MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

sunman · #1 06-30-2009, 02:11 PM

I realize there have been a lot of discussion on this topic, but based on what I have read in previous posts on this subject, the camp is split on installing BOV's on the R56 and for good reasons. But I wanted to find out your opinions on a couple other questions that I had prior to me spending a few hundred dollars on an item that will not have much payback. Here's my questions:

Besides having the turbo spool quicker between shifts using a the BOV does it provide any other advantages than making the psssst sound under WOT, that is already there if an aftermarket CAI is installed?

Does it increase the sound more? If it were between the Helix and HKS, which one would you all go with. Thanks...

countryboyshane · #2 06-30-2009, 02:41 PM

Don't forget less turbo surge from having a real BOV. The stock diverter valve handles it well but the extra BOV won't hurt. I've been running my Helix BOV for at least 5000 miles and haven't had any issues or CELs.

If you've got the money to spend, get the Exhaust Depot cold side hard pipe with the HKS BOV. I called E.D. once and I think the cold side alone is $190 and the HKS BOV is about $275. The branch coming off other silicone cold side boost tubes to the noise maker will cause some discontinuity in the flow path, which will cause a minor drop in power. I would also buy a boost port adapter from Alta so you don't have to drill into your intake manifold!!!

dunphyj · #3 06-30-2009, 02:51 PM

Save here, the Helix13 one installs in no time too. i have nearly the exact same mods as countryboyshane. the sound of the car is amazing, especially at WOT.. i think the location of the HKS one would be slightly different than helix's... in my personal opinion, if you have hard piping on the cold side, HKS would be better (since to my knowledge hardpiping gets rid of the stock noise maker pipe) but if you go alta boost tubes, then helix13 is the way to go... as for sound, i'm much more into helix's sound because heheh well i just think it's flat out awesome! if you want i'll put some videos online of the sounds for the helix bov.

**jcap287** · #4 06-30-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunphyj

Save here, the Helix13 one installs in no time too. i have nearly the exact same mods as countryboyshane. the sound of the car is amazing, especially at WOT.. i think the location of the HKS one would be slightly different than helix's... in my personal opinion, if you have hard piping on the cold side, HKS would be better (since to my knowledge hardpiping gets rid of the stock noise maker pipe) but if you go alta boost tubes, then helix13 is the way to go... as for sound, i'm much more into helix's sound because heheh well i just think it's flat out awesome! if you want i'll put some videos online of the sounds for the helix bov.

I'd like a video please! If it isn't too much trouble for you! I'm looking into a BOV after I get a tune whenever the device is ready..

sunman · #5 06-30-2009, 02:58 PM

Thanks countryboyshane and dunphyj. That would be great if you could post some videos. I guess another advantage is that with the Helix you won't be able to tell that you have it installed unless the filter is removed.

But does the different placement locations of the Helix and HKS make that much of a difference?

countryboyshane · #6 06-30-2009, 08:19 PM

Here is mine. I don't have a driveby... sorry. You can hear it hiss though. Not as loud as the HKS BOV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z6-p_6iLUQ

sunman · #7 06-30-2009, 09:20 PM

Sounds pretty nice too me...

thanks for posting the video countryboyshane!!!

dunphyj · #8 06-30-2009, 09:55 PM

he's got a better video than I do! Stick with his :p

masterd78 · #9 06-30-2009, 11:33 PM

I've got the E.D. with the HKS BOV and absolutely love it. I had massive compressor surge, and once I installed the BOV it is gone. I love the look, and the sound gives me a grin every time I hear it.

sunman · #10 07-01-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masterd78

I've got the E.D. with the HKS BOV and absolutely love it. I had massive compressor surge, and once I installed the BOV it is gone. I love the look, and the sound gives me a grin every time I hear it.

Was it an easy install? Did it come with everything you need or did you have to buy additional parts? Thanks.

Ottoman_FD3S · #11 07-01-2009, 12:31 AM

FYI HKS is the only "pull type" BOV I know of

it is far superior in design to any of the push types

it also has 2 levels.. a high boost and low boost valve...

where as most only have 1.. if u leave it soft.. then it will leak in the top end.. if u leave it hard.. u will get compressor surge in the bottom end

this is best of both worlds..

the HKS is expensive for a reason

sunman · #12 07-03-2009, 11:30 AM

So I broke down and purchased the HKS SSQV BOV kit... very nice. But I'm having a hard time removing the Chamber hose/tube... What's the best way to get it to come off without cutting up my knuckles and/or cutting off the hose? Any suggestions

Ottoman_FD3S · #13 07-03-2009, 12:54 PM

pics might help...

which hose are u trying to remove exactly?

sunman · #14 07-03-2009, 03:57 PM

Here is a picture of the hose that I'm having Problems removing.

D Unit · #15 07-03-2009, 04:12 PM

I want to replace my Forge BOV with the Helix. Is the Helix hard to install? Anyone got directions?

Ottoman_FD3S · #16 07-04-2009, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunman

Here is a picture of the hose that I'm having Problems removing.

what kind of clamp holds the bottom coupler?

ur best bet is to remove the airbox.. upper and lower..

get in from there.. with ur screwdriver.. and rotate the clamp till u get a straight shot at it.. assuming it's ring worm.. like the other side..

sunman · #17 07-04-2009, 12:59 PM

Thanks for everyone's assistance. I was finally able to pry it off... and the results are great. I'll post a picture later. Have a great 4th everyone! Cheers...

sunman · #18 07-04-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunman

Thanks for everyone's assistance. I was finally able to pry it off... and the results are great. I'll post a picture later. Have a great 4th everyone! Cheers...

Here are a couple of pix with the HKS BOV.

Ottoman_FD3S · #19 07-05-2009, 12:58 AM

Looks good man..

hows it sound?

countryboyshane · #20 07-06-2009, 06:26 AM

I remember removing that tube myself. A lot of little scratches on my arms and hands even with mechanics gloves! Good to hear you got it all squared away!

sunman · #21 07-06-2009, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ottoman_FD3S

Looks good man..

hows it sound?

Music to my ears... Seriously, it's really not too loud except when you're at WOT. Overall, it is a nice sound.

Quote:

Originally Posted by countryboyshane

I remember removing that tube myself. A lot of little scratches on my arms and hands even with mechanics gloves! Good to hear you got it all squared away!

Yes, I ended up getting scratches that I didn't know I had until I went swimming that afternoon and parts of my arm was stinging. Those tubes definitely were tough to get off. Thanks.

countryboyshane · #22 07-06-2009, 09:37 AM

I used a bent awl to help me. It looks like a nose picking tool. I'm surprised how much I use that tool around the house

sunman · #23 07-06-2009, 09:49 AM

Same here... The bent awl definitely helped me to finally get the hoses off.

sunman · #24 07-09-2009, 02:47 PM

I have another question for you all...
After installing the HKS BOV, I'm wondering if I did something wrong. How do I know if I have a leak in the line somewhere? Based on my boost gauge, WOT, I'm not getting close to the 15psi some of you have been reporting. My peak (accoriding to my autometer) shows 10.

Should I be concerned, or maybe I need an education on reading the gauge... Any advice? Thanks.

Arnel · #25 07-16-2009, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunman

I have another question for you all...
After installing the HKS BOV, I'm wondering if I did something wrong. How do I know if I have a leak in the line somewhere? Based on my boost gauge, WOT, I'm not getting close to the 15psi some of you have been reporting. My peak (accoriding to my autometer) shows 10.

Should I be concerned, or maybe I need an education on reading the gauge... Any advice? Thanks.

What boost level did you have before the BOV install?