My mini is just starting to get broken in, 3000 miles on it now

one thing that's irritating is the power fades off after about 5500 rpm, it's noticeable how much the pull drops

is this exhaust/air restricting flow at those rpm's? I've not really seen posts on this issue

I thought it could be the overboost stopping at that rpm, not sure, do any of the aftermarket chips coming out, control overboost better?

 

That is quite normal. It shows up in every stock dyno run that's been posted.

ECU mods can change that. (JCW ECU does)

 

The torque curve was designed to do that. More torque at the bottom where we drive at most of the time. Japanese cars have more torque at the top and no torque at the bottom. MINI's 1.6L is just not big enough to have strong pull from 1500rpm to 6700rpm, I guess.

 

the falling off of torque at the higher rpms is a combination of things but the largest contributor is the factory ECU lowering boost. the factory engine tune is one to make the car feel torquey in normal driving.

things are coming soon to address this issue. but there will be a limit to what the stock turbo can do at those higher rpms.

back to the dyno!

 

How much effect, in your opinion, will increasing boost have on the longevity of the engine?

 

judging from the vw world very little. I have friends with modded 90k+ mile GTIs running 20psi on a k03 with no issues. Just let it warm up and cool down, and change the oil once in a while.

 

In most cases it will have no measurable effects on engine life. Keep in mind this is based on a GOOD tune and a well maintained engine and its related systems.

 

Yes it does!

More hp up top....

...more torque down low...

...and my favorite part: the chasm of a dip in power around 3000 RPM all but disappears! It rocks.

 

I ready to see a plot for the more down low! Seems like all the other mods we've seen so far sacrifice some low end torque to improve the top end.

 

That's normal, don't worry about it.

 

John is right. By forcing the wastegate to remain closed down low, and controlling the boost roll off up above in the RPM band, the HP and TRQ can be gained in both sections of the RPM as well as not sacrifice engine and turbo durability. Keep in mind this is all relative to a proper tune. Do the combo wrong and instead of the safe not opening, the bottom end of your motor will!