Contacted Rob and he was very supportive and willing to make good with a variety of options, though I decided to take care of things myself. He said the weld seam is not an issue at all so that is a relief. He did suggest to make the other port rounder. I don't have a large enough vise so I may try the ball peen hammer idea. I'm anxious to get it on by this weekend. I think I'll be fine.

He'll be definitely re-examining his shipping process before the next batch goes out. I'm very happy we went with a company that stands by their products and won't hesitate to support us with any issues after the sale. Thanks Rob!

 

Mine showed up today and looks to be in good shape. No idea if I'll get around to installing this weekend, but someday in the foreseeable future.

 

For all those of you that have installed the Helix IC how has it affected your car's performance?

 

With my mods (see sig), I feel like the car used to fall on its face in the higher RPM's with the stock IC. Since I've installed the Helix, I feel like it pulls better all the way to red-line. Hard to put that to a horsepower number, but it definitely isn't slowing down after a couple hard pulls like it used to.

 

I saw the video on the install, but wonder if there are printed directions that I can download. I don't plan on having my computer out on the sidewalk while I install this if I can help it.

Thanks,

Larry

 

Going to redline won't get you anywhere, really. Anything past 5k RPM's in a MCS, will cut your boost. Known issue with all S models. Your butt dyno appreciates the nicer FMIC though. And your MINI will appreciate it even more in the summer and on the track.

 

I should've clarified. I normally shift it at around 5500rpm, and it seemed to previously lose pull well before that.

Are you saying you shift WOT around 5k?

 

No I don't. I just wanted to clarify a bit because I know it's a known issue on the S with the boost cut and my dyno can prove that.

 

Clarified! I usually try to shift between 5500 and 6000rpm. Without a shift light it's hard to keep an eye sometimes!

 

Here are a few pics of the Helix FMIC that was put in earlier today at the Helix shop in Philadelphia. They give a great attention to detail. I also had the rear sway bar (19mm H&R) and JCW CF bonnet scoop installed while I was there. I can't say enough good things about Helix

 

Lookin good!

 

Thanks. Looks good, drives great. Also had the NM Engineering discharge pipe installed.

 

Finally got that puppy on! Took longer than I thought it would. Had many trials along the way. Forget those gray fasteners I listed for the wheel wells. There was no such thing on mine.

Also puting the thing up on a ramp was a big mistake as it makes it extremely hard to get to the wheel well fasteners and side marker lights. What a pain that was.

Also, with my JCW bumper, the bottom looks nowhere near what is shown in the video. All in all, I was able to fix a few things along the way which was good. Replaced my hot side hose while I was at it.

It would have been even more difficult if I didn't have one of those strange pop-it tools that some mechanic left in my car once by accident. Ready to take it for a ride tomorrow after I set the AP to Stage 1 FMIC

 

Some pictures of the finished product, my crazy JCW underside, and that fabulous tool that saved me plenty of headaches.

 

Nice,
BTW is that an MG tool?
And now for something completely different...go out and drive that baby!!

 

Is that what that thing is?
Went straight to the higher map on the AP and drove it this morning. All I can say is...Yikes! Now if only I could control that torque spin!

 

It took me 3,5 hours, but that included installing the IC muffler delete. I drive for 15 blocks then upgraded the map. Fun times and a real test tomorrow.

 

Unlike the smaller stock intercooler the larger Helix IC helps prolong the inevitable heatsoak that happens when you drive aggressively for any period of time. Little to no heatsoak means the power output stays consistent and last longer.

 

These new pics make me wish I was in the 1st batch! lol Hopefully, the next batch shipping will only be a few weeks from now and not months.

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Could you please describe what noise is now audible from doing the IC muffler hose delete? Thanks!

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I haven't been out today yet, but based upon yesterday's in-city drive, I wouldn't say the noise change is significant. I have an intake, so the BOV noise is the biggest change I've heard on the modifications I've done so far.

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I don't have an intake, but do you think I would hear the bov if I changed just the IC muffler?

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I noticed you can hear the air woosh a bit loader when windows are rolled down. Otherwise, I don't hear much of a difference when driving windows rolled up.

 

Cool, thanks Carey!

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I got mine installed today in about 4 hours, though that included a trip to the hardware store for some hose clamps. Also replaced the hot side muffler with an aluminum heat sink that I read about in the previous group buy thread. No fitment issues on the countryman. I'll post a pic after I get them off my camera.

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