Date: 9/22/07
Time: 12-5
What: Psuedo-Scientific Dyno Experiment
Where: Mach V Motorsports world headquarters

It's time to carry out a little science experiment I've been wanting to do. I want to get stock examples of several types of MINI (R53 Cooper S, R56 Cooper S, R53 JCW, R53 GP) and dyno them on the same dyno (our in-house Dynojet), on the same day. I intend to publish these results here on NAM. (Which will, of course, set off a firestorm of online arguing. ) The purpose of the test is just to learn a little more about the power levels of the different cars, especially as they compare to the stated power levels, and compared to each other.

I spoke with NAM's Humble Leader, Mark, and he agreed to chip in a little to offset our costs. At this point I'm trying to rustle up the cars, and set a date. I'd like to get cars that are completely stock in terms of engine mods, but also are fully broken-in.

If you'd like to volunteer your vehicle, you'll get free dyno charts to keep, and the eternal gratitude of me and the MINI community. The whole thing will probably take 2-3 hours. Once I get some car owners who are up for it, we'll set the date depending on their availability.

Edit:

Okay, we have the following volunteers (bold confirmed):

R50: Jeremy1026 (auto -- anyone got a manual?)
R53: reeechard, tnkgurl (husband)
R53 JCW: Edge, Chili Pepper
R53 GP: Lastrega, Scrumpy_Jack
R56 S: Mach V, e30R56

Edit: My original date overlapped with another DCMM event. My revised date is September 22, 2007. Time will be noon until 5pm.

Postscript: Results thread here!

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Not stock but you can use mine.

 

Oh, man. Do you need other catagories? something like "not quite stock" or "Just bolt-ons".

Btw, why don't you set it as a dyno day? Just a thought.

 

If you want a stock cooper (R50), I'd be willing to donate mine to the cause. I hate that no one thinks of us coopers :(

 

I have a dead-stock R53 MCS ('06) and line in NJ, but can always come down for some crabcakes if you cannot find anyone closer

 

Sorry, it's gotta be stock! Mods that don't affect power, I don't care about. But I want this test to be with STOCK power cars.

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

I should have mentioned this. I limited it to S models because I was concerned I couldn't manage too many models, and the S people are generally the most concerned about power. But if everything comes together quickly and easily, I'll add the Cooper non-S.

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

It seems that a stock cooper (R50) is much easier to find. I'd offer mine but you've already got one you don't need.

 

If there's enough interest in a dyno day, I'd be happy to host that. Our normal dyno day deal is $75 for a 40-minute slot, $25 extra for air/fuel analysis. Last time I mentioned dyno day, though, I didn't get much response.

In any case, we usually have them once every few months. I'll announce the next one here whenever we schedule it.

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Might also want to get cars that are on stock rims. That will have an effect too.

 

If possible, we will. But I'm focused first on getting cars without power mods. If I have more than one to choose from, then we'll get more particular about wheels...

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Would an otherwise stock 06 JCW with a Lucky Dog ecu tune count? Curious to see the delta between different dyno types

 

Sorry, no. I'm looking for TOTALLY STOCK power cars. No tunes, no intakes, nothing. STOCK.

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Everyone - this event is NOT about you getting a free dyno for your modded MINI.

The real intention is to FINALLY get some comparable numbers across the different stock models. With all of the "armchair racing" that people do these days, it will be refreshing to finally have a "same day, same dyno" test of the various forms of stock MINI, including the R56.

I proposed this idea to Dan a while back, I'm very happy that he is proceeding with it now.

Dan, a few notes:

• Don't forget about the potential impact of the trannies. I would think that a stock 06 MCSa will produce slightly different results than a stock 06 MCS. Perhaps we should try to get those variations as well.
• Same applies for Coopers, if we decide to include them. CVT vs 5 speed.
• Model years obviously make a difference too. 02-04 gearing is very different than 05/06 gearing.
• Also, for JCW, perhaps factory JCW vs dealer JCW should also be considered!

Assuming my car is no longer Humpty Dumpty by the time this event comes up, I will be happy to volunteer my completely stock 2005 dealer-installed JCW MCS up for the test. No ECU mods, no exhaust mods, nothing. Just JCW parts, the way it was intended. I'm hoping an 06 factory JCW will be available too!

Also, I thought your dyno was the type that attaches to the hubs (i.e. the wheels are removed first), so wheels wouldn't affect results... am I mistaken?

 

Most autos lock up in higher gear. That shouldn't make a difference. But I'd like to dyno all manual-trans cars, because autos are a bit troublesome on the dyno, because of kick-down behavior.

Most cars will be 1:1 gearing, or close to it, in the next-to-highest gear. That's what gear we dyno in.

We have a Dynojet, which is a traditional type, where the car is on rollers.

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Gees people just don't get it do they? I don't know how else you can tell them you only want stock cars and you'll still most likely get people asking. "Hey i've got a turbo only kit on my car. Can I be part of it?"

 

Thread title changed to reflect what you are looking for.

 

Even when the auto is put in manual mode? Although now that I think about it, the overzealous behavior of the MCSa to ignore your setting and change the gear anyway has driven me nuts at times when I've driven one. That's why I don't want one for myself. Here's some MCS gearing numbers I found on NAM... not too sure of their accuracy, but it isn't 1:1 ratio for 5th! (although yes, it's close)

I think these are R56 MCS numbers:

1st: 3.308
2nd: 2.130
3rd: 1.483
4th: 1.139
5th: 0.949
6th: 0.816
Reverse: 3.321
Final Drive: 3.65Ahh - so the wheels will have some effect then, with varying rotational mass. Perhaps we can try to use the same wheels on each car.

 

Edge's car maybe totally stock - but with 75 lbs of sound proofing material and a heavy load on the alternator - well hardly typical

 

Fortunately weight doesn't affect the dyno. And we'll turn the stereo off while making a dyno pull.

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Hey - it was closer to 60 lbs. LOL!

 

I have a stock MCSC if you want one for the testing.

 

I've got a stock R53 JCW, but my schedule is absolute chaos as of late, and looking to get worse... But if I'm available, I'll be there!


-Paul!

 

I also own a stock 06 R53 JCW..so if Paul! is unavailable...I may be.

 

I have a stock R53 06 triptonic if needed. Let me now