Hello all.....
I recently purchased an '05 MCS convertible with super-low 6k miles on it.
I want to do the usual mods to it, ie, 15% pulley, intake, maybe an exhaust, etc.....nothing crazy.
I was wondering if anyone knows, can I expect my mileage to go up, down, or stay the same? And also, what specific individual mods will have the most effect on my mileage? I'm sure there are plent of people out there that have done these exact mods (and then some) so I would greatly appreciate any feedback or advice. Thanks!

 

Wrong sub-forum. This is for 2nd Gen. Please post in 1st Gen.

 

Hello all.....
I just realized that I posted my original thread in the WRONG section, the 2nd generation MINI posts...I have a FIRST gen MINI. So, I'll do it here again just to be safe.
I recently purchased an 05 MCS convertible with a super-low 6k miles on it, and I wanted to do the typical mods for it, ie, a 15% pulley, intake, maybe an exhaust...nothing crazy. I was wondering what I could expect for mileage after I do any of these, will it go up, down, or stay pretty much the same?
Also, what specific mods will have the most effect on my gas mileage? Are there any other mods that anyone would recommend?
I'm sure MANY on here have done these exact same mods (and then some) so I would welcome any suggestions, advice, or feedback. Thanks!

 

You may note a big decrease in MPG from exploring your newfound power, but if you drive the same, your loss of MPG should be quite low, 1-2 MPG. If you get your mods and then a custom tune, your MPG may actually increase! I'm still averaging 27 MPG.

 

Yeah, I realized that a little too late! Any way to erase?

 

Thanks....it may still be helpful, even if I posted in the wrong section!

 

Guys, just report the thread and ask for it to be moved. No need to post the obvious. I reported it and asked the mods to merge with the new one.

As for power and gas milage... It will go down some but that is expected with adding some power mods.

 

Dupe threads merged.

 

I lost about 2mpg when adding the pulley. No real change in driving style. Intake/header/one-ball I didn't notice any change.

 

Gained about 1 mpg after adding the 15% pulley and M7 CAI. Very pleased with that!

 

If you are about to mod your Mini, and you care about gas mileage, then you're heading for confliction... You can't have both!
About 5 years ago I posted on NAM the following statement (I'm prolly paraphrasing as I can't remember it exactly): if you're getting more than 24 or 25 mpg in your Cooper S, then you're not driving it hard enough.
I believe that still holds true...
Mod it, drive it, enjoy it (and since we live in gas-price lala land, don't even worry about the mileage).

 

After adding an ALTA CAI i notced about a 1-2mpg loss for about a couple weeks (could have been from stomping on it on occation), then everything seemed to level out, didnt notice any change in mpg after the 15% pulley was added. I keep tabs on my mpg thru every fill up to be on top of any possible changes, i notice aprox. a 2-4 difference between what my OBC (on board) reads and my calculations at the pump figurings (gallons of fill up-trip setting=actual mpg) on average: spring-early fall mpg range 33.1-36.1mpg (OBC), 29-34mpg). Winter i average 27-32mpg (OBC). Yes, those ARE actual mpgs that i get, i do most of my driving on back roads with limited stops trying to avoid highways, and NO i dont drive like a grandmother. On spirited runs with other MINIs, i average 33-34 (OBC). Either way its better than my Silverado! Btw, my wife has a non-S and averages 34-36 (pump math) doing 1hr long highway commutes. -Long, but hopefully this helps

 

Ok, well judging from the responses it seems that mpg will be minimally affected....fantastic. Although the human element will certainly take over, OFTEN, and burn more gas, it looks a helluva lot better than my old Audi s4. That car, bless its soul, was a gas-pig....so the MINI will be a big improvement. Although I have to admit I'm not getting nearly the mileage that Striped Toad is getting while still UN-modded.

 

Went on a short run with another MINI (PROBLEM CHILD) (03 non-S, Borla, CAI) yesterday, was averaging 33-34 (OBC) thru major hilly twisting back roads, while he was close in the mpg range. DID take it on highway yesterday heading out to Boston MA (about an hr ride away), was averaging 35.6-37mpg with average speed of 73-85 on rt90. Ive noticed weather temp plays a HUGE role in mpgs-yesterday seemed perfect for driving, 77-85F seemed optimal for gas mileage.

 

Years ago, when the 15% pulley was being installed on more and more MINIs, it was noted that fuel economy had improved for many. I thought this was odd and someone guessed, I think it was Ryephile, that the reason was that people were shifting earlier (during daily driving) because of the improved low-end torque.

 

Makes sense. If you have more power, but drive the same, ie, you shift at the same RPMs, and don't really utilize that new power, you'll use less gas. No?

 

I think the hypothesis was that people were shifting at lower rpms.

 

Well yes, thats what I meant I guess.....

 

With a pulley and those mods we have seen that fuel mileage can be increased, But usually people start enjoying/driving the car harder cause they love the power so they don't get to notice the extra mileage. But in reality it would increase if you drive the same as you do now.

 

That explains it! Any increase with the one ball mod? Any engine light, or issues when doing this? How bout backpressure?

 

What is a "one ball mod"?

 

It's the first one on this list:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...clips-etc.html

 

Good stuff. Thanks.