Hey all.

I have an NM Front Strut that I would like to install on my MCS. I was wondering is this a project that I would be able to do myself or am I better off bringing it to a garage to have them install it?

I installed the NM High Performance intake no problem and plan on installing some new taillights tonight as well. But I've never installed a Strut before so don't really know what involved. Is it as simple as putting it on and then just bolting it down? or is there a whole lot more involved that I'm missing.

Thanks a lot for any info and advice!

 

I've not done it on a MINI, but if you installed an intake, installing a strut brace should be a walk in the park.

 

It's easier than the intake.

1. Take bolts off.
2. Place brace on screws.
3. Replace bolts.

 

Awesome, thanks guys. I'll take pictures of the install tonight. Sounds easy enough!

 

Front Strut is installed!!!

The process was very simple, although the NM strut comes in pieces so you have to mount the strut brackets first and then mount the bar across, was a little weird doing it that way but eventually got the bar to mount across right.

Just to make sure, because removing the nuts weren't that difficult. The Nuts should be tightened as much as possible right? I cranked em down to make sure they wouldn't go anywhere, but again they weren't really really tight when i was removing them, so just want to make sure. Its a noob question i'm sure, but i'm one to be better safe than sorry, and never assume

I'll post some pictures tomorrow. It was too dark to get some shots by the time i finished working (installed new taillights also).

 

I guess your talking about a Strut Brace?

 

Yeah meant Strut brace, not strut bracket...whoops

first time really working on my own car and doing aftermarket to this extent, so still getting familiar

 

If you have torque wrench, you should torque them to 25 lbs each.

waiting for pics

 

Yeah, no torque wrench but tightened them down as much as i could. I'll keep checking them over the weekend. Monday I'll ask the garage to do it as I'm getting more work done that's way above my comfort level or at least beyond the scope of tools i have available to do the work

Pictures coming up in a second...

 

Photos

edit(s): apparently i don't know how to post images...there we go!

 

Nice! Do you think you can take a video with the NM intake? Would love to hear te sound.

 

sure! Taking a drive out to East Hampton in a few hours. I'll record part of the drive out

 

I think NM has the best looking products! Looks great.

 

So how does the ride feel after the strut brace? Are you riding on the stock suspension?

Thanks

 

Sorry for the late reply, was away over the weekend. The ride feels great. Haven't really had too much of an opportunity to push it and see what its like under pressure. But both with daily driving and messing around on the back roads, I have noticed a difference already.

With Daily driving, I don't feel potholes as much. There are a few on my daily commute that I would cringe every time I'd see them coming up. but right after I put the brace on and took it for a test drive...saw the dreaded pothole, hit it, and hardly felt it; like its preventing the wheels from popping as much. Exit ramps and such - seems better capable of accelerating out of the hard turns. That's all I've really had an opportunity to try out, but just for the benefits of my morning commute, its worth it...no longer have to hear my fiance complain about how bumpy the ride is...as much And yes, I am currently running stock suspension.

 

Anyone know if the NM Front Struts will clear the JCW Stage 1 Cone Intake?