Hello All,
Dan (Pilo Racing) is refering to me as the guy with the standard cooper.
As I explained to Dan, my "S" runs fine, it's my standard cooper that stumbles,
boggs or what ever you want to call it. I did have dealer upgrade the software, but it did NOT help. :smile:

 

I installed the PILO ignition coil and accel U-groove plus this weekend. I already had Magnecor 8.5mm wires.

1. I had the "stumble" BAD after an ECU upgrade for the cold start problem

2. Put on the Mini Madness (how long before they have to change their name?!) intake about 3 months ago and the "stumble" was reduced.

3. Added the Pilo coil and Accel plugs, and the stumble is all but gone! It's been 3 days and 175 miles and it's not back yet as of this afternoon.

Go ahead and tell me it's software and not related to ignition, I don't care if it doesn't make any logical sense, but my baby is now 99% stumble free and feels stronger and smoother.

 

Sounds great! You should post something over on the Stumble thread, too; telling of your success. And I still think that it is software related (software decides for a split second that MINI is running too lean and then floods the engine--my theory). I think that we are discovering that there are methods with which we can fool the ECU, though!

 

>>I installed the PILO ignition coil and accel U-groove plus this weekend. I already had Magnecor 8.5mm wires.

What is an accel U-groove???

 

>>What is an accel U-groove???
>>
Those are the plugs sold by Pilo as an upgrade option to his ignition kit

 

i guess this is another great product from PILO, after purchasing my pilo intake i am quiet happy with it, and i just don't want to spend 200+ on a intake.
now this ignition system upgrade looks to be very good from the feedback of others, i think i will get this soon too

 

Hi fraserbonnet:

Glad to hear that you are now stumble free...... isn't it just so much more "HAPPY" motoring. I am just keeping my fingers cross that this fix is permanent. Dan at PILO said he had his for thousands of miles, so there is definately good reason to expect this fix to be permanent.

 

Wow, Looks like this is helping lots of people. I'm glad that this has become a help to people.

Thanks Erichui about this being another great product I make sure to do research before releasing products to make sure of that. that is why there is such large gaps between product releases from me. Look for something new at the end of this month. I'm trying to get it released before the Mini meet here in NJ in October.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

>>Wow, Looks like this is helping lots of people. I'm glad that this has become a help to people.
>>Thanks
>>Dan
>>Pilo Racing

a couple of Questions to Dan,

Any Dyno data? I'd love to see the before and after data, so that we can compare the "bang for your buck" ratio.

Also, can I do this DIY? Do I need any special tools? I read the installation manual and it sounds pretty straight forward... 30min - 1hour job, maybe?

kazu.

 

Has anyone checked to see how the warranty, if at all, is effected by this ignition
system upgrade?

 

BMW/MINI is pretty darn clear that anything you add/mod on the car voids the warranty, and they even go so far as to put a sticker on the windshield to that effect. Some dealers look the other way--some don't. Some allow bolt-ons, some don't. I imagine if something bad happened and the dealer reported the mod (important, because some don't), BMW/MINI would be agressive in trying to deny warranty coverage. Of course, there is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act which provides you with some protection.

See ya,
JS

 

The Magnuson-Moss Act is very helpful. I think the ignition upgrade is most likely
to be protected especially since it is being done not just to improve performance, but instead, for at least masking a problem that Mini can't fix. It would certainly not void documented problems, i.e. the stumble, that already existed prior to the modification. I'm game. BTW....my Mini is one year old today!

 

A dyno CAN show a good bang for the buck for many mods, but in this case, I don't think the dyno will tell all (or tell much). I doubt it gives more than a few horsepower - if that - but it may accel in smoothness and possibly in the removal of the stumble. And I'd bet anyone who had the stumble removed by this product would claim that's priceless!

 

Here is some info.

Regarding Warrenty, It is only void if the product you add, causes the failure. My dealer tried to pull this with me when I had my car in there (The dealer bent the harmonic balencer and scraped the plastic wheel well.) I had to argue with them because they siad I did the scratch when I knew it was them. The Manager threw out that my warrenty is void because I had a pulley, I proceded to walk him through the reason why what he just told me was illegal. They did end up replacing my wheel well, harmonic ballencer, and I got a free car wash... Hmm.. mabye they knew they were wrong in what they said.....

Second regarding the Dyno. I plan to get the dyno testing done at the end of the week, or early next week. and will share the results when I have them.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

There are rumors of a stumble fix by late September and I have ordered a new ignition system. Should I wait for the new software before installing this?

Also, if the fix works, what changes in performance can I expect other than getting rid of the you know what?

 

Perfomance results will vary by level of mods. The ignition Upgrade will show itself the more stress you put on the ignition system. It will smooth out acceleration, and help combustion. My estimates are 1-2 HP at the wheels. with other modifications to the car.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

Hi Dan,

Great work with the products - keep them coming. It has been really fun seeing you start out and gain success with your effort - I love the entrepreneurial spirit.

Quick question for you: I notice you suggest that colder plugs might be good for an MCS with a pulley, what's your thinking here? ARe you using the colder plugs? If so, what's the difference between the colder plugs and stock on your MCS?

THanks much,
Todd

 

Thanks for the compliments. It has been fun working with everyone and coming out with products that every one wants.

Regarding the plugs, I am using one level colder. You won't see or feel the difference, but it is better for the engine as the colder range will help fight pinging, and will run better in the higher stress envionrment.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

***INFORMATION***

Due to pricing changes, the new price of the Ignition system will be raised to 142 at the end of the week (Saturday Night). Get your system before the price change. I do not like to raise prices, but I am forced to in this case.

Sorry,
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

>>Regarding the plugs, I am using one level colder. You won't see or feel the difference, but it is better for the engine as the colder range will help fight pinging, and will run better in the higher stress envionrment.

Sorry for being ignorant here; but what is "pinging"?

Thx

 

Pinging is a PreIgnition within the cylinder. This causes extra stress on the Piston and the cylinder wall. Can also cause a failure of the Head Gasket.

 

MiniPilo, I already have Nologys and Denso IK22's and a PlasmaBooster installed
so would I just need the coil pack?

 

That is correct, You would just need the Coil Pack for your car.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

I talked with nology today and was told the car was a distributorless ignition with dual coils. Is that what that is dan a dual coil pack similar to some bikes ignition systems? I have never heard of dual coils for an inline 4 motor!? Learning things every day!!

 

That is correct, this is a Dual Coil System. Dodge uses it alot on there cars also.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing