North American Motoring - Cooper (non S)

OBDII software (ScanXL) "dyno"

lacning74 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:44:08 GMT

Using the cheap ELM327 OBDII usb interface of my carputer and the software ScanXL, I played around with the dyno function today. I had the program calculate my "final drive ratio" while driving 30mph in second gear, and then I started from a stand still from second gear in my automatic cooper for the actual dyno run. Got anywhere from 80 to 118 HP depending on the condition and incline of the road. Very cool to see the HP and torque curve. I didn't have time to find a nice, open, level road to play with, or even to make multiple runs on the same path. Makes me wish I was living in suburbia. Just thinking of the wide empty roads in Texas where I grew up makes me nostalgic.

Once I find the perfect "drag strip" to calibrate, and if it is indeed somewhat consistent, it'll be fun to compare mods. I just have a drop-in K&N filter and the modified taped intake silencer. It was 50 degrees and 67% humidity pretty much at sea level in Manhattan. I guessed the weight based on specs for an automatic added to my beer gut and car seats and loaded boot.

How much crank horsepower gets lost on the road in our automatics?

How-To Seafoam Treatment R55/R56

OXYBLUECOOP — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:11:25 GMT

I use this stuff on regular basis(right before my 3k oil changes) and was unable to find ANY videos of Seafoaming a MINI so I managed to throw together a quick video of some past treatments. I can't emphasize enough how useful this product is on the N12/N14 engines with the high compression ratios and the PCV design. I've seen the cylinder heads from these engines after 20k+ and the amount of burnt oil/carbon buildup is ridiculous. You can pick a can up at Walmart or most auto parts stores for under ten bucks. Installing an Oil Catch Canister will also help in preventing sludge/carbon buildup. For you folks who are hesitant for fear of hydrolocking I've done this procedure every 3k for over 85k on the MINI and never had any catastrophic results. You will definitely notice a difference in performance after the treatment.

Motor On,
Chad

Factory Alarm Installation

dewarner — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:20:47 GMT

Has anyone had any experience in having a factory alarm installed after delivery? I have a Clubman S. There seems to be a wide difference in prices at the dealers in my area. They range from $550 - $900 for the alarm parts and installation. All dealers indicate that the actual installation is pretty straightforward, but the re-programming can take almost a whole day.

Thanks -

JCW STUFF FOR SALE!

alexc93 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:03:03 GMT

When i bought my R56 Cooper I went all the way and made it look exactly like a JCW mini.

The mini was bought in June 2009, and i will be trading it in December.
Here is a list of stuff that i would be selling in the next month.

JCW 18" R105 Rims brand new condition (no scuffs dents scratches etc)
Cooper Midnight Black Gas cap.
JCW Black mesh grill.
Carbon Fibre mirror caps.
Carbon fibre tailgate handle.

PM me for any more info or prices. Everything is in brand new condition. PM for pictures.

Im located in Naples, Florida, USA and can ship to anywhere in the USA.