Ok, I'm ready to make the move, but the "Shark" looks like a toothless minnow and the much anticipated GIAC chip Helix is working may see production when my grandchildren are drawing social security.. what to do?

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'02 EB/W MCS, Rogue intake, Helix 15% pulley, Magnaflow exhaust, Exel TZ-10 white wheels, Magnecor wires, Bosch Platinums, XM Sattelite System. Next up: ECU upgrade and Randy's throttle body.

 

I'm extremely pleased w/ the Powerchip upgrade.
Been on my MCS since the beginning of 08/2003.
(Check my thread posted....in the beginning of aug if your interested IMHO :smile

There are many choices out there..nowadays...with new ones which be be released shortly :smile: Prices will fall as they always do...given time.
It's always a personal choice...and only you can decide when it's the right time for YOU...to purchase...any of these mods.

It's akin to purchasing new computer equiptment.... or purchasing a new car.... you bring it home and /or drive it out of the show room...and already...you are...a bit behind the curve :smile:

Personally.....I waited a bit for the release of the 2nd generation chip (which I consider to be the Powerchip...as I consider the Evotech ...to be the 1st generation).
The install was a snap, the price was IMHO reasonable, and the gains in power/performance were outstanding.

Peace,
D





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I own a 2002 MCS w/ alot of stuff on it.

 

D, do you have the reduction pulley in addition to the Powerchip? Just got the Alta pulley and intake done, and I have to say, its ridiculous. I want to find out if tuning the ECU really makes a difference aboev and beyond the pulley. Thanks man
-Chris

 

Just got the Alta pulley and intake done, and I have to say, its ridiculous. ..."

just for clarification, what do you mean? is it that you're not noticing any improvement or you're really impressed???

 

Storer,
I don't mean to answer for Dennis, but since I have the answer, I will. Yes, D has the 15% pulley.

I know the answer to this to so here it goes...he LOVES the pulley. Storer thinks the gains from the pulley went far beyond his expectations. And now he's a bit skeptical that another mod could actually take his MINI even further! Am I right, Storer?

 

You got it! maybe I should have phrased it as, "HOLY SH*T, is this the same care?!" But, then I violate the decency and integrity of MCO with asterick-icized swearing. All I have to say, is the pulley is incredible, I love it. What a rush. Going from being able to "chirp" second, to all out peel-out in third is unbelievable.

So, yes, my question is, how much more "wow" factor does the ECU bring to the table?

 

Here is the dilemma all of us power hungry MCS owners in the market for an ECU upgrade face.

PowerChip is known to be good and has many versions of software, even for autocross. Cost $690. Need to install it with a laptop, etc. Gains as high as 17 HP
Evotech is not sitting around doing nothing. They are readying an upgrade of their own. $720. Intake, Magnaflow ith Evotech ECU gives 190 HP consistently.

The Shark is a minnow? I don't agree. Talk to Pete at Stratmosphere and ask him what sort of gains you'd expect with your set up and then realize that the Shark costs $399 and you can do it yourself via the OBD port with no laptap transport cost. You can re-intall your stock software or upgrade anytime (there is a limit). And you can choose which version of software to get depending on your upgrades. Sure the gains are not up there at the highest but the price is not and there is little hassle and fuss. Maybe 8-9 HP gains?

GIAC has potential to surpass the powerchip. It takes time to get it right. Don't let them sell something that is not ready. I'll wait and get the better version fully tested and tweaked. I trust Eric at Helix13.

We need independent testing all done on the SAME dyno otherwise comparing all these numbers is unfair.

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ALOHA

 

>>D, do you have the reduction pulley in addition to the Powerchip? Just got the Alta pulley and intake done, and I have to say, its ridiculous. I want to find out if tuning the ECU really makes a difference aboev and beyond the pulley. Thanks man
>>-Chris

Hey Chris,

Yes I do have both the pulley and the chip...and an exhaust......plus other...stuff :smile:
It does indeed make a difference.
Throttle is smoother & more responsive...., power/torque gains are there as well.
The car is now ...what it should have been

Peace,
D

 

Nice, thanks for the reply. I'll definitely have to give it some thought! After XMas that is. And I agree entirely, the JCW really should've been the S to begin with. Oh well, at least we'll keep the aftermarket guys in business as they continue to foucs on R&D of new performance products! Bring on the rocket boosters!

 

For me, upgrading my mini has been an incremental thing. (though it seems slow)

First thing I did was the pulley and I'm glad I did. Just recently I had to do snow tires because of the aproaching winter. Also since I haven't done anything since I got the pulley because of other expenses I've had, I also ordered a new air intake.

So waiting for me isn't so bad because there are still a lot of things to do. (like a new exhaust, rear swaybar, header, throttlebody and ECU) I for one am waiting patiently for the GIAC chip from Helix because I have been very satisfied with my delings with them when I lived just outside of philly. (now I live in VT which is far away from Helix) I for one am glad Helix/GIAC is taking their time to get things right. I'd rather have it done right than regret getting something that was done half-a**ed.
-Chris