Since I’ve posted last I’ve add the R113 JCW 18″ rims only with some NittoNeoGen rubber.  The most dramatic move was moving my back C Pillar to Black.  At AMVIV Todd from ToddsModds added some carbon fiber vinyl to the front headlight rings.  Also at the event I added a NM-Eng short shifter w/cover and a Craven Speed shift well cover.  Photos courtesy of db from WRR

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An hour before I was ready to get started I fired up the propane heater. A nice toasty garage is a must.

After that is was really as easy as following the instructions that NM Engineering supplies for you.  I have had a wonderful experience with NM.  I now run almost everything they make for the R55.

• Suspension Coils
• Rear End Links
• Exhaust
• CAI (Cold Air Intake)
• Tie-Bar

I choose SPC Performance for my rear control arms.  My rear sway bar is the 26mm Hotchkis.  What would complete my “NM” Clubman is to sport their new Heat Shield and a Engine Torque Arm Insert.  I’m sure those items are coming some day.

As for the performance of the Tie-Bar and CAI; I’ll have to tell you in a few days when some of this snow melts.

New parts ordered today…I went with the Smurf Blue.  Should be here in a few days from Temecula, CA

NM just released two new little beauty’s to its arsenal. The first is 2007+ heat shield for the turbo S motor.  Here are the details from NM site.

NM Engineering has always used the finest materials in its manufacturing, including products constructed from T-304 stainless, 6061-T6 and 7075-T6 aluminum. With that in mind, NM has taken the next step with its new TitaNM product line which features parts utilizing titanium.

NM’s new TitaNM turbo heat shield is designed to redirect heat from the turbocharger down and around the engine. This reduces intake temps and protects the paint on the bonnet. Unlike other heat shields, NM’s does not completely encase the turbo as it would severely hamper the turbocharger’s heat dissipation and reliability. NM’s heat shield is commercially pure (CP grade) titanium.

Finish:
Brushed Titanium

Application:
- Mini Cooper S & JCW Clubman R55
- Mini Cooper S & JCW Hardtop R56
- Mini Cooper S & JCW Convertible R57

Part #: NM.688856
MSRP: $149.95

The second part is a (bad ass) carbon fiber air intake.  The drool factor over my MacBookPro right now is at it’s highest level.  I recently removed my Race DDM Kit and this would be a nice replacement.  The kit looks very similar to the intake kit they normally sell for $429.99.  BUT for a mere $40more you get a carbon fiber tube?  No brainer!

NM Engineering introduces the complete intake system for the turbocharged model MINI Cooper S. Unlike some competitors, NM’s intake features an integrated larger turbo inlet tube. Stainless brackets, silicone couplings and newly available carbon fiber tube are all designed, engineered and manufactured to fit and perform.

The tube is manufactured using 100% carbon fiber composite material to be lightweight and for great appearance. Utilizing vacuum bag manufacturing method produces a part that has consistent wall thickness, while avoiding excessive resin build-up.

This kit also fits JCW vehicles.

Color:
- Carbon Fiber Tubing

Application:
- Mini Cooper S Clubman R55
- Mini Cooper S Hardtop R56
- Mini Cooper S Convertible R57

Part #:
- NM.658856C
- NM.658856C.1 (Non – MAF)
MSRP: $469.95

I know quite a few of you have been waiting for my review on the new Clubman exhaust that was recently released from NM Engineering.  Please be patient the Pavement Gator incident has push my testing back a week or so.  I can assure you that the exhaust is excellent.  The sound is deep but not too loud.  It’s perfect.

More to come on that next week.

Tomorrow about 8am, I am taking up to the shop and using the lift to get it fitted and welded up. Look for some updates and more video tomorrow.

EDIT: please read this entry first

As I posted earlier today the mailman delivered my NM-Engineering Sway Bar End Links. After work is a perfect time for a quick install.  I was quite impressed with the packaging of the links. They came in a long plastic tube caped on each end.  Being a previous owner of a automotive supply company I found this packaging more than pleasing.

While reading through the full color instructions to start.  NM requires that the lower control arm bolts be removed.  I ignored that part for the moment and started pulling off the rear tires.

Pulling off the old parts was easy, the fun started when installing the new links.  The NM instructions were correct, the bottom lower control arm bolts do need to be removed.  NM includes hardware that is about 1/2″ too long. READ THIS UPDATE This extra length makes it impossible to install the bolt at the bottom of the new end link.  This is a huge flaw in the hardware they provide.  I understand some of you reading this feel like springs, swaybars, end links and arms should all be installed in one fatal swoop, however that’s not practical to everyone’s wallet.

I found a better solution; trimming down the bolt with a Dremel.  Sure I could have picked up another at the local Ace hardware, but leaving the Clubman on jacks in the garage makes me nervous.  We have kids running around the house.

Cutting the bolt down brings up a few issues to think about.  Can I trim it down and still have plenty of threads left to get the nut tight? Can I trim it and clean-up the threads clean enough to thread the nut on it?

Yes and Yes

Below you will a picture of the bolt installed.  See there was plenty of turns left.  So installing the end links without removing the lower control arm bolts is possible.

As for NM, I think they should include a shorter bolt.  That would have made this install flawless.  I’m sure the bolts are used my NM for some other product and using them in this install kit made sense. READ THIS UPDATE

How is the drive after putting them on?  Boy did I notice a difference.  Prior to these new links I was running stock links with a 25mm sway bar and 2″ lowering springs form NM.  Needless to say the rear was stiff.  The stock links made the rear of the Clubman very stiff.  The sway bar was pushed up almost 2″.  These new links leveled it out nice.