R59 Black Toffee
#301
After talking with a several people at the DIY that have 19 and 22 mm bars, I chose to go directly to the firmest setting. I did not install new (beefed up) end links but I think I will at the next DIY day. That will be a much easier install.
#303
This is how it will arrive...which on it's own is a really beautiful piece of work.
-Steven
#304
#306
And yes, it operates the same as the original. It is also a little lighter being made of carbon fiber.
Thanks Gil
-Steven
#307
#309
M Performance Shift **** Installed
I got the M Performance shift **** installed this week. This brings more of the Alcantara/Carbon fiber theme to the interior. This turned out to be an expensive mod because you can only buy the **** with a beautifully made alcantara boot attached. Then I deconstructed it, and modified the bottom of the ****. Props to ra2fanatic for showing me this could be done
I had this on my 3 series with a short shifter and loved it. The **** is weighted, so it shifts beautifully. One thing to be aware of, is the orientation slot on the top of the shift shaft is slightly different between Mini and BMW. So, it took a little "twisting" to get it lined up correctly. In the end, it worked fine. I used a small amount of silicone glue inside it to keep it all locked down. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.
Here's a look...
-Steven
I had this on my 3 series with a short shifter and loved it. The **** is weighted, so it shifts beautifully. One thing to be aware of, is the orientation slot on the top of the shift shaft is slightly different between Mini and BMW. So, it took a little "twisting" to get it lined up correctly. In the end, it worked fine. I used a small amount of silicone glue inside it to keep it all locked down. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.
Here's a look...
-Steven
#311
Hey Steven,
That sure is one beautiful machine.
Can't wait till spring time when I'll start modding my new Roadster.
I noticed halfway through your thread you installed NM's Hi-Flow Induction Kit. Later you stated that you went back to the stock air system.
Maybe I missed it, why did you go back?
Andy
That sure is one beautiful machine.
Can't wait till spring time when I'll start modding my new Roadster.
I noticed halfway through your thread you installed NM's Hi-Flow Induction Kit. Later you stated that you went back to the stock air system.
Maybe I missed it, why did you go back?
Andy
#312
Hey Steven,
That sure is one beautiful machine.
Can't wait till spring time when I'll start modding my new Roadster.
I noticed halfway through your thread you installed NM's Hi-Flow Induction Kit. Later you stated that you went back to the stock air system.
Maybe I missed it, why did you go back?
Andy
That sure is one beautiful machine.
Can't wait till spring time when I'll start modding my new Roadster.
I noticed halfway through your thread you installed NM's Hi-Flow Induction Kit. Later you stated that you went back to the stock air system.
Maybe I missed it, why did you go back?
Andy
Thanks for the compliments. It's been a blast setting it up and getting it dialed in the way I want it. I did run the NM intake for a while. This is what I found, it did make more power, i.e. flow better, but, on hot summer days I felt I was giving up some low end power due to heat sink. At higher rpms, it is really doing it's job, but in traffic, I feel the stock intake with the Alta foam panel does a better job. If I was using the Roadster on the track a lot, I would run the NM. I must say, I have toyed with the idea of running it during the cold weather months
What are the plans for your Roadster?
-Steven
#314
Akrapovic Exhaust
I've spent a fair amount of time researching an exhaust for the Roadster. Turns out that there are not a lot of choices because of clearance on the rear braces. Mind you, there is nothing wrong with the sound characteristics of the stock JCW system and, running a single cat, it already flows pretty well. Still, with wanting to possibly run a Stage 2 AP, and DP, I knew I would need a higher performance exhaust.
The Akrapovic was high on the list of candidates, mainly because all I have read and heard from others describing the build quality and R&D they put into their products. The problem was, Akra doesn't list an exhaust for the Roadster. They list an exhaust for the Coupe, Hardtop and Cabrio. I know for a fact that the Cabrio has similar if not the same bracing as our Roadsters. I went so far as to have my friends at IND call Akra and inquire...response was "the system does not fit the Roadster"...Hmmm
While having service done at my dealer, I asked my mechanic if he knew anyone in the Chicago area that could retrofit an exhaust. He suggested VS Motorsports, they build and sponsor a BMW racing team, and can do almost any work at their facility. Next stop, VS Motorsports, who tell me no problem, they can handle the work. I bite the bullet and order the Akrapovic system and set up an install date with VS. Here's the good news, we drop the old system and begin the install...35 min. later the Akra is on the Roadster and it fits perfectly...no clearance issue, yeah!!!
First impressions. Start it up and the tone is noticeably deeper and more aggressive sounding. It has a very "tuned", refined sound. First drive, from inside the cabin, sounds levels are very similar to the JCW exhaust. Get on it hard and it lets you know it's there. Cruising speeds are nice and tame, this is good, because this is my daily driver and the last thing I wanted was a droning exhaust. I've done that before, and it gets very tiring.
The Akra is 5.1 lbs. lighter, and show a modest gain in Hp and TQ, +1.7 and 2.3 respectively. The TQ increase comes in at 3000 rpm, so it's very usable. Throttle response is also improved, no doubt because of the better flow from the larger diameter design. I really happy with the exhaust as it fits nicely with the build character I wanted for the JCW.
Here's a look...
You get a sense of the build quality looking at the welds...
-Steven
The Akrapovic was high on the list of candidates, mainly because all I have read and heard from others describing the build quality and R&D they put into their products. The problem was, Akra doesn't list an exhaust for the Roadster. They list an exhaust for the Coupe, Hardtop and Cabrio. I know for a fact that the Cabrio has similar if not the same bracing as our Roadsters. I went so far as to have my friends at IND call Akra and inquire...response was "the system does not fit the Roadster"...Hmmm
While having service done at my dealer, I asked my mechanic if he knew anyone in the Chicago area that could retrofit an exhaust. He suggested VS Motorsports, they build and sponsor a BMW racing team, and can do almost any work at their facility. Next stop, VS Motorsports, who tell me no problem, they can handle the work. I bite the bullet and order the Akrapovic system and set up an install date with VS. Here's the good news, we drop the old system and begin the install...35 min. later the Akra is on the Roadster and it fits perfectly...no clearance issue, yeah!!!
First impressions. Start it up and the tone is noticeably deeper and more aggressive sounding. It has a very "tuned", refined sound. First drive, from inside the cabin, sounds levels are very similar to the JCW exhaust. Get on it hard and it lets you know it's there. Cruising speeds are nice and tame, this is good, because this is my daily driver and the last thing I wanted was a droning exhaust. I've done that before, and it gets very tiring.
The Akra is 5.1 lbs. lighter, and show a modest gain in Hp and TQ, +1.7 and 2.3 respectively. The TQ increase comes in at 3000 rpm, so it's very usable. Throttle response is also improved, no doubt because of the better flow from the larger diameter design. I really happy with the exhaust as it fits nicely with the build character I wanted for the JCW.
Here's a look...
You get a sense of the build quality looking at the welds...
-Steven
#317
#318
#319
-Steven
#320
I have the Delete-R and it keeps the light off but i get a pending code from time to time. P0420 but it clears in a few miles. Carbon tips and getting a Renntech tune.
#321
-Steven
#323