MINI2

NearlyNN · Oct 2nd, 2003, 04:34 PM

Check out the new aero kit form Mini-Madness:

http://www.mini-madness.com/product....00&1=228&3=157

Pretty aggressive, I really like it. I only wish I had found out about it last week, since my car is just being put back together at the auto body shop, after being creamed in a rear-ender. Still might try for it, if they haven't gotten too far along (ie. paint).

Question: What ever happend to that cowl vent intake thread that died out in April? Mini-Madness is also offering cowl vent replacemant scoops. I like the idea, but would like to see them be as functional as possible. There was some talk about directing air to CAI. I also wonder about somehow creating channels from scoops toward engine to help lower overall engine heat.

Another question: What if they faced back towards the windshield? There was some talk about the old muscle car scoops and that the MINI's steep windshield might have similar air flows. I imagine Mini-Madness could be approached about rear facing scoops, if they made more sense.

NEMINI · Oct 2nd, 2003, 04:37 PM

this kit isn't new its been discussed several times

Try a search

NearlyNN · Oct 2nd, 2003, 04:58 PM

Thanks, but I'm really more interested in the cowl vents (see Q's), their functionality, and mods that might be made to make them more efficient.

obehave · Oct 2nd, 2003, 06:54 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by NearlyNN

Thanks, but I'm really more interested in the cowl vents (see Q's), their functionality, and mods that might be made to make them more efficient.

There was a good suggestion here once about tying some thread to the front and rear of the cowl vents. A nice easy way to determine the direction of the air flow. As upright as the MINI windshield is there might be some hope for rear facing scoops.
The only scoops I've seen here had way too narrow of an opening and didn't look very functional.

NearlyNN · Oct 2nd, 2003, 11:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

There was a good suggestion here once about tying some thread to the front and rear of the cowl vents. A nice easy way to determine the direction of the air flow. As upright as the MINI windshield is there might be some hope for rear facing scoops.
The only scoops I've seen here had way too narrow of an opening and didn't look very functional.

Obe,

I rememberd that thread and went back and re-read the whole thing before I started this thread. Was strange though. There was a lot of talk regarding testing and hoped for results and then the thread abruptly ended. That's why I thought I would bring up the subject of cowl vent scoops again. Seems there are some available now, as opposed to what was merely conjecture back in the Spring. Still interested in maximizing their possible benefits regarding reduced heat.

Mugami · Oct 3rd, 2003, 10:31 PM

The area thats under the vents dont go into the engine bay themselves so even making them more effencient wont cool the engine bay down at all. But if you do have one of the CAI on the car like ALTA's then it might be worth investigating.

TomM · Oct 3rd, 2003, 11:23 PM

I think it might be counterproductive to put a scoop on the cowl vents. By the nature of every car and the way air works, the area right below the windshield is always a high-pressure spot. So if you cover it up trying to scoop up air that might not be there, you'll actually do the opposite of what you intended.

Just cut or swiss cheese the airbox and you'll be all set.

obehave · Oct 4th, 2003, 12:40 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by TomM

I think it might be counterproductive to put a scoop on the cowl vents. By the nature of every car and the way air works, the area right below the windshield is always a high-pressure spot. So if you cover it up trying to scoop up air that might not be there, you'll actually do the opposite of what you intended.

Just cut or swiss cheese the airbox and you'll be all set.

The only way to really know would be to test it. Unfortunately without scoops we're just cloud talking.

With the rear facing scoops NearlyNN mentioned you could take advantage of that high pressure zone. Of course I'm just guessing too.

I think I'll be tying some thread on tomorrow. We're doing a little interstate driving so it'll be a good check.

NearlyNN · Oct 4th, 2003, 03:10 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

The only way to really know would be to test it. Unfortunately without scoops we're just cloud talking.

With the rear facing scoops NearlyNN mentioned you could take advantage of that high pressure zone. Of course I'm just guessing too.

I think I'll be tying some thread on tomorrow. We're doing a little interstate driving so it'll be a good check.

Appreciate more info. I'm not afraid to do some slicin and dicin if it will do some good with the air. Most of the trackdays I go to are in the Summer and early Fall. Temps are high and it's pull off the track, park car, open up the hood while your group is off the track. Just makes me think and hope for a little more chillin.

Now the next mod for this dreamer would be vents cut into the bumper attached to flanges leading to ducting taking air back to the front brakes. Obviously, something for another thread and maybe Jesse and the gang at Monster Garage.

obehave · Oct 4th, 2003, 05:54 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by NearlyNN

Appreciate more info. I'm not afraid to do some slicin and dicin if it will do some good with the air. Most of the trackdays I go to are in the Summer and early Fall. Temps are high and it's pull off the track, park car, open up the hood while your group is off the track. Just makes me think and hope for a little more chillin.

