Black LED Sidemarkers

I like the somewhat blackout look on the Minis so I've started the process of replacing any chrome pieces. One of the easiest was to just replace the side markers with the newer style LED versions that come in all black.

Newer style black side markers

Original chrome side markers with standard bulbs

Breathe Easy - Eventuri Carbon Intake

The Mini Cooper S originally had an intake scoop for the top mounted cooler back when they first came out supercharged but things changed over time, the kept the scoop as a design element only but is really just a fake blocked off "vent". I like things having purpose and I'm definitely not a fan of fake vents.

Eventuri Carbon intake scoop

Upon searching for intake options there was really only one that drew my eye, the Eventuri Carbon intake. Not only does it have an excellent airflow design but it actually makes use of the hood scoop location to draw fresh air. It took several weeks to get here since apparently these are made to order and have to come from the UK but it was worth the wait. The quality is impeccable. 

Eventuri Intake unboxed

The installation itself only took 30 minutes. A few 10 and 7mm bolts and the stock intake was off. 

Factory intake

Factory intake removed

I then had to transfer the MAF sensor over to the new intake arm. Although this Mini is a 2019, it was actually made in late 2018 so it's the last of the pre-LCI versions.

Transferring the MAF sensor

With the MAF sensor fitted, I could then couple that intake section with the reverse mounted filter which is not only a thing of beauty but one of the secrets of this intake design.

Main intake fitted

Now I could install the carbon ducting that pulls air from the stock location behind the grill and also from the hood scoop.

Intake installed

Too bad it'll be hidden from view most of the time. I then had to remove the factor fake hood scoop to install the carbon real scoop from Eventuri. Thankfully although the factory scoop is non-functional, there are actually factory holes in the hood for air to pass through if it was open so no cutting is needed.

Factory "fake" scoop

Real hood scoop

Real hood scoop

I don't know how much power, if any, this adds but I do know it's both functional and incredible to look at. It also lets you hear the turbo flutter more easily which is a nice little bonus. 

Pre-Season Track Prep

I've got my first track day of the season scheduled with S2K Takeover in less than two weeks so I wanted to make sure my brake fluid was nice and fresh. Brad turned me onto using this brake bleeder bottle with a built in check valve that makes single person brake bleeds possible. It worked fantastically well. I could just crack the bleeder open and pump away, making sure my reservoir never emptied of course. You can pick it up Amazon, it's the Allstar Performance ALL11017 Bleeder Bottle with Magnet and Check Valve.

Brake bleeder bottle with check valve

Keeping reservoir topped off with Motul RBF660

I already had the car up on the Quickjacks for a few weeks now to prepare for this so the actual process of flushing took maybe an hour taking my time to make sure I didn't mess up and introduce air into the system. I also put on my MF10s again with the summer tires so we're ready to go.

Back on the ground ready for action

Maintenance Update

Mileage: 62,358

- Brake Flush - 2 x 500ml of Motul RBF660