MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

meh · #1 10-12-2009, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gil-galad

What did you choose?

I used the grey/purple wire that runs in the harness from the fuse box to the tail light. Easy to access by taking the kick panel off in front of the fuse box and putting a quick connect just before the side of the seat.

**Gil-galad** · #2 10-12-2009, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meh

I used the grey/purple wire that runs in the harness from the fuse box to the tail light. Easy to access by taking the kick panel off in front of the fuse box and putting a quick connect just before the side of the seat.

Excellent...thanks.

**tcowden** · #3 10-18-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meh

I used the grey/purple wire that runs in the harness from the fuse box to the tail light. Easy to access by taking the kick panel off in front of the fuse box and putting a quick connect just before the side of the seat.

Which wire? There are a lot of wires in that bundle! I found a gray with a purple stripe, but it's only 3V.

Thanks,
Tom

**tcowden** · #4 10-18-2009, 10:45 PM

Can anyone tell me what readings, or range, I should see on the vac/boost gauge?

I installed it this weekend, but it seems to be running low. Would using a PSIclone or other MAF piggy-back adapter impact the reading versus the T-connector that is supplied in the kit?

Thanks again,
Tom

**Tron Chief** · #5 10-19-2009, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcowden

Can anyone tell me what readings, or range, I should see on the vac/boost gauge?

I installed it this weekend, but it seems to be running low. Would using a PSIclone or other MAF piggy-back adapter impact the reading versus the T-connector that is supplied in the kit?

Thanks again,
Tom

On a R56 I'm running around 20 vac going down the Grapevine and peak boost once warmed up of 12 with sustained of 10. As for the adapter vs T fitting I know that mine has a MAF adapter. Steve would be a great one to answer if it is making a difference though.

**SRTech** · #6 10-20-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tron Chief

On a R56 I'm running around 20 vac going down the Grapevine and peak boost once warmed up of 12 with sustained of 10. As for the adapter vs T fitting I know that mine has a MAF adapter. Steve would be a great one to answer if it is making a difference though.

I don't see how it would make a difference since it taps the intake manifold. I don't know where you would use the "T" connector on an R56, anyway.

Steve

rjb · #7 10-21-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tron Chief

On a R56 I'm running around 20 vac going down the Grapevine and peak boost once warmed up of 12 with sustained of 10. As for the adapter vs T fitting I know that mine has a MAF adapter. Steve would be a great one to answer if it is making a difference though.

'09 JCW in sport mode ("over boost" function I believe) Seeing around 20 vac cruising and boost of 19 PSI peak and sustained around 14-16 PSI. Until I bounced of the rev limiter...lol. Paying too much attention to the boost and not enough to the tach...

**Tron Chief** · #8 10-21-2009, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjb

'09 JCW in sport mode ("over boost" function I believe) Seeing around 20 vac cruising and boost of 19 PSI peak and sustained around 14-16 PSI. Until I bounced of the rev limiter...lol. Paying too much attention to the boost and not enough to the tach...

Nice numbers I will have to play with mine in sports mode to see if it makes a difference.

**Tron Chief** · #9 10-21-2009, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcowden

Can anyone tell me what readings, or range, I should see on the vac/boost gauge?

I installed it this weekend, but it seems to be running low. Would using a PSIclone or other MAF piggy-back adapter impact the reading versus the T-connector that is supplied in the kit?

Thanks again,
Tom

Tom what range are you seeing? On my 08 down the highway Vac is running 5-10 down hill 20. Boost when first nailed 12 sustained 10. Let us know what your seeing on your 07.

**tcowden** · #10 10-23-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tron Chief

Tom what range are you seeing? On my 08 down the highway Vac is running 5-10 down hill 20. Boost when first nailed 12 sustained 10. Let us know what your seeing on your 07.

I guess I'm not too far off then. I'm between 15-20vac while cruising, 0 while gently accelerating, and up to 18boost when getting on it. I'm at 5300', so the altitude may impact things.

Sorry to threadjack, now back to our original topic...

Cheers,
Tom

**Tron Chief** · #11 10-23-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcowden

I guess I'm not too far off then. I'm between 15-20vac while cruising, 0 while gently accelerating, and up to 18boost when getting on it. I'm at 5300', so the altitude may impact things.

Sorry to threadjack, now back to our original topic...

