I've just had my ECU tuned, now that it can be done on R56 Coopers. Previously I had taken performance measurements before-&-after fitting a CAI, so now I've added the ECU measurements:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...um_summary.pdf

Summary: 13% improvement at high revs, 7% a mid revs, 9% at low revs.

Still nowhere near Cooper S quick of course - but not Cooper S money either. (And MCS gets its acceleration from lower gearing as well as the turbo.)

Please take the info just as a guide - how it worked on one particular car - especially as mine is Euro spec (or similar), not USA spec.

What the numbers don't show is that the car feels very much stronger above about 5000rpm with the ECU (compared with just the CAI). It also feels quite a bit more lively and responsive in the 3000-4000rpm range. On the downside, torque steer is noticeable now.

Overall, I'm delighted with the change. As standard the car always felt a bit flat, and that's been fixed. There is an integrity now in the match of performance and handling which I'm happy with. In terms of fun factor, rather than outright performance, I think I might even prefer this balance to a MCS?! (But then I've always valued handling, steering and braking over power. )

Anyway, I hope it's helpful info.

FYI the CAI is K&N, ECU tuning is by PowerChip - and I've no affiliation with either, just a happy customer.

 

How's that ECU tune working out for you? I was thinking of getting it done myself, but i wonder if the dealership will be able to see it and void my warranty.

 

I'm very pleased with it - with the CAI, good value for a worthwhile improvement IMO.

PowerChip claim it's not detectable. The ECU tune just changes tuning settings - just numbers in a software table on the standard ECU hardware. My car has been to the dealer once since it was done, and they ran their normal range of diagnostics, and no comment was made. Having said that, my dealer could be more flexible than some - I know there are some other modified MINIs which go there too, and my CAI and camber kits are pretty obvious and they've passed without comment. So I guess a legalistic dealer could have an issue, if they did detect it somehow. (But smarter dealers should realise that if they support mods, people are more likely to buy JCW gear from them - like I just did! )

The more likely issue is the dealer re-flashing the ECU (I had a car which went through at least 4 versions of ECU software in normal dealer upgrades!) and undoing the PowerChip settings, so you need to check what arrangements PowerChip can make to redo the ECU tune. I live in a city where they have an office, and I just have to drop in and they'll reapply it - takes 15 minutes or so via the diagnostic port.

I hope that all helps?

 

Does the sport button still work as usual? Or do you not even need to use it with the tune

 

So this is for a non-S R56? I'm wondering if it'll work on a R55 non-S as well.

 

I don't believe it will work on US spec cars.

 

Because the R55 non-S engine is the Series 1 engine, there have been plenty of places around for quite some time which can do the ECU tuning. I know PowerChip have done them, but there's nothing unique there. What is new is being able to do the R56 engine. (Ignore this - it's wrong. See later comment in this thread for correction.

Accessing the mapping tables should still work - it's via the standard diagnostic port. I can believe the actual settings would be a bit different (which is why I emphasised Euro spec on my measurements). Best to check with the US offices of PowerChip, or others that I presume now can do the tuning.

Yes, it still works. It changes the steering (so no difference there) and the sharpness of throttle response. They tell me there are 3 engine mapping tables, one for standard, one for the Sport button and a third when you're in reverse gear (much less responsive, to make reversing easier). They adjust the first two.

For the record, I did all my timings with the Sport button off, thinking it would make no difference - because I was on full throttle up to and through the starting speed, throttle response wasn't a factor. But now that I think about it, I should see if they tweaked the tables differently. Thanks for prompting the idea.

 

R55 and R56 are the same vehicle from the b pillar forward. Same engine, same ECU.

 

Oops - sorry, my bad. I was getting my model designations mixed up. Yes, it will be the same on the R55. (And R57).

 

Just want to revive this thread. Anyone else had fun with these guys?

 

Try these guys.
http://www.upsolute.com/index.php?vi...te&task=models

 

Thanks for the URL but I wasn't looking for another company ... I was looking for others with the Powerchip tune.

 

I'm going to go with UPsolute after I get my headers and exhaust.

Chad, do you mind telling me how much you paid for the tune?

 

The cost was $500.

 

Pricing is a pleasant surprise, especialy since Powerchip is a grand. Very tempting. Thanks for the link.

 

Wow! Not bad at all!!

 

Noticed this in your Sig too:

As in air conditioning delete?

 

I replaced the belt with a MINI First belt(without AC) from the UK. The compressor is there but not connected.

 

Oxy ,

how much whp you gain with all modifications..?

at this moment you have more power than R53 Stock?

 

I was at 148 crank hp(up from 128) on the last Dynapack. Now that's with an auto tranny and drivetrain loss is significant with my current wheels. Don't think I can squeeze any more out of this N12 engine with the dual VANOS. This November I'll be swapping it out with an MCS JCW Stage 1.

-Chad

 

Wow. I would love to have more kick on the highway.

 

Damnnnn. That's not bad at all. I remember a thread on here a few months ago talking about how nobody has gotten up to 140 with the MC yet.

 

148.... how much $$?



MC use the same trans of MCS?

 

Little thread revive, has anybody else gotten the upsolute? How was installation? Would look at doing this with obx headers and the new VIP exhaust.

 

Yes, any US R56 Justa owners running an Upsolute tune?

Please provide details.

DOC