Here is my take on install the R56 GP2 Rear Diffuser on my R53, after lot of cutting and welding and is done. check this out. :cornut: Sam Custom Mini Cooper R56 GP2 Rear Diffuser on R53 - on Flickr
Nice..... Don't stop there.... Add the under panels..... Cleans up the airflow under the floor pan, add salt protection... They aren't too expensive... Go here....http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/jcw/4464-r56-jcw-my-bottom-gonna-smooth-babys-butt.html
That does look good. If you're doing it for looks, great job. If you're doing it for function, definitely do the underpanels, otherwise it's mammary glands on bull.
Awesome looking setup! Not to hijack your thread...But here goes:biggrin5: How would one add under panels if you have Chassis bracing?
Very nice, one of the main things IMO that the GP1s are missing. If you don’t mind me asking what was all the cutting and welding happening to besides the exhaust?
Thanks guys it's just for look, someone challenge me that no way will fit on R53 so I did it to prove it's possible :biggrin5: you got to cut out the battery box to made room for the new exhaust, the center air duct trim locking tap all need to be cut out and shorten because none of it line up with the r53 bumper cover, I made that 3 custom hold down (see the pics from flickr) to lock it in place. both left/right air duct also need to cut to fit around the lower control arms and more custom bracket to hold it up (I didn't buy the bracket that came with the kits)
Take the bracing off put the panels on, done. The panels use preexisting holes (depending on the bracing they may share a couple of attachment points), they need to be trimmed toward the engine bay to fit the R53, other than that it's a pretty simple job.
So what you're saying is; its either one or the other? It seems as though putting the bracing on top of the paneling would pretty much defeat the purpose of it in the first place!
I would take bracing over plastic panels only because a MINI's speed is made in the corners not the straights. :ihih:
Sorry about that, I missed the flickr link. The pics are great and will give me something to show my body guy when this mode comes up. Again very nice mod!
No, it'll still smooth out airflow--lots of nooks and crannies for air to get sucked into. Yes, the bracing will make it less effective, but it'll still smooth out what goes underneath.
And the under-engine panel keeps stuff from splashing up into the engine compartment. Mine still looks essentially like it did when I took delivery of the car.
It also helps the cooling system by creating a vacuum assist behind the radiator... Here is a pic of mine when I did the install...