Hi All!
I've read through the NAM threads already on performance mods. I've owned since new a 2004 MINI COOPER 'S'. About one year after I bought it, I had the 15% reduced pulley installed, along with colder plugs and a new cold intake. A noteable difference in low end torque and horsepower was noticed immediately, and I appreciated the new found whine coming from the Supercharger when I would get into the pedal. I've got 34,000 miles on the MINI now, (I think that's pretty low mileage for a five year old car?) Anyway, the MINI has ran perfectly from new, before and after the performance mods. My mileage even improved after the extra 20hp or so boost in performance. I don't race it at the track, I just use it as an every other day driver in the city and on the highway. I've never been really hard on it, but a little "spirited" 'getting off the ramp to the highway' type driving is definitely in order! I don't have any problems. Never have. So what the heck am I doing on this forum anyway???
I've recently been informed, that I should have had some computer chip work done when I went from the Factories 10-11lbs torque to my present 14lbs or so torque??? I was told that this was something that SHOULD have been done at the time of the modifications, (or at least within the 6 months following???) Apparently the Factory settings will eventually read the mods and adjust itself so that more fuel is fed to compensate for the added torque and horsepower, thus carboning up everything from the engine running too rich. This computer "service" @ $650.00 costs more than all of the aforementioned performance mods combined!!! Again, I have been driving my Mini for over (4) years since the upgrades, and it runs absolutely perfect!!! Can anyone shed any light on this subject? Should I be concerned? Thanks! And 'Motor On'! Mini Estate

minisrcheeky@hotmail.com

 

The factory ECU will react perfectly fine to the upgrade's you've done, it will see the extra boost the pulley's giving you and add more fuel to keep it from running lean, the ECU can "learn" and adapt quite a bit but it won't detune itself so that you loose power, this is a misconception a lot of people get and some cars see the added airflow from intakes and exhausts and do react badly.
All that being said, if you really want to see the true potential of your car with these upgrades getting it tuned is a great way to add even more power and is probably the next logical step for you (maybe an exhaust as well).
Check Jan at RMW, Mynes performance or Way Motorworks to see some of the tuning options.

 

I wouldn't get a chip tune or piggy-back (GIAC, Uni-chip, etc.). If you have not already done it, IMO, the best bang for the buck next to the 15% pulley is ditching the run-flats and the S-heavies, and going to a better tire and much lighter wheels. You will notice several improvements in handling, braking and acceleration. You also might consider suspension upgrades but that's a whole other story.

If you want to just stick to engine mods, a tune is probably the best way, and the best tune of all right now seems to be RMW. However, you may not be all that pleased with the results. There is not a CHEAP bolt-on or tune that will net the same sort of increase you saw with the pulley. All of the "next steps" are incremental improvements, not ONE of which -- on its OWN -- will give you a "bang". Exhaust is an example. From a header and cat-back alone, you might get 10 hp maybe a little more. but it's a lot more $$ than the pulley. A ported head will get you really good returns, but not without also a header and/or intake manifold improvements to improve flow; and when you put several items together, you are talking some serious bucks. Of course, any upgrades other than a turbo will eventually require an exhaust upgrade to be optimized. So, exhaust is not such a bad place to spend some money, even though the actual hp increase from that alone is not all that much. Exhaust works out to a sort of "investment" for optimizing future upgrades, like head, cam, etc. And -- IMO --you get the bonus of the much cooler louder engine note in the meantime. It's all good. Just try to plan your course so that you don't WASTE a bunch of $$.

 

I think you were told what the guy wanted to tell you. There are a lot of UN-Tuned MCS's out there and having a great time with NO issues. I have a 15%/ CAI/ and 1-ball exhaust.. never had or are having any issues ( 33K now).. I could tell you a LOT of others running un tuned in the 200-220 whp range with no issues.

There are still a few mods to ramp up the HP and torque on the stock ECU!! Adjustable cam pulley ( set advanced) a water /meth system to keep it all safe , there are good cams out there now fro the UK and the Eu. they are all good power on the stock ECU.

Head?? that is pricey, however a good bump on power.. now there are different levels to chose from vs the BVH for racing.. again still running on stock ECU.. then when it is all finished.. then seek out the tuner...!! Yes??

And Yes.. 04 with 30K... man get out and drive that thing.. be at the Dragon and let it rip!! cool??

Just me.............................

Thumper

 

Water/Meth is the next bang for the buck...

 

I agree... water meth isnt only a power builder.. It keeps the rest safe !!

just me........................

Thumper