[05MCS4ME]

Has anyone installed the Dinan airbox for the MCS? How is it when compared to the JCW airbox. Thanx

[dklug1]

Actually, I have my Mini set to have the whole Dinan thing done to my mini which is to bump the hp up to 205 and I have as of yet to see anyone that has it on e their car here and it's making me a little nervous...

[Mini_Blake]

Quote: Originally Posted by dklug1

Actually, I have my Mini set to have the whole Dinan thing done to my mini which is to bump the hp up to 205 and I have as of yet to see anyone that has it on e their car here and it's making me a little nervous...

I think this is the version GoMini reviewed, they had only good things to say about it. Go for it !

[bodinski]

JohnMonk on MINICC and NAM has the complete Dinan setup, I believe.

[CooperSAZ]

Quote: Originally Posted by dklug1

Actually, I have my Mini set to have the whole Dinan thing done to my mini which is to bump the hp up to 205 and I have as of yet to see anyone that has it on e their car here and it's making me a little nervous...

I would not worry, I spoke to a gentlemen who had the Dinan conversion done on the western US coast. He mentioned that he was incredibly happy with the setup. He said the car felt like it should have come from the factory instead of an aftermarket company. (albeit Dinan is close with BMW) He mentioned that he thinks he could have squeaked out a few more ponies going another route by piecing together various parts, but decided not to and stick with Dinan. He said he would do it all again if he had to redo it. No complaints.

[mg5904]

I apologize for taking this trhead a bit off topic, but I am zeroing in on an MCS right now and am currently deciding on which way to go: JCW v. Dinan. I am VERY interested in impressions of the full Dinan suspension/engine packages. While I am very familiar with the JCW upgrades, I have heard precious little regarding anyones experience with the Dinan kits, both suspension and engine. Anyone go the full Dinan routes? Would really love to hear some reports.

Thanks.

[dklug1]

My Mini is sitting on the dock waiting for a ship to bring it over here to me. Once it does I was told that it would be about another month before my dealer was able to put on the Dinan parts. Once it happens I will do my best to place a review and my opinons of the engine upgrades. I could foot the bill for the other.

[CooperSAZ]

Quote: Originally Posted by dklug1

My Mini is sitting on the dock waiting for a ship to bring it over here to me. Once it does I was told that it would be about another month before my dealer was able to put on the Dinan parts. Once it happens I will do my best to place a review and my opinons of the engine upgrades. I could foot the bill for the other.

Please do! There are a few people running around with the Dinan parts (or even the S1 or S2 kits) but they must be a little shy. I used to have some Dinan parts on my Civic(s) some time ago, I never had any issues with them and the parts worked well. Could you find a part that produces more hp, probably, the level of quality is excellent! Then again, Dinan is very upfront about their products, they are not looking to squeeze every last drop from a particular motor.

[mg5904]

Quote: Originally Posted by dklug1

My Mini is sitting on the dock waiting for a ship to bring it over here to me. Once it does I was told that it would be about another month before my dealer was able to put on the Dinan parts. Once it happens I will do my best to place a review and my opinons of the engine upgrades. I could foot the bill for the other.

Yes, please do! And any other Dinan lurkers, please chime in, would ove to hear your reviews.

[ceddyluv82]

Im actually getting the full suspension from dinan put in my new mini when it arrives in about 3 weeks. They are going to do the stage 3 suspension and get the front tower brace as well. Im not doing any engine work at the moment..( I hear that they havent finished the exhaust for the 05 yet and the engine software isnt done too)- I hope im wrong. When I talked to the guys at dinan about the suspension kit they told me when you do the stage 3 it removes the understeer and makes the car even more agile and razor sharp in any situation. Im removing more weight on each corner of my mini with a set of forged BBS rims.. gunna be a sweet little cooper

[ceddyluv82]

Oh yea, Ill make a review if it helps anyone here but I dont think it will help tremendously because im not getting a stock mini from the dealership... so I wont have anything to base differences on. Ill try to give something though which may help.

[mg5904]

Looking forward to hearing your impressions even if you have no experience with the stock MCS or JCW suspension. Very much interested in ride qualiy, braking distance/control, agility, turn-in, under/oversteer, etc... Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks for your help.

