I decided to start a new thread on this topic. Here is the link.

Mostly I started it to help sort out my own thoughts. I have decided to pull the trigger and order direct from the manufacturer to save a few days on shipping.

I also started it to float the possibility of a group buy through the ebay seller and see if there is interest. If anyone is interested please drop your .02 over there.

 

Thanks to FredoinSF for bringing-over Butch today for some measurements.

I will be diving into SolidWorks tomorrow to start bringing things into 3 dimensions. We'll have a much better idea of how the concept sketches and measurements will come together by early next week.

-Clint

 

Thank you Clint for the update. I can't wait to hear BUTCH going whistle psss on youtube

 

Great meeting you Clint! Butch is all giddy with anticipation

 

Psyched for the updates!!!

 

Now for a little low-tech. I found this elsewhere on the forums and ordered it today:
http://www.gominigo.com/Countryman-GbT.html

Here is the original post with pix--It's rather pricey for basically a shelf but it solves a problem...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ebox-tidy.html

 

Looks like the race chip has moved down on my mod list. Back to Dos intake money saving

 

Why is the race chip moved down?

 

NAM reviews sound like performance is not worth the steep price tag. But I will keep watching reviews and probably add it if nothing better comes out later

 

Given the lack of other options available, I definitely think the RaceChip or similar is best bang for the buck. From what I have found in my research, turbo-back will provide some gains @ $1-2k, CAI probably wont @ $200-300, FMIC should at $700-1000, and tune definitely will at $500-700 (plus shipping, etc.). At $680 for the RaceChip, there are definitely noticeable gains (although, no objective measurements yet).

Driving it to the dealership today with the RaceChip uninstalled it was a real wake up call to what the chip actually does. I much prefer the driving manners with the chip installed. It may not be perfect, and a JCW killer it is not, but it does what it is supposed to.

I would definitely prefer the ability to adjust the tune, and I expect a bench reflash would provide better results. If an AccessPort or JCW Stage 1 Kit were to come out tomorrow, I'd probably sell the RaceChip and go for one of those options instead.However, given the available options and constraints such as warranty and tuner availability, I can say I am pretty happy with the investment.

 

I went with a tune from PAW... Completely changed the car and it is now properly powered... Ran it on a dyno but the tune just needs a little reworking before I put it back on a dyno again for a final number on what it's putting out power wise. Didn't gain anything with a full exhaust (including DP) *Did a before the exhaust dyno of 3 pulls, and an after exhaust dyno run of 3 pulls, on the same day*

 

kconner5,

which exhaust system? can we see the dyno runs?

scott

 

The exhaust system is a mish mosh of parts... I have an Akrapovic Downpipe (With no CEL's because the bottom 02 sensor is spaced out with an 18mm *diameter* spark plug spacer) a JCW midpipe (all the silencers and baffles cut out), and a JCW backbox. I also have a few other mods on my car including a NM intake, but I don't expect too high power gains from those.

There are a few videos on my YouTube channel of the exhaust:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGfNPkeEJ_I

So for the dyno run, the tune was still a work in progress, so it's a little rough and power drops off early. We think we can still get more out of it, without risking hurting the engine at all.

It's post #4 on this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e-article.html

Kyle

 

Unfortunately, our dry filter manufacturer gave me some unwelcome news today. The custom dry filter that we want them to make for the R60 S CAI won't be in their production queue until 3 months from now.

We're frustrated that it will take this long to get the filter made, because the prototype parts for the housing can be in our hands in a matter of two weeks.

Because of this delay, Defenders of Speed is slowing down the CAI program a bit. We would love to be blazing forward with this product, but we're currently stifled by a very large filter manufacturer's prouduction schedule.

I'll send updates after we get some more specific dates for our product release.

-Clint

 

Thank you again for the update Clint. Dos intake is the only one for me at this point so the wait is cool. I'm in the middle of moving so my money is tied up anyway. By the time its available I should be ready to buy.

 

Check out this sweeeet strut bar that popped up on ebay for the countryman. is this oem? i really like it. its found under "mini r60" search.

 

thats a nice looking bar. Is the load bar welded or simply bolted to the collars though?
hard to see.

 

It looks bolted. There are more pics on the eBay sales page. Just type mini r60 for more details/pics

 

not found by searching for "mini r60" or "mini countryman"

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Mini-R60...item1c2be8aa48

 

thats wierd, now its not under mini r60. thanks for posting the link dpike i have not figured out how to do that yet. now its a bmw mini strut bar OK. so what do ya'll think? awesome or junk?

 

really weird ...if i follow the link it is there but if i search it is not

it looks very nice, but seems a little pricey in us$

 

yes it is $$$, but you only have to buy it once. it looks like something the factory should have done. i hope someone in the US starts offering these like minimania or outmotoring, ect. that shipping is terrible

 

I couldn't find it either. Thx for the link.
Very nice bar but $300 + shipping! Ouch.
Big ouch.

 

$300+, lot of dosh... It looks the bullocks though...