Now the next mod for this dreamer would be vents cut into the bumper attached to flanges leading to ducting taking air back to the front brakes. Obviously, something for another thread and maybe Jesse and the gang at Monster Garage.

You could always give me your fog lights

A bit OT but I've been driving around today with a temp sensor in my intake by the filter, interesting so far. I'll also be doing some outside the air box.

One thing you have to keep in mind with your heat loss quest. While the car's moving you probably don't have much of a problem. You can buy a cheap digital thermometer with a 10' lead for $10. May not be lab quality accurate but definitely good enough for what you want. Got mine at Lowes. Good to 150º

NearlyNN · Oct 4th, 2003, 09:42 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

You could always give me your fog lights

A bit OT but I've been driving around today with a temp sensor in my intake by the filter, interesting so far. I'll also be doing some outside the air box.

One thing you have to keep in mind with your heat loss quest. While the car's moving you probably don't have much of a problem. You can buy a cheap digital thermometer with a 10' lead for $10. May not be lab quality accurate but definitely good enough for what you want. Got mine at Lowes. Good to 150º

Obe, funny you mentioned the fogs, but I think you are now first in line. Just talking about taking them out the other day. Never used them and can't imagine I will. Have been out on the Left Coast for over 30 years and can count on one hand the number of times they would have come in handy. Can't say the same about my time on the East Coast. Lots of pea soup fog there. So don't buy any, cause I think mine are coming out.

I understand your point on the temps. I guess I'm being a bit anal about owning a vent (cowl) that doesn't do anything. And to make matters worse, now aftermarket companies are coming out with scoops. Interesting, but I'm not getting them if they just ram the air into the firewall.

minimaster · Oct 5th, 2003, 11:08 PM

High Pressure?

I believe it is actually a LOW pressure zone...
If you put a scoop on it, either way, it's sure to hinder it somehow... but who cares....It's for your vents...
Unless it's MY MINI... then it is for something really special and ... scary, which is another reason we decided NOT to scoop it... Low Pressure is good, and altering or possibly altering the inlet would be counter productive...

Vrooom, Whoosh, Vroom, Whoosh!

obehave · Oct 5th, 2003, 11:52 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by minimaster

High Pressure?

I believe it is actually a LOW pressure zone...
If you put a scoop on it, either way, it's sure to hinder it somehow... but who cares....It's for your vents...
Unless it's MY MINI... then it is for something really special and ... scary, which is another reason we decided NOT to scoop it... Low Pressure is good, and altering or possibly altering the inlet would be counter productive...

Vrooom, Whoosh, Vroom, Whoosh!

Scoop or not we'll see but I can assure you the cowl vents are under pressure. It's been discussed and proven dozens of times.
Proof is easy. Turn your fan off,make sure the recycle switch is not on, direct the air to just your dash vents, drive down the highway at speed and feel the air coming out of the vents. Proof positive.

NearlyNN. I'll be posting here in a bit on my temp probe goofing from a trip today.

minimaster · Oct 6th, 2003, 12:55 AM

How does that Prove them to be "High Pressure"?
If it were "high pressure" wouldn't the air flow into the vents = your speed or near it?
Low pressure would "suck" air into the vents, so I can only assume that your "test" proves my theory positive.

obehave · Oct 6th, 2003, 01:56 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by minimaster

How does that Prove them to be "High Pressure"?
If it were "high pressure" wouldn't the air flow into the vents = your speed or near it?
Low pressure would "suck" air into the vents, so I can only assume that your "test" proves my theory positive.

That would be true if others here hadn't measured the pressure that was in the cowl area. I said this was simple proof I didn't say it was definitive rpoof. Now if you happen to have the test equipment lying around then go knock yourself out. I can assure you that people whose opinions and data I trust have shown this to be true.

Quote:

If it were "high pressure" wouldn't the air flow into the vents = your speed or near it?

This would be true only if it were a straight and unobstructed path DIRECTLY inline with the front of the car. Since that isn't even close to being true how can you expect the air to flow out of the vent at 70 MPH?
Add to this the fact that that area of the windshield on cars has been known to be a high pressure area for decades (reference the cowl induction cars from the late 60s and early 70s) and I feel fairly safe in thinking it is a high pressure area. The MINI has an even more upright windshield angle than a '69 Camaro for sure.

