Bonnet scoop

[Joyrider]

Just a quick stupid question, should the standard MCS bonnet scoop have a grill behind it or should it just be totally open? Just wondering if mine is missing the grill part as I'm sure I've seen them with one...

[Yoshi]

Since I'm not owning a MCS yet I might not be the best source for your answer but I'll share my thoughts with you anyway. As far as I remember the bonnet scoop doesn't come with a grill, some people have installed aftermarkt grills to prevent debry from comming in. Might have to check with your dealer.

Yoshi

[fj0]

I don't recall seeing one on mine, but I think there are aftermarket ones.

[Joyrider]

That's okay then, just thought I'd better check....thanks!

[Pamlico]

The scoop is not outfitted with a screen from the factory. There are a couple of aftermarket suppliers. There are also instructions for making your own floating around as well.

[beken]

This has been discussed elsewhere in Mini2.

Found elsewhere....

http://www.tech-esq.com/MINI/how_to_...oop_grille.htm

I'm going to make one myself too.

[holdenontoit]

food for thought:

the scoop is there to provide unimpeded air to your interCOOLER.this in an effort to cool the superheated supercharged air going into your injectors.ANY screen introduced will cut down on the air flow to your intercooler and I will grant you , will cut down on the myriad bugs and small rocks that seem to make thier way in there.It's a trade off, but I err on the side of air flow.

[beken]

Quote: Originally Posted by holdenontoit

food for thought:

the scoop is there to provide unimpeded air to your interCOOLER.this in an effort to cool the superheated supercharged air going into your injectors.ANY screen introduced will cut down on the air flow to your intercooler and I will grant you , will cut down on the myriad bugs and small rocks that seem to make thier way in there.It's a trade off, but I err on the side of air flow.

I agree. But for "normal" driving, I'm not sure if the reduced airflow would be significant enough to impede driveability of our Cooper S'.

Others have done it and it doesn't sound like the reduced airflow causes a problem. Some of the screens look open enough that only big objects are blocked from getting in. For those with lots of windshield cracks due to rocks throw up from trucks in front of them, a screen would be necessary protection. Small pebbles would still probably find their way in through the scoop. If your commute means lots of highway driving, I would recommend adding a screen. But if most of your driving is in the city, it might not be necessary. Make sure the screen isn't too fine as it would restrict air getting in. Just an opinion.

[tavis1]

Quote: Originally Posted by holdenontoit

food for thought:

the scoop is there to provide unimpeded air to your interCOOLER.this in an effort to cool the superheated supercharged air going into your injectors.ANY screen introduced will cut down on the air flow to your intercooler and I will grant you , will cut down on the myriad bugs and small rocks that seem to make thier way in there.It's a trade off, but I err on the side of air flow.

I have the screen and noticed no difference in performance what so ever. I live where there is a lot of bugs and it helps big time to keep them out. I just take a toothbrush to clean it and I am done. It is a major pain to clean the inter-cooler properly.

[beken]

Quote: Originally Posted by tavis1

I have the screen and noticed no difference in performance what so ever. I live where there is a lot of bugs and it helps big time to keep them out. I just take a toothbrush to clean it and I am done. It is a major pain to clean the inter-cooler properly.

Hey Tavis1, what is your bonnet scoop screen made out of? I went to my local Home Depot last night and the only roof gutter material they had was made of plastic. So I decided to look around.



Just thought I would consider my options...

THanks.

[Rich'sFroggy]

Quote: Originally Posted by beken

Hey Tavis1, what is your bonnet scoop screen made out of? I went to my local Home Depot last night and the only roof gutter material they had was made of plastic. So I decided to look around.

Just thought I would consider my options...

THanks.

Home Despot sucks donky! Go to a good old timey, family operated local hardware store. the more old and decrepit the better. I bet they will have the metal kind. Thats what I'm gonna do.

[tavis1]

Quote: Originally Posted by beken

Hey Tavis1, what is your bonnet scoop screen made out of? I went to my local Home Depot last night and the only roof gutter material they had was made of plastic. So I decided to look around.



Just thought I would consider my options...

THanks.

its small expanded metal. I got it from www.cooperparts.com . it was like $18 dollars or something like that. it gets sandwiched between the painted outside scoop and the black inside scoop part. I have expanded metal on the scoop and the the lower radiator grill and they remain clean. However where I don't have it, on the main grill part, there tons of bugs packed into that part of the radiator. Definitely something that does form and function.

Tavis1

[Rich'sFroggy]

Mine not come out so good. Crooked. Could not get the heavy gauge wire. And I don't like that the holes are vertical diamonds. I need to do over.

[Pamlico]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rich'sFroggy

Mine not come out so good. Crooked. Could not get the heavy gauge wire. And I don't like that the holes are vertical diamonds. I need to do over.

It looks like you've got at least as much material as holes which would significantly cut down on the amount of available air passing to the intercooler. You might want to look for a heavier gauge wire with a larger mesh.

[Rich'sFroggy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pamlico

It looks like you've got at least as much material as holes which would significantly cut down on the amount of available air passing to the intercooler. You might want to look for a heavier gauge wire with a larger mesh.

The thought has crossed my mind. It's a little deceptive, the pic. The screen is composed of flat strands of wire that are angled. So when you look at it head on you see a lot of material, but I suspect the air flow through easily, only being slightly deflected when passing through the wire, but still entering the scoop. I could be wrong. I'm no aerodynamicist......But I'm gonna change it anyways.