Cheers,
Tom

Just nice having a cool gauge at a great price showing us information previously unknown

meh · #12 10-19-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcowden

Which wire? There are a lot of wires in that bundle! I found a gray with a purple stripe, but it's only 3V.

Thanks,
Tom

I pulled the plug off from the left taillight to find the feed for the lights; just found the same wire in the harness up front and it was the one needed.

**Tron Chief** · #13 10-13-2009, 11:23 AM

I have both the electric water and mechanical boost, your correct the lights will dim with the insurment lights. No seperate dimmer is required.

**Tron Chief** · #14 10-13-2009, 11:30 AM

Sorry I missed the question about the water temp gauge I ended up cutting the two posts that are used to hold the gauge into a dash using the factory install. I also ended up painting the back of the gauge with black paint to take away from the white back. Look in my gallery and you will see my gauges installed.

**Gil-galad** · #15 10-13-2009, 12:43 PM

The Craven cup fitment issue must only apply to the basic electric water temp gauge, and maybe other basic gauge versions. FWIW, I procured the stepper motor versions of the oil pressure and water temp gauges and I have plenty of clearance left for the cup caps on both (after cutting off the two dash mount posts, as TC mentions). This is an R50/R53 install; not sure if the cups are different for the R56. In fact, I plan to hide the programming button behind the gauge and under the cup cap -- I can always pull it out later to change the set points if necessary (don't figure I'll be doing it very often).

clutchless · #16 10-13-2009, 02:48 PM

So it appears if I get the step gauge water temp there are dimmer issues, if I get the basic gauge it does not really fit. Then I am not sure if i need the "Hot link (gen2) water temp adaptor for $54.

It appears the cost would be $228. Basic Water Temp gauge $53.50, Shipping $10, Gauge Cup $49, Bracket single $40, hot link $54 plus a hose connector for the sensor $30 from Summit Racing.

Now I am leaning towards the overly expensive but versatile PLX DM-200 OBDII gauge for $380 (plus pods) since it can be programmed via a laptop to look exactly like a MINI gauge, plugs into the OBD port and can show much more in one gauge.

JIMINNI · #17 10-13-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutchless

So it appears if I get the step gauge water temp there are dimmer issues, if I get the basic gauge it does not really fit. Then I am not sure if i need the "Hot link (gen2) water temp adaptor for $54.

It appears the cost would be $228. Basic Water Temp gauge $53.50, Shipping $10, Gauge Cup $49, Bracket single $40, hot link $54 plus a hose connector for the sensor $30 from Summit Racing.

Now I am leaning towards the overly expensive but versatile PLX DM-200 OBDII gauge for $380 (plus pods) since it can be programmed via a laptop to look exactly like a MINI gauge, plugs into the OBD port and can show much more in one gauge.

You really need to call Steve at (559) 320-0004. he can get you all your answers

About the PLX's, they will never look exactly like a Mini gauge as they are LED's. These Marshalls look exactly like a Mini gauge

I just ordered a scangauge 2 for all the other stuff.

**Tron Chief** · #18 10-13-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutchless

So it appears if I get the step gauge water temp there are dimmer issues, if I get the basic gauge it does not really fit. Then I am not sure if i need the "Hot link (gen2) water temp adaptor for $54.

It appears the cost would be $228. Basic Water Temp gauge $53.50, Shipping $10, Gauge Cup $49, Bracket single $40, hot link $54 plus a hose connector for the sensor $30 from Summit Racing.

Now I am leaning towards the overly expensive but versatile PLX DM-200 OBDII gauge for $380 (plus pods) since it can be programmed via a laptop to look exactly like a MINI gauge, plugs into the OBD port and can show much more in one gauge.

Clutchless, is there not an additional cost for each one of the sensor modules? Additionally you have the whole mounting issue. Over to you on which way your wanting to go I'm just glad that Steve was able to work out an option from Paul to have a gauge that works and looks good.

**SRTech** · #19 10-13-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutchless

So it appears if I get the step gauge water temp there are dimmer issues, if I get the basic gauge it does not really fit. Then I am not sure if i need the "Hot link (gen2) water temp adaptor for $54.

It appears the cost would be $228. Basic Water Temp gauge $53.50, Shipping $10, Gauge Cup $49, Bracket single $40, hot link $54 plus a hose connector for the sensor $30 from Summit Racing.