Oct 2nd, 2003, 04:34 PM	#1
NearlyNN Happy Trudger My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Out on Highway 61 Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 2,079 Offline	New Body Kit + Cowl Vents Check out the new aero kit form Mini-Madness: http://www.mini-madness.com/product....00&1=228&3=157 Pretty aggressive, I really like it. I only wish I had found out about it last week, since my car is just being put back together at the auto body shop, after being creamed in a rear-ender. Still might try for it, if they haven't gotten too far along (ie. paint). Question: What ever happend to that cowl vent intake thread that died out in April? Mini-Madness is also offering cowl vent replacemant scoops. I like the idea, but would like to see them be as functional as possible. There was some talk about directing air to CAI. I also wonder about somehow creating channels from scoops toward engine to help lower overall engine heat. Another question: What if they faced back towards the windshield? There was some talk about the old muscle car scoops and that the MINI's steep windshield might have similar air flows. I imagine Mini-Madness could be approached about rear facing scoops, if they made more sense.

Oct 2nd, 2003, 04:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
NEMINI NEMINI.org Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 06:19 AM Posts: 7,911 Offline	this kit isn't new its been discussed several times Try a search NEMINI.org, NEMINI.us, NEMINI.info, NYMINI.org

Oct 3rd, 2003, 10:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mugami MINI2 Master Join Date: May 2002 Local Time: 07:19 AM Posts: 1,215 Offline	The area thats under the vents dont go into the engine bay themselves so even making them more effencient wont cool the engine bay down at all. But if you do have one of the CAI on the car like ALTA's then it might be worth investigating. 02 MCS DS/W (Totaled November 02 on Fall Folage Run) 03 MCS DS/W (See my MINI Profie for extensive list of mods)

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Oct 2nd, 2003, 04:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
NearlyNN Happy Trudger My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Out on Highway 61 Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 2,079 Offline	Thanks, but I'm really more interested in the cowl vents (see Q's), their functionality, and mods that might be made to make them more efficient.

Oct 2nd, 2003, 06:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 07:19 AM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by NearlyNN Thanks, but I'm really more interested in the cowl vents (see Q's), their functionality, and mods that might be made to make them more efficient. There was a good suggestion here once about tying some thread to the front and rear of the cowl vents. A nice easy way to determine the direction of the air flow. As upright as the MINI windshield is there might be some hope for rear facing scoops. The only scoops I've seen here had way too narrow of an opening and didn't look very functional.

Oct 2nd, 2003, 11:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
NearlyNN Happy Trudger My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Out on Highway 61 Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 2,079 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by obehave There was a good suggestion here once about tying some thread to the front and rear of the cowl vents. A nice easy way to determine the direction of the air flow. As upright as the MINI windshield is there might be some hope for rear facing scoops. The only scoops I've seen here had way too narrow of an opening and didn't look very functional. Obe, I rememberd that thread and went back and re-read the whole thing before I started this thread. Was strange though. There was a lot of talk regarding testing and hoped for results and then the thread abruptly ended. That's why I thought I would bring up the subject of cowl vent scoops again. Seems there are some available now, as opposed to what was merely conjecture back in the Spring. Still interested in maximizing their possible benefits regarding reduced heat.

Oct 3rd, 2003, 11:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
TomM - Join Date: May 2002 Location: Northern Virginia Local Time: 07:19 AM Posts: 174 Offline	I think it might be counterproductive to put a scoop on the cowl vents. By the nature of every car and the way air works, the area right below the windshield is always a high-pressure spot. So if you cover it up trying to scoop up air that might not be there, you'll actually do the opposite of what you intended. Just cut or swiss cheese the airbox and you'll be all set.

Oct 4th, 2003, 12:40 AM	#8 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 07:19 AM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by TomM I think it might be counterproductive to put a scoop on the cowl vents. By the nature of every car and the way air works, the area right below the windshield is always a high-pressure spot. So if you cover it up trying to scoop up air that might not be there, you'll actually do the opposite of what you intended. Just cut or swiss cheese the airbox and you'll be all set. The only way to really know would be to test it. Unfortunately without scoops we're just cloud talking. With the rear facing scoops NearlyNN mentioned you could take advantage of that high pressure zone. Of course I'm just guessing too. I think I'll be tying some thread on tomorrow. We're doing a little interstate driving so it'll be a good check.

Oct 4th, 2003, 03:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
NearlyNN Happy Trudger My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Out on Highway 61 Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 2,079 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by obehave The only way to really know would be to test it. Unfortunately without scoops we're just cloud talking. With the rear facing scoops NearlyNN mentioned you could take advantage of that high pressure zone. Of course I'm just guessing too. I think I'll be tying some thread on tomorrow. We're doing a little interstate driving so it'll be a good check. Appreciate more info. I'm not afraid to do some slicin and dicin if it will do some good with the air. Most of the trackdays I go to are in the Summer and early Fall. Temps are high and it's pull off the track, park car, open up the hood while your group is off the track. Just makes me think and hope for a little more chillin. Now the next mod for this dreamer would be vents cut into the bumper attached to flanges leading to ducting taking air back to the front brakes. Obviously, something for another thread and maybe Jesse and the gang at Monster Garage.

