I got my FMIC installed today. This is the Helix Stepped Core Intercooler, really impressed with the quality. This is my first step in getting better flow through the turbo. Next will be NM Intake Air Charge/Discharge pipes. Installation was very straight forward, although I have to say, taking apart my brand new JCW felt a little weird at first




This will give you an idea of capacity difference of the Helix and stock IC.



Front end all off, ready to swap intercoolers.



Fit was perfect...






All buttoned up...




-Steven

 

Nice. Do you notice a difference when the turbo kicks in?

 

Hi Mark-

I don't notice any gains yet, as this is really to work with the Air Charge/Discharge pipes. Once I have those installed, there should be an appreciable performance gain. I've been told I should expect a nice low end torque gain. Then, I'll be flowing more, denser/cooler air through the turbo. Right now all I'm getting is no heat soak, a big plus, just nothing tangible driving on the street. Stay tuned


-Steven

 

Unfortunately had to spend a couple of days at my sisters back road farm in pennsylvania. Peanut was covered dirt rain and mud. This was first time I ever washed my own vehicle. Followed steps you gave in posts 56
He's sparkling again. Never heard of a clay bar before but WOW.
Thanks for the info.
Although you should list a time frame warning LOL
5 hours well spent! So what if I was still buffing out jet 109 when dinner guests arrived.

 

Wow, nice, I'll bet she looks great! And you did a really thing for your paint. Time well spent


-Steven

 

Steve

I know it's a coup but just to give you an idea of colour coding

 

 

^ Thanks for the reference pics Kev


-Steven

 

Last week I got the NM springs installed. I had read good reports on them, and really like the quality of the NM products. These lower the Mini 1.20" and ride very similar to the stock springs. I have these paired with my stock "sport" shocks I ordered the car with. They work well together. I have also noticed that the mid-corner bumps that would send the stock "sport suspension" setup skipping across the bump, is now gone. These must be more compliant, as they allow the tires to track better through the rough stuff. I also installed shorter bump stops, which I sourced from WMW. The 19mm Sway Bar helps the Roadster rotate better and is very neutral setup. I'm currently running it on the middle setting. Here's a look at the install...



Nice finish on these


Front comparo


Rear comparo












While we had it on the lift, installed the NM Torque Arm Inserts. These perform great, eliminating torque steer, and providing crisper shifts.


Cross bracing is impressive...


I used NM "performance specs" for the alignment
Front Toe 0.10°
Rear - Camber 1.75° to -2.00° Toe 0.20° (toe in)




-Steven

 

And here is how it's currently sitting






-Steven

 

Very nice, yes I was looking at the underside of my Roadster the other day and noticed the cross-bracing; very impressive. I am guessing this is the standard bracing setup for the entire MINI line?

Keep em coming...

 

Thanks Mark I plan on it, got a few more mods in the pipeline. I think the bracing is standard on all Roadsters.


-Steven

 

After getting the Helix FMIC installed, it was time to address the Air Charge/Discharge pipes.






With those installed, I'm able to take advantage of the intercooler's increased capacity. As with all the NM products, the quality is really impressive. While I was at it, I also installed NM's Hi-Flow Induction Kit. I also used their Turbo Heat Shield. I figure these have all been developed together, and should work well at keeping the hot air moving down away from the intake. I also kept the factory air intake that pulls air from below the left front headlight. These upgrades have yielded a nice increase in throttle response, as the turbo spools up faster. The Roadster also feels like it's pulling harder. Another nice bonus is the sound...turbo whine, blow-off valve phisss. It's engaging and reminds me a little of the wonderful sounds my R52 used to put out













-Steven

 

That looks great!! You've really made under the hood look nice while I am sure providing a noticeable improvement in performance. I really like the carbon fiber intake pipe. I will have to use your thread for my mod plans.

 

Thanks, use away, that's why I post. It's the collective experience that is for the good



-Steven

 

Rear Diffuser






Interior Door Pull



-Steven

 

damn!! the ride height/stance looks perfect!

 

Yeah, I'm super happy with the NM springs, they ride/handle great and it made such a difference in the looks. It looks like it should have come from Mini like that




-Steven

 

How does that back up warning system work - part of the large speedo upgrade package?

 

Nice work there Steve

 

I'm still waiting on the headlight rings, and the Blacklines to be released. I like the look...




-Steven

 

Grill surround looks great.. Did you get it local? Here's the part #'s for the black line stuff. I'm going for it too.. I'm not up for wrapping or spraying.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...85&hg=63&fg=95

 

Steven--

Looks great. Where'd you get the CF door pull? How was it to install?

 

Thanks for the link, I'm still waiting for U.S. release. I've seen a date of 7/27/12. I agree, if I can get OEM, I'm going that route. I sourced the surrounds from outmotoring.com
Thanks! I ordered the door pulls from http://BramanAutoParts.com/ They are actually pretty easy to install. The speaker grills pull off (straight out). Start by placing a flat blade between the grill and the door handle and slowly, carefully pry it off. When you do the drivers side, be aware that the mirror control switch has a very short lead, and it takes a little finessing to get the speaker cover off. After that, the door pull is held on by two Torx screws. I believe they are #25.


-Steven

 

-Steven