One possible issue is that GIAC is using 91 fuel. I know that the 1.8T VW engine picks up another 8-10 when using 93. I used to have a 1.8T and a 91 tune, and I did notice a difference when I went back for a 93 tune. (BTW, on VWs you could have 4 seperate tunes and swap between them at will)

Still, I was really dissapointed in the article recently (European Car, I think). I was hoping for a bit more as well. Could be that the turbo is closer to being maxed out than the VW 1.8T or 2.0T.

 

Both very good possibilites. I didn't think that 2 octane points would make a difference but I'm not a tuner so I'm not sure.

In regards to being max'd out, think about this. Mini claims 188 HP with a JCW dealer installed kit.... that's the same with what GIAC is claiming. The only difference is JCW is using a cold air intake, cat back and tuning. GIAC is using a larger (or more efficient) intercooler, exhaust (I'm assuming full, may be cat-back) and tuning.

Point is, if the car is max'd out, then Alta wouldn't be able to pull the 220-230HP with all their parts I keep reading about. According to their graph, they pulled 25-30whp with JUST a tune, much more with add'l parts.

So unless their cars are going to blow up any time soon, it seems that more is able to be had.

It seems these are the options:

GIAC tune, intercooler and exhaust 188HP (roughly $2000)

JCW stage I kit 188HP ($2300-2500 bucks)

Alta piggyback setup 190HP ($600)

The two good things out of all this.

JCW-warranty intact.

Alta-inexpensive-upgradeable


Mark

 

Thata dyno chart says on top "power on 91 octane " probably if you run a setting for 93 you will see better numbers.

 

My JCW install is 1900.00. ..2300 to 2500 has been a relatively common report but you can definitely get lower. Other good thing, the JCW tuning gives excellent smoothing out of the torque curve, which I haven't seen on the other setups and the exhaust won't drone on you but sounds *perfectly loud enough for me .. though in all fairness I haven't heard helix exhaust.!
I almost went with the Alta upgrade, but I just wasn't thrilled with the idea of a piggyback, and even though the gains are impressive, really though, why are their mod combinations around 210 to 220, when supposedly the unichip alone would take it to those numbers ? I just kept thinking to myself, if I'm going to mess with the ecu.. the JCW is still very nice, and very safe. I know there's not high power numbers advertised, but once you feel it .... screw numbers I can't keep foot off the gas !!!!!

 

Well actually, they don't quote those numbers. They say that stock it puts out about 165'ish HP. If their graph shows 25-30whp, that brings it to 190-195 which would be in line if all their products show 210-220.

I'm torn for the same reasons... it may be cheaper but I'm not fond of piggyback systems and I like the idea of telling mini they have to fix my stuff under warranty...lol.

Mark

 

Well, with the high dynos that alot of r56 posters have been getting, STOCK, it seems that the 175/177 numbers are already at the wheels... I just felt that Alta going to 190 with a piggyback somehow isn't going to give the car the same feel, the same dynamics, as an intake (though I use the DDM anyway, SOUNDS AMAZING), a perfect ecu tune.. and perfectly just-loud-enough-no-droning exhaust..

Again, I ALMOST went with the piggyback system... but I just couldn't go through with it. I modded my last one intensively, but this time, for warranty-busters, I'm sticking to JCW
best of luck whichever way you go !

I'm wondering if down the road, some ecu tuning could further compliment the jcw ? ... just curious. I'm really looking forward to the loads more torque and smoother curve.!

 

GIAC always publishes conservative numbers based upon a files that are properly tuned: The car drives correctly and smoothly with proper engine management. They don't crank the boost as high as they can get it, and then let the knock sensors limit output when the car is constantly pinging. They flash the file to the DME, instead of relying of a piggyback to corrupt the sensor signals, reducing the risk to the motor, especially as the motor and sensors wear. Often people complain that the GIAC tuning files claim fewer HP and less TQ than other tuners, and yet they are always at the top when independent testers show results. Remember to take tuners' numbers (such as mine) with a grain of salt and wait to see what the magazines or good independent testers say.

BTW, we have a new, higher power file in my car which is now available. Helix is relocating relatively soon and our dyno is in pieces, so we can't do new dynos with it. I think Champion Motorsports in FL dynoed it, so maybe there's a chart out there with the new file. Next time I talk to GIAC, I'll ask.

 

waiting on the tune for an R56 with an upgraded intercooler, and 3" turbo back exhaust....

 

when & where you guys moving too?!?
I haven't been down there in a while. was thinking of coming by some point to check out the GIAC program and pickup a short shifter.

 

I'll buy that GIAC came out with something more powerful, and even take them on their word - what are we talking? 20hp? 25? Even without a graph, do you know what the numbers are?

 

Question!

When installing Giac what is better to install a HKS or Alta Bov with bock off plate or simply install the Forge bov??

 

None of the above

 

True. No performance increase with the noisemakers, but fun they are, and we are releasing one tomorrow just for giggles. Here's a sneak peak:

 

I have one thing to say!

PSSSSTTTTT!!!

 

Have ya'll moved yet? Any update yet on the new, higher power file?

Thanks,

Mark

 

Forget the 14whp. There's a 20lb torque gain and in these suckers that's huge! That's like going from a stock R53 to an R53 with a 19% pulley. It's a night and day difference on a MINI.

 

Any updates on anyone trying the GIAC on there own car??? Really thinking about taking the plunge but kinda weird no one has posted anything on it.....

 

Anybody in the Philadelphia area is welcome to come drive the helix R56 mule, with GIAC and our intercooler on it. It's a hoot

 

have you guys tuned for higher octane yet, like higher than 93?

 

Has anyone with giac gone to the dyno???

Right know I am at 205whp and 230 tq with the alta pnp.

 

Give me some dyno numbers and I'll drive up and buy it.

 

The intercooler is very nice - does not get heat soaked as fast as the stock (smaller) IC. HP and torque feel VERY similiar to the JCW (Stage 2) that I'm driving on a daily basis.

Also reason for 91 Octane - I believe (correct me if I'm wrong Ralphie/Eric) is the dyno numbers are done in California and 91 octane is the highest they've got out there.

 

Any updates on this ??

 

I went to get GIAC tune on my 08 clubman and after ripping the whole thing apart found that MINI uses 2 different ECU's in the R56 and the one I have GIAC hasn't found a way to flash yet. They say maybe in January they will be able to. I did get to dyny the car today and posted some good numbers with the mods I have. I have an M7 Super-AGS, Alta FMIC and Boost tube kit and was able to pull 174 hp at the wheels and 190 flbs torque.

 

Is GIAC planning on releasing their flash on a flashloader?, so that we can change between stock and other settings. This is a very attractive option if it were available.