic DP installed today.


-Steven

 

The install is pretty easy. Hardest part is getting the screws back on the heat shields. Does the Cobb AP have a Cel delete?.

 

[QUOTE=BlueToy;3689262]I saw Outmotoring is now carrying the black light trims...good news. I have a pair of OEM headlight trims I can sell someone. With any luck, I'll have the Akrapovic DP installed today.


-Steven

Have to let me know what happens with this install. What the difference, feel is? Also, the install. I'm leaning more and more towards a complete, turbo back exhaust and would love to do Akrapovic.

Bill

 

[quote=hemisedan;3689352]
I installed the Akrapovic DP and exhaust about 7,000 miles ago. It's a 2013 roadster and the exhaust is a simple install, mainly because its oem plus quality. The system itself is great. You get the performance without the fart can noise. If you want performance and great sound that won't get you noticed, this is the system to get.

 

It didn't take long after getting the Akrapovic exhaust installed that I knew what my next mod would be...Akra Downpipe. The exhaust was a great upgrade, and I knew it would only get better with the addition of the DP. Like all things Akrapovic, when you see and examine them in person you are impressed by the quality and craftsmanship.



Install is pretty straight forward, it swaps right in place of the stock unit. Fitment was spot on. One thing I did notice was the weight difference between the two, the stock DP is considerable heavier.

Impressions.....start up reveals a turbo that spools up faster, and the exhaust just got a note deeper. The Akra exhaust is not a loud exhaust, it does have a very "tuned" quality to it, and the DP makes it sound even better. Getting the Roadster down off the lift and out on the street reveals more torque down low, a crisper throttle response and a more pronounced Pop/Burble. The freer flowing exhaust had really subdued the Pop/Burble I had with the JCW exhaust, and hearing it come back a little more pronounced sounds good. Next up, running Stage 2 on my AP


-Steven

 

While I had the access to a lift, and waiting for the DP to cool down, we installed the GP rear diffuser.



Install is a simple bolt up affair. This fits so well with the rest of the JCW Aero kit...absolutely love it.












Looking forward to getting the Under Body Panels installed soon...


-Steven

 

Steven, the JCW you're building looks great! out of curiosity, what garage are you having the work done at?

 

Amazing work Steven. Love your mods and I greatly appreciate your evaluation of the mods.

 

Thanks Paul,
Most of my shop time is done at A&L/IND. That is if I'm not wrenching in my driveway

Thanks David, good hearing from you


-Steven

 

[QUOT

Impressions.....start up reveals a turbo that spools up faster, and the exhaust just got a note deeper. The Akra exhaust is not a loud exhaust, it does have a very "tuned" quality to it, and the DP makes it sound even better. Getting the Roadster down off the lift and out on the street reveals more torque down low, a crisper throttle response and a more pronounced Pop/Burble. The freer flowing exhaust had really subdued the Pop/Burble I had with the JCW exhaust, and hearing it come back a little more pronounced sounds good. Next up, running Stage 2 on my AP


Steven,

Have you had any error cels once you got it up and started with the new DP?
Sounding more and more like I'm going to have to bite the bullet and save a little more for the right exhaust system. Damn I had $2500 on exhaust. But, it sounds and looks like the right setup.
Bill