Oct 4th, 2003, 05:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 07:19 AM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by NearlyNN Appreciate more info. I'm not afraid to do some slicin and dicin if it will do some good with the air. Most of the trackdays I go to are in the Summer and early Fall. Temps are high and it's pull off the track, park car, open up the hood while your group is off the track. Just makes me think and hope for a little more chillin. Now the next mod for this dreamer would be vents cut into the bumper attached to flanges leading to ducting taking air back to the front brakes. Obviously, something for another thread and maybe Jesse and the gang at Monster Garage. You could always give me your fog lights A bit OT but I've been driving around today with a temp sensor in my intake by the filter, interesting so far. I'll also be doing some outside the air box. One thing you have to keep in mind with your heat loss quest. While the car's moving you probably don't have much of a problem. You can buy a cheap digital thermometer with a 10' lead for $10. May not be lab quality accurate but definitely good enough for what you want. Got mine at Lowes. Good to 150º

Oct 4th, 2003, 09:42 PM	#11 (permalink)
NearlyNN Happy Trudger My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Out on Highway 61 Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 2,079 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by obehave You could always give me your fog lights A bit OT but I've been driving around today with a temp sensor in my intake by the filter, interesting so far. I'll also be doing some outside the air box. One thing you have to keep in mind with your heat loss quest. While the car's moving you probably don't have much of a problem. You can buy a cheap digital thermometer with a 10' lead for $10. May not be lab quality accurate but definitely good enough for what you want. Got mine at Lowes. Good to 150º Obe, funny you mentioned the fogs, but I think you are now first in line. Just talking about taking them out the other day. Never used them and can't imagine I will. Have been out on the Left Coast for over 30 years and can count on one hand the number of times they would have come in handy. Can't say the same about my time on the East Coast. Lots of pea soup fog there. So don't buy any, cause I think mine are coming out. I understand your point on the temps. I guess I'm being a bit anal about owning a vent (cowl) that doesn't do anything. And to make matters worse, now aftermarket companies are coming out with scoops. Interesting, but I'm not getting them if they just ram the air into the firewall.

Oct 5th, 2003, 11:08 PM	#12 (permalink)
minimaster MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: SoCal Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 174 Offline	High Pressure? I believe it is actually a LOW pressure zone... If you put a scoop on it, either way, it's sure to hinder it somehow... but who cares....It's for your vents... Unless it's MY MINI... then it is for something really special and ... scary, which is another reason we decided NOT to scoop it... Low Pressure is good, and altering or possibly altering the inlet would be counter productive... Vrooom, Whoosh, Vroom, Whoosh!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Oct 5th, 2003, 11:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 07:19 AM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by minimaster High Pressure? I believe it is actually a LOW pressure zone... If you put a scoop on it, either way, it's sure to hinder it somehow... but who cares....It's for your vents... Unless it's MY MINI... then it is for something really special and ... scary, which is another reason we decided NOT to scoop it... Low Pressure is good, and altering or possibly altering the inlet would be counter productive... Vrooom, Whoosh, Vroom, Whoosh! Scoop or not we'll see but I can assure you the cowl vents are under pressure. It's been discussed and proven dozens of times. Proof is easy. Turn your fan off,make sure the recycle switch is not on, direct the air to just your dash vents, drive down the highway at speed and feel the air coming out of the vents. Proof positive. NearlyNN. I'll be posting here in a bit on my temp probe goofing from a trip today.

Oct 6th, 2003, 12:55 AM	#14 (permalink)
minimaster MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: SoCal Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 174 Offline	How does that Prove them to be "High Pressure"? If it were "high pressure" wouldn't the air flow into the vents = your speed or near it? Low pressure would "suck" air into the vents, so I can only assume that your "test" proves my theory positive.

Oct 6th, 2003, 01:56 AM	#15 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 07:19 AM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by minimaster How does that Prove them to be "High Pressure"? If it were "high pressure" wouldn't the air flow into the vents = your speed or near it? Low pressure would "suck" air into the vents, so I can only assume that your "test" proves my theory positive. That would be true if others here hadn't measured the pressure that was in the cowl area. I said this was simple proof I didn't say it was definitive rpoof. Now if you happen to have the test equipment lying around then go knock yourself out. I can assure you that people whose opinions and data I trust have shown this to be true. Quote: If it were "high pressure" wouldn't the air flow into the vents = your speed or near it? This would be true only if it were a straight and unobstructed path DIRECTLY inline with the front of the car. Since that isn't even close to being true how can you expect the air to flow out of the vent at 70 MPH? Add to this the fact that that area of the windshield on cars has been known to be a high pressure area for decades (reference the cowl induction cars from the late 60s and early 70s) and I feel fairly safe in thinking it is a high pressure area. The MINI has an even more upright windshield angle than a '69 Camaro for sure.