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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
Today, I tinkered around the idea of modifying the A-pillar trim and aero flow interaction. At first, half an inch of step-drop on the back of the trim piece caught my attention. I could not fix it but instead did a change on the trim piece's front windshield area. I covered the step-up gap of that trim with a weatherstrip. Its mid-portion is not touching. The weather is rainy as always and during the test run, I saw that raindrops are being pushed back on the side windows nicely. I invite you to check the idea.
What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Are you even experienced in aerodynamics?
I'm sorry, but I'd have a hard time drawing any conclusions from the videos above regarding
air flow around the A-pillars. However I do know that flow anyway and why the R56 A-pillars
are designed that way they are (actually pretty much like any A-pillar last 25 years). One of
the major goals regardless of the manufacturer is to keep the side windows fairly clean.
Last edited by 930 Engineering; 11-27-2021 at 03:32 PM.
Reason: one 'k' removed
No, I am not experienced in aerodynamics. But I am exposed to its knowledge due to my proficiency. I know that, these designs are the results of prioritisation within different aspects. I think, high rake angle of the windshield required a deep drainage step on the windshield's side. Which in return, possibly, increases drag coefficient. I just wanted to throw an idea to it without flow pressure testing.
During rainy days, I saw that back side of the A pillar is a turbulent area, this modification decreased it, but in return more water is finding its way into the side window, but they are being pushed up by the high pressure around the side mirror. So I am aiming/guessing a decrease in wind noise and drag coefficient.
Ömur, I'd suggest leaving the A-pillars alone and fit a Cooper D/SD (Diesel) undertray
and perhaps the Cooper aero kit roof spoiler instead. More effective, no downsides.
It's much cheaper than the GP undertray. Surprisingly the automatic gearbox version
is even cheaper at about 100 € from vendors in Germany and Poland. Part number
51 71 2 757 442.
What you are saying is simply relieving, because I will mount this part (though not OEM), in half an hour, atleast will try to, because it came without install kit.
I also thought about the ducktail-like long and simple, flat rear spoiler. I saw it online couple of times but not IRL. Is this the one you are saying? It has no air passages and such.
Just this plain OE Mini Cooper/One Aero roof spoiler, not the S & JCW wing or the Mini dealer fitted wing (which both would add drag):
Undertrays probably provide a bigger gain in aerodynamic efficiency. Another benefit is
the better protection they provide to the engine bay, in particularly during winter season.
When I fitted the undertray (51 71 2 757 442) I also ordered the following hardware,
because I didn't know the undertray already came with some of them, so I had some
of them left. Don't remember which ones though. Anyway, my order:
07 14 7 177 492 - 8 x
07 14 7 333 911 - 8 x
07 14 6 981 767 - 5 x
51 71 7 195 796 - 7 x
You'll likely notice that some of the factory hardware is rusted, so you'll want to replace
them sooner or later anyway.
If interested google these part numbers. Hope you get the job done flawlessly without
buying any additional hardware. Shoot some photos if you like. .
As you wrote, I was working on the car and missed your message unfortunately. I had some issues especially with exhaust tunnel side connections and left side vertical beam behind the wheel. I am %70 ok with how it got mounted. Also, in general, holes were almost not matching with their mating holes on the chassis side. It is ok, but not great Non-OEM issues, came with no hardware, I used various types of trim clips. Have no photos... But first impression, engine is much more silent to the outside now, just intake noise!
Yes, that's the spoiler I was also thinking about, thank you. I have seen some at used car part dealers I believe, will check
10-05-2021, 01:33 PM
Non-OEM issues, came with no hardware, I used various types of trim clips. Have no photos... But first impression, engine is much more silent to the outside now, just intake noise!