[Silvercooper]

There is a review of the Dinan S2 package in the magazine goMini from June, it was very positive and that's why I ended on this thread. The S2 kit upgrades the engine & suspension for a very competive price ($2700 I believe) compared to the JCW. I will do some research to see if this kit is available in Canada.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Silvercooper

The S2 kit upgrades the engine & suspension for a very competive price ($2700 I believe) compared to the JCW.

The Dinan S2 Kit is $4728 US for the following ...

Stage 5 Engine Software; Boost Upgrade System; High Flow Cowl Induction Intake; High Flow Throttle Body; Free Flow Exhaust; Strut Tower Brace; Stage 3 Suspension System; Signature Floor Mats; Dinan Deck Lid Badge; Serial Numbered S2 Plaque.

The above price doesn't include the cost of fitting the kit which takes 199 labor units or almost 20 hours


Source: http://dinancars.com/Mini.asp?Series...is=40&Model=91

[Silvercooper]

You are right MINIAC!

I just found the info on the Dinan website, $1700 for the S1 package and $4800 for the S2! It was too good to be true!!

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Silvercooper

I just found the info on the Dinan website, $1700 for the S1 package and $4800 for the S2! It was too good to be true!!

You could always go ala-carte to get horsepower and torque similar to the JCW Kit ...

          PART              COST     LABOR
-----------------------   --------   -----   
Boost Upgrade System        899.00     6.0
Stage 5 Engine Software     549.00     0.5
Cowl Induction Intake       249.00     1.0
High Flow Throttle Body     399.00     1.5
Free Flow Exhaust           649.00     1.0
                          --------   -----
                 Totals   2,745.00    10.0

No Signature Floor Mats, Deck Lid Badge or Serial Numbered Plaque included

[CooperSAZ]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

You could always go ala-carte to get horsepower and torque similar to the JCW Kit ...

          PART              COST     LABOR
-----------------------   --------   -----   
Boost Upgrade System        899.00     6.0
Stage 5 Engine Software     549.00     0.5
Cowl Induction Intake       249.00     1.0
High Flow Throttle Body     399.00     1.5
Free Flow Exhaust           649.00     1.0
                          --------   -----
                 Totals   2,745.00    10.0

No Signature Floor Mats, Deck Lid Badge or Serial Numbered Plaque included

The big issue for me is the associated warranty that comes with it! I would focus on the Boost upgrade (cost is open to conversation) and the engine software! You can pretty much select your own intake, and I have a hard time purchasing the muffler section only for my MCS. I would like to have the whole catback system. Throttle body, I have read opposing opinions as to whether or not the TB is really necessary...

So what are you looking at for the cost? $1448 (plus tax), and about $747 for fitment? (assuming $115/hour labor)

I will learn to live without the floor mats, badge and plaque! "We don't need no stinking badges!"

[MINIAC]

The thing I question about Dinan's Boost Upgrade System is the replacement of fuel regulators:

Quote:

Unfortunately, extensive testing revealed that the stock fuel delivery system simply can’t keep up as boost and rpm increase. In order to address the lean condition at higher rpm, Dinan has developed fuel pressure regulators designed to ensure that adequate fuel is available in order to take full advantage of the additional boost pressure for maximum power output and reliability.

Is this really necessary ... if so why not use larger fuel injectors like JCW does

BTW, I could be wrong but I think the Dinan exhaust is a catback.

[CooperSAZ]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

The thing I question about Dinan's Boost Upgrade System is the replacement of fuel regulators:


Is this really necessary ... if so why not use larger fuel injectors like JCW does

BTW, I could be wrong but I think the Dinan exhaust is a catback.

I totally agree! Is it necessary to include the regulators... Or is it a ploy to hike the price up!

Check out the pic I enclosed... I highlighted the area with a box. I remember reading that it is a muffler section only, but of course, cannot locate the source at this time! But if you look at the pic, it appears that the stock B-Pipe (straight section that connects the cat/header to the rear muffler section) is retained, and that the Dinan muffler is added and clamped/sealed? This was kind of a turnoff for me...

Thoughts?

[dklug1]

I don't know if the Dinan is a good as a JCW, however, I have heard that GOMINI did a great review on Dinan in the June issue I think and they seemed really impressed with it. There are also a few people on NAM that are also happy with it. I REALLY wanted the JCW but once you figure the installation cost it was going to cost almost $6800.00 you add that to a $24,000 price tag and I'm afraid that I'm getting out of my league...