Hey guys, I have an '05 MCS, 15%, Magnaflow catback, iridiums, DDM CAI, GIAC tune. For a couple of months now I have noticed considerable pinging around 5k rpm and up. I changed the spark plugs, toyed with the gap settings, I even did and upper intake cleaning as well to no avail. Any suggestions? Problem doesn't seem to be temperature related either, as it does it at all ambient temps?

 

Can you try a higher octane gas? I have that too if I put 91 octane (due to wrong place & wrong time) but not on 93+. Are your spark plugs one step colder heat range?

 

Yes to 1 range colder, and always 93 octane.

 

Might be your tune but not sure because GIAC is famous here and with good remarks but I remember GTT (Roland) in Mini2 said the 05 & 06 have more advanced timing than the older models, hence the higher HP rating. Go to Mini 2 and this subject is well discussed and maybe find an answer. Good Luck.

 

There are many things that can cause pinging. Audible pinging in a Mini is a big deal. If the pinging coincided with the GIAC tune then there's your answer. If it started sometime after then there is most likely another reason because the tune doesn't change. A slipping belt, for example, can cause pinging on a supercharged Mini.

 

The pinging started well after the tune, sometime around the time I changed plug wires........hhhmmmm....

 

try rapping on the block while it's held at say 2000 rpm and see if it adjusts to the knock . do it near the knock sensor .

 

And how does this help, or what will it tell me?

 

Because if it adjusts to the knock you know your knock sensor is good. Your car shouldn't really be knocking with 93 octane and colder plugs. I don't have any issues with knocking even in the 115+ degree heat out here with IAT's approaching 180 degrees. I think what he's getting at is that your knock sensor could be bad.

 

You mentioned that it occurs above 5,000 rpm. Do you think it could be due to higher boost at those engine speeds?

dan