[neilobe]

So has anyone unblocked / Drilled holes in there R56 S Bonnet scoop grill bit , im meaning cause its only for show, would opening it up improve air flow at all ??
Anyone done it or thinking about it too ??

[futureal33]

I've heard if you've got an open filter (CAI) like the Alta one, then it supposedly increases air flow to the filter - whether it makes much difference in the 'real world' is to be debated I am sure.

[adam_Randell]

I think it should improve air flow a little, will also help the engine stay a little cooler.

If you have the Alta air filter, you can get a triangle bit of plastic to go inside the bonnet, which attaches to the air scoop and when the bonnet is closed links to the filter too to its a very direct air feed!

[nicknbecka]

Quote: Originally Posted by neilobe (original)

So has anyone unblocked / Drilled holes in there R56 S Bonnet scoop grill bit , im meaning cause its only for show, would opening it up improve air flow at all ??
Anyone done it or thinking about it too ??

I can't find where I'd seen it before, but I've run across a post where someone claimed that opening up the scoop grill would increase the air pressure beneath the bonnet and behind the intercooler- actually decreasing the airflow through the intercooler and making for worse performance rather than an improvement.

EDIT: Of course, it doesn't apply to the closed circuit systems like DDM Works or Alta's in adam_Randell's post..

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

Quote: Originally Posted by nicknbecka (original)

I can't find where I'd seen it before, but I've run across a post where someone claimed that opening up the scoop grill would increase the air pressure beneath the bonnet and behind the intercooler- actually decreasing the airflow through the intercooler and making for worse performance rather than an improvement.

EDIT: Of course, it doesn't apply to the closed circuit systems like DDM Works or Alta's in adam_Randell's post..

That was me, thanks for remembering

A lot of serious racing cars / motorcycles mount their radiators at the rear of the car as negative air pressure behind the radiator is really important for the free flow of air through the radiator. If the holes were to achieve any significant airflow then it would only increase air pressure behind the radiator. Being water cooled, efficient cooling of the radiator is far more important than just drilling a few holes in the bonnet and "hoping for the best"

Tigger.

PS: Not quite certain why I've written this as no one seems to be reading it!

[terabytesmyass]

Quote: Originally Posted by neilobe (original)

So has anyone unblocked / Drilled holes in there R56 S Bonnet scoop grill bit , im meaning cause its only for show, would opening it up improve air flow at all ??
Anyone done it or thinking about it too ??

I have a oct 2007 Cooper S with approx 4/5ths of the holes in the bonnet scoop open. This is how i purchaced- 'factory' no mods. Not sure if the scoop is different in any way ? but all seems to work fine.
Pernaps no longer just for show?

[tommo13]

Yep my 2008 Cooper S has about 4/5ths of the holes open also. I wonder if this was done to help cure the red hot bonnet problem that some early R56 owners reported ?

Either way I can't see any problem with opening the holes up on an early scoop if this is the way they are leaving the factory now. Unless MINI are just hoping for the best ?

Well i have an 08 cooper s and have taken our the little black grille in the scoop, dont know if it makes a performance difference. But it does make it look nicer and cleaner from the front, also it helps cooling of the turbo charger which is right behind the scoop. I know that after i have done some hard driving and i park the car i can see that like mirage effect coming through the scoop where all the hot air is escaping. So i think yes it does help the engine but maybe only by ading cooling. But still a help.

[josh b]

Hi all, i'm new here and looking at cheap and simple things I can do to my 07reg MCS to make it go that little bit faster (its a company car you see).

I just unscrewed the black bit and took it out. Cant understand why everyone is drilling it?!?
I've got an open filter and it does make a little difference in throttle response.

[caesar]

Quote: Originally Posted by neilobe (original)

So has anyone unblocked / Drilled holes in there R56 S Bonnet scoop grill bit , im meaning cause its only for show, would opening it up improve air flow at all ??
Anyone done it or thinking about it too ??

