I just wanted to add that I have the omicron hood/bonnet scoop in cf from Leap. It wasn't cheap but bolted right up and looks great. My mini now has a snout. I would say you can't go wrong with Leap. It seems they take the time to make sure their parts fit and are finished to a high level. Can't say that about many aftermarket parts. Can't wait to hear your thoughts OB. Keep us posted.
Brad

 

Well I just ordered a carbon fiber one, and if arrives with a wrap or film I'm going to be PO'd. We'll see...

 

Cool!

Hope it's up to snuff, guess we'll be finding out soon enough!

The guy is incredibly responsive, did you ask him about the material he uses?

I contacted him through the FB messenger and he got back quick with me.

 

He answered me very quickly - not sure I understand the answer though but it does not sound like 100% carbon fiber

I'm going to wait and see when it arrives...

 

.

 

Came in today.

Incredibly lightweight.

Actually finished well enough that it should take paint okay.

Only hassle is going to be drilling holes for the mounting bracket.

 

Yup mines here today. It’s nice for what it is, but like you said with the mounting, easy enough but they literally cut corners…like off lol. The M7 incorporated one mounting hole to existing screw and nothing else. Was definitely a simpler and smoother design. Atleast this serves a utilitarian purpose and really not meant to be eye candy.

 

https://leap.works/products/r53-rad-diverter/

If I was in need of one of these, I would buy it here.

 

Yes you would, if you were in need of one.

 

OTOH, win the BaT auction for the modded GP1 currently in process and an M7 air diverter comes installed!
(pics # 96 &101 showing that best)

 

That's one way to get it!

That GP certainly was modified in an interesting and unusual manner.



Would have been neat to see if they had video footage of it at the Flats.

 

I installed my Leap carbon fiber air diverter today.

I would not buy one of these again in a million years at half the price.

The finish is clean and looks good. It is a layer of real carbon fiber over a thin layer of fiberglass. However, it was a PITA to install, and after a 10 minute drive the heat warped it and it looks terrible. In addition, it is flat against the lip of the bumper cover and the mount points and the hood took chunks out of it. Hopefully the fiberglass ones are much sturdier but the carbon fiber ones are not worth the money IMHO. I'll take pictures after my utter disappointment wears off.

Anyone want to buy a carbon fiber one at 1/3 price?

 

Dang man, sorry to hear that.

I haven't fitted mine yet, just did a quick mock up, was planning to install down the road along with other pretty up stuff, must admit that I was also disappointed given the price point, the mounting method they deemed worthy of use is not up to my personal standards and plan on using an alternative method.

However, now after reading your review I'm actually worried about durability too.

Thanks for the report.

 

I was so mesmerized looking at the promo pic that I didn’t see the lame mounting points, that may have been a clue as to a design taking shortcuts. As long as it doesn’t turn to taffy and figure a way to mount it so it doesn’t look like doodoo, I’ll be happy that it at least has a function. Scubus, you may be able to get a refund/partial if you take pics (post here) and send to LEAP, I’m sure they’ll be disappointed with the performance of their new product, especially one made of CF. Keep us posted.

 

Seems ordering these was a "LEAP" of faith...

 

Yikes. I hate to hear the state of these. I would definitely contact Leap. I may reevaluate getting a set of these.
Brad

 

Update:

It appears that the issue is that it is cut so close to the radiator side supports that when it heats up and expands it pushes against the radiator supports and twists. When I pulled it off it went back to normal. It is very thin and not very substantial for the cost.

However, I wrote to Leap and they asked that I take pics and they will make it right, so that is what I am going to do. I can probably trim it, but for the price the mounting system and the fit are kind of disappointing.

Additional updates to follow....

 

Thanks for the update scubus,
eager to see how this all unfolds.

I'm unlikely to fit mine until spring summerish but now I'm a bit worried if some sort of reinforcement need be added.

Sort of also have feelings of guilt for hyping this thing up too before I actually had any firsthand experience,
so my apologies are due,
sorry.

 

Absolutely no need to feel guilty. You don't know until someone gives it a try. Jury is still out; they seem more than willing to try and make things right, and I believe it is a new product. I don't beleive this story is over yet

 

If they come up with a fix for the tight fitment/warping issue, well that’s the least they could do. The mounting system, well that’s just an abomination. A cheap, cheesy shortcut they should’ve never taken. I’ll probably drop them a line to see what’s up.

 

I had additional communication with the owner today. He is very willing to work to make the product better. Like I said, I do not believe this story is done yet.

 

Same here. Louis is definitely a stand up guy, I wasn’t expecting such a sincere response. Good to see some people still have integrity, I’ll wait patiently at this point, I think he’s intent on getting this design right.

 

Interesting....

I have had my M7 Carbon Fiber plate mounted in my Cooper S for over 8 years and it looks the same as the day I installed it.

Maybe his design was too thin ??

 

That is one thing we discussed. It is very thin to keep weight down, but you can't make it so thin that heat can warp it - although I don't think it was the heat. The heat caused it to expand into the radiator mounts. I am going to do some trimming and let Louis know how that works.

 

After reading all this chatter, is there data that shows the diverter actually improves cooling performance?