Now I am leaning towards the overly expensive but versatile PLX DM-200 OBDII gauge for $380 (plus pods) since it can be programmed via a laptop to look exactly like a MINI gauge, plugs into the OBD port and can show much more in one gauge.

All the gauges fit the CravenSpeed cups, it's just the optional cup caps that need a little modding for some of the gauges. The Autometer hose adapter is for the R53 and is the same thing as the Hot Link for the R56. All sender units are provided with the gauges.

Steve

rjb · #20 10-15-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutchless

So it appears if I get the step gauge water temp there are dimmer issues, if I get the basic gauge it does not really fit. Then I am not sure if i need the "Hot link (gen2) water temp adaptor for $54.

It appears the cost would be $228. Basic Water Temp gauge $53.50, Shipping $10, Gauge Cup $49, Bracket single $40, hot link $54 plus a hose connector for the sensor $30 from Summit Racing.

Now I am leaning towards the overly expensive but versatile PLX DM-200 OBDII gauge for $380 (plus pods) since it can be programmed via a laptop to look exactly like a MINI gauge, plugs into the OBD port and can show much more in one gauge.

I'm working on a circuit that will dim the stepper motor gauge lighting using the factory dimmer switch...I have a prototype working on my bench now and I am hoping to get it tested in the car this weekend. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.

I want to thank Paul from Marshall for his patience in answering my questions

rjb · #21 10-18-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjb

I'm working on a circuit that will dim the stepper motor gauge lighting using the factory dimmer switch...I have a prototype working on my bench now and I am hoping to get it tested in the car this weekend. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.

I want to thank Paul from Marshall for his patience in answering my questions

I've created a small module that will dim the Stepper motor gauge lighting using the factory dimmer switch. I know it works with the R56, but if anyone has a R53 and is willing to give it a try I'd be happy to send one to them to try. It's fairly simple to wire up (4 wires). Please PM me if interested.

This will eliminate the need for the external dimmer from Marshall.

On another note...Does anyone know the wire color for either the parking lights or tail lights on an R56 and where the easiest place to tap into it from inside the vehicle?

JIMINNI · #22 10-18-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjb

I've created a small module that will dim the Stepper motor gauge lighting using the factory dimmer switch. I know it works with the R56, but if anyone has a R53 and is willing to give it a try I'd be happy to send one to them to try. It's fairly simple to wire up (4 wires). Please PM me if interested.

This will eliminate the need for the external dimmer from Marshall.

On another note...Does anyone know the wire color for either the parking lights or tail lights on an R56 and where the easiest place to tap into it from inside the vehicle?

Can you send one to Steve? I know I would be interested in one.

Thomas S · #23 11-01-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjb

I've created a small module that will dim the Stepper motor gauge lighting using the factory dimmer switch. I know it works with the R56. It's fairly simple to wire up (4 wires). Please PM me if interested.

I'm definitely interested in your mod, and apparently I'm not the only one. Would you please post schematic details? TIA.

On another note, I've been working on a mounting bracket for the Craven cups and my GPS. My first attempt at it is close to what I want, but there is room for refinement. The GPS needs to be a little higher and more to the right to clear the steering wheel (see photo), but it's still an improvement over the original position (far left of the tach, and low). The double gauge cup position on the left worked out perfectly, and I thought the single cup on the right would too - but it doesn't clear the A/C vent.

I'd need to either carve a good size chunk out of the back of the cup or space it about 5/8" away from the bracket to make it clear. Carving out the cup would be OK, but it's a tricky operation to get right since it involves compound curves. I don't much like the spacer idea, so maybe a new bracket design is needed. We'll see.

Tom S

PA-MCS · #24 10-16-2009, 04:04 PM

Here's my boost gauge install. Fed-Ex delivered it Tuesday and I didnt get home til later that night. I had my cravenspeed mount already installed, so I did a test fit. Here it is....

But it was short lived... I brought everything back in from my car and put everything back in the box. Next morning I headed off to work. I get home from work and I find my box missing. I asked my wife "where's my box?" "What box? I thought it was trash?" But wait, it gets worse... that morning was trash day.

So SRTech you have a PM coming your way....

**Tron Chief** · #25 10-16-2009, 10:28 PM

Ouch, at least it was just the gauges it could have been worst. I knew a guy who was a sales rep working a major Nascar race he had over 3000.00 in cash in an envelope which his wife thought was trash. He also never found his package..