Thats strange, my June 07 build MCS scoop has most of the slots open

[Mutley MCS]

I have had my scoop open for some time now and have had not had any problems with engine cooling as a result. The radiators are well and truly efficient enough to cope with any pressure change that this mod will make to under bonnet pressures.

It will also increase clean air flow under the bonnet, assisting with lowering of under bonnet temps.

You will note that I live in Australia and I have driven this car pretty hard on 35 degree celsius days, still not problems with temps.

I can see the theory of this concern over engine temps but in practice I do not believe this is the case due to the capacity of the cooling system.

As for the intercooler, because it is mounted lower than the motor, I do not see how the airflow through this will be affected opening the scoop.

[caesar]

Open slots in the air scoop grill would certainly help to cool the turbocharger which gets very hot. I have noticed on a run when the turbo has been working hard, and you stop for some reason and its raining there is quite a lot of steam coming from the grill !!!

[neilobe]

I will problary open mine up then next weekend, i have emailed mini uk and asked them if there was a change in any later build cars having the scoop partly opened. waiting for a reply back.
Mines an April 07 build.

[caesar]

Quote: Originally Posted by neilobe (original)

I will problary open mine up then next weekend, i have emailed mini uk and asked them if there was a change in any later build cars having the scoop partly opened. waiting for a reply back.
Mines an April 07 build.

There were a lot of threads on this topic last year. My MCS is a June 07 build and I posted a photograph of the grill which showed the open slots. The general consensus of opinion was in favour unless you lived in the Arctic

[Paul]

They changed the scoop (opened it up) and it was to aid cooling, although when I suggested that the 'mock' scoop had actually been updated to serve a purpose again (cooling) the thought was pretty much dismissed for some reason.

[neilobe]

Well after waiting few weeks, Mini finally emailed me back today .. here is what they say on the subject :

Dear Neil

Thank you for your email to MINI Customer Information, and please accept our apologies in the time taken to get back to you.

The bonnet scoop has not been unblocked for 2008 model year MINIs, the mesh of the scoop was changed in 2007 in design however the vent is still blocked. The engine has more than sufficient cooling with its current set up which is why it is unnecessary to unblock the vent.

We trust this information is of use and please feel free to contact us should you have any further questions.

Yours sincerely

Christian Gorton
MINI UK
Product Information Advisor
Ellesfield Avenue
Bracknell RG12 8TA

[tommo13]

They know what their talking about then

[Nath316]

would be interested to see this on Pepe

Jul 07 S and to be honest I hate the fact that the holes are not completely open as I do not believe aesthetically that it looks right

I may just undo the "panel" for want of a better word and see what is likely to happen!

[caesar]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nath316 (original)

would be interested to see this on Pepe

Jul 07 S and to be honest I hate the fact that the holes are not completely open as I do not believe aesthetically that it looks right

I may just undo the "panel" for want of a better word and see what is likely to happen!

As I said in an earlier thread my June 07 build MCS Scoop Grill has most of the slots open. You could remove it and then open the slots carefully using a drill.

[Boro Boy]

I had MINI replace the mesh on my Nov '06 MCS to the revised partially-opened version early last year. In my opinion, the scoop in the R56s is a necessary vent to allow hot air from the turbo to escape when coming to a standstill after a spirited run, especially in summer. Oddly, it's only necessary I think because of the plastic scoop housing. The Cooper D has a turbo, but no vent - no problem here as the steel bonnet conducts the heat and spreads it over the bonnet to radiate it evenly, if you see what I mean.

Given the choice, I would have opted for a bonnet without scoop when I bought the car.

DerekH had posted a pic (link below) of the Challenge car with a deflector fitted behind the scoop which I think will allow hot air to escape (when coming to rest) more easily. I wonder if the new Factory JCW has this mod. Does anyone know if the deflector is available separately?

http://www.mini2.com/forum/attachmen...5&d=1190110524