My Mini Cooper LI install: Part I

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01-08-2008, 06:39 PM
lacning74

My Mini Cooper LI install: Part I

Here's my install of a single LI regular head up front. I'm waiting on a slim head for the back.

Accessing the firewall is so easy in a mini cooper. I just fished it through this grommet and the wire appeared in the footwell:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...m/IMG_0511.jpg

Removed the grille for some dremelling:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...m/DSC_7112.jpg

Mounted the CPU in the passenger footwell:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05151.jpg

Grille shots:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05173.jpg

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05182.jpg

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05192.jpg

Switch (the button and lights on the side are my Escort Smartcord install):

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05143.jpg

All and all an easy install. Head placement is not ideal but fits snugly and stealthily though with overhang and major underhang issues. No room in the higher chrome slats. The black MCS mesh grills are more ideal.

When I get the slim head for the rear, I'll post part II.

Also, anyone in the NYC area with access to a gun for testing my parking sensors full capabilities and limitations? :)
01-08-2008, 06:54 PM
PMoth

Excellent!!! JTG baby. I would love to see videos of your setup tested. I've been a believer ever since I installed mine that a single head up front is sufficient for any vehicle smaller than a Hummer H2.
01-08-2008, 07:41 PM
TSi+WRX

GREAT install!!! 8) :)
01-08-2008, 08:54 PM
corkguykev

^ X2 very stealthy :)
01-08-2008, 09:58 PM
crazyVOLVOrob

I would push the head out alittle more to fight against Over pass shots which I see alot in upstate NY
01-09-2008, 11:32 AM
jwardell

Excellent job!
Similar to my in-grill install (you can see them here)
01-09-2008, 11:38 AM
Jammer84_03

all i can say is wow....thats a very slick and clean install! props man.
01-09-2008, 11:51 AM
noTe

Re: My Mini Cooper LI install: Part I

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacning74

Mounted the CPU in the passenger footwell:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05151.jpg

You might want to turn your CPU the other way around so if you ever need to adjust the volume or perform a firmware upgrade you can easily see the volume knob and the port. Because you can easily plug in the sensors without looking.

Great install! Keep us updated!
01-09-2008, 12:31 PM
Serg

Wow, sick install. I like it. 8)
01-09-2008, 12:35 PM
lacning74

Thanks for the comments everyone and getting me addicted to this hobby in the first place. :)

crazyVOLVOrob, I did compromise on function with my placement. Due to the curved under-surface of the chrome slat above, it's actually not as bad as it looks in the photo. The under-hang is bad, though. Guess I should be careful cresting a hill.

noTe, makes sense to reverse it. Cleaner too. I'll do that when I get some 3M Dual Lock to secure it.

I will keep everyone updated about my rear install and especially encounters with the NYST. :wink:
01-23-2008, 09:51 AM
ords

Lacning74,

As a MINI owner myself it's a great install. Have you posted this on NAM too?
01-23-2008, 10:18 AM
lacning74

Quote:

Originally Posted by ords

Lacning74,

As a MINI owner myself it's a great install. Have you posted this on NAM too?

Thanks. Yup, posted on NAM. Laser jammers seem a little too sketchy for most NAMers, though.
01-23-2008, 10:34 AM
christosxo

Nice and clean install
02-10-2008, 07:04 PM
lacning74

I happened to have a video cam on me so I made a quick video to answer some questions another user had about my install. Turns out it was too dark to see anything.

YouTube - LI install

I really need to get a real LIDAR gun for some testing. Too cheap to pay for one, though.
02-19-2008, 10:11 AM
jwardell

Great job on the install and video..it is certainly a great way to explain things. As soon as you panned just up from the grill I realized you had an R56...but clearly that didn't really add any new install issues.
I'd still like to see how well the single head does.
04-20-2008, 05:36 PM
Elvis

Re: My Mini Cooper LI install: Part I

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacning74

Here's my install of a single LI regular head up front. I'm waiting on a slim head for the back.

Accessing the firewall is so easy in a mini cooper. I just fished it through this grommet and the wire appeared in the footwell:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...m/IMG_0511.jpg

Removed the grille for some dremelling:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...m/DSC_7112.jpg

Mounted the CPU in the passenger footwell:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05151.jpg

Grille shots:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05173.jpg

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05182.jpg

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05192.jpg

Switch (the button and lights on the side are my Escort Smartcord install):

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com.../IMG_05143.jpg

All and all an easy install. Head placement is not ideal but fits snugly and stealthily though with overhang and major underhang issues. No room in the higher chrome slats. The black MCS mesh grills are more ideal.

When I get the slim head for the rear, I'll post part II.

Also, anyone in the NYC area with access to a gun for testing my parking sensors full capabilities and limitations? :)

damn greaaaat job lancing/.....ELVIS
08-30-2008, 04:59 PM
Governator

Re: My Mini Cooper LI install: Part I

Great job, 5 stars!!! :beer:
08-30-2008, 08:58 PM
lacning74

Re: My Mini Cooper LI install: Part I

Thanks for the comments! If y'all haven't seen my quad upgrade already, here's the link.