I installed a strut bar last weekend and was a bit skeptical about what it would add to the performance. Well.....I am no longer a skeptic. It makes it seem like the whole front end was rolling over in corners before.

The difference isn't there if you are taking a gentle corner, but if you are like me and like to punch it about halfway through the corner......holy cow! What a difference.

I highly recommend it!

 

Pics man and where did u get it?

 

I got it from vipcustomparts.com same as my light bar. These guys really do a great job. The mounts fit perfectly and it is all powder coated black. It took me 8.2 minutes, give or take, to install. Kidding aside, this is an incredibly easy mod, not too expensive and makes a BIG difference if you like to drive hard.

As for pics, just go to their website, I'm too lazy.

 

ive been eying that on there site, i just ordered it on sale too 50$'s off...i hate the roll in turns or from road imperfections

 

Also put on the VIP strut bar. It feels flatter up front now, but almost worse in the back in terms of roll. I keep checking the sites, but I don't see anyone with an adjustable thicker rear sway bar yet. The rear bar is a huge help on regular MINIs; hopefully will be on Countryman too.

 

Do you have Sport suspension package on your CM?

 

All this talk about a strut bar has gotten me thinking! Hmmm...

"minicmsall4" posted a pic of the installed VIP strut in their gallery -- it's a little grainy, but you get the general idea...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co.../ppuser/101182

 

Nope. Just the standard.

 

Just installed the VIP Custom Parts strut bar on my Mini. I have the Sports Suspension as well, and actually like the added stiffness. I also just like the look:



Blog write up on the install is over here.

 

Your strut bar looks great, but I couldn't help but notice the turbo heat shield. You may want to consider ditching that.They dress up the enginge comparment, but my tuner told me that they actually make the turbo retain more heat which decreases performance and the expected life of the unit.

 

Looks good.

 

quick question for the ones that installed this strut bar... does it touch the hood at all when it's closed? I've had this happen to me on my R53 and it was rubbing the top of the hood a bit.....

 

It doesn't touch, but it comes within a half inch of the hood at the ends. No signs of rubbing yet (20k miles, a lot of it on choppy roads in the mountains).

 

Like Doug said no touching, easy install.

 

what torque settings did you use for the strut bolts?

 

Not sure. I just tightened it back to about the same effort it took to loosen. There's only one railroad track near me where I can get airborne if I hit it above 20mph, so I should be okay. Anyone else know the proper torque is for those?

 

German torque.....


Gudntite

 

Just make sure there tight and you should be ok. With the size of them I'd say 25-30 lbs should be good. Just as long as there tight I'd wouldn't worry about it.

 

My first attempt at installing the strut bar, I ripped one of the bolts in half. Wasn't my happiest modding moment, but could have just been a weak bolt. Since then I've had it replaced and put the strut bar back on, just made sure it was tight enough (was too scared to torque where defined).

 

I hate to assume this would fit a 2012...

Anyone put this on their 2012 CMS All4?

 

It does say 2011+ on the VIP site. Maybe I'm being overly cautious. lol

 

It fits a 2012. I installed it on mine about a month ago.

 

Awesome. Thank you for your feedback!

 

So putting this on with the sport suspension is great.. what about lowered suspension and the strut bar?

 

I put a strut bar on a few days ago and really like it. It was an easy install up until the point I dropped a nut into the engine bay, then the string broke on my magnet trying to retrieve it

I'm out of town right now driving a rental with horribly floaty suspension. I can't believe anyone wants a ride this floaty. I feel so disconnected from the road.