Yeah, thanks, I have read every post on this thread . I am aware that the sport button can make the tune operate differently, but not sure if that means a completely different set of maps or just a subset. But more importantly what I am suggesting is a set of maps that would boost fuel economy beyond stock. I am pretty sure that has not been discussed at all.

 

yes, it has. either in this thread or the previous one that's been locked down.

 

I've searched both threads in vain. I cannot find any posts with references to tunes specifically designed to increase fuel economy. I did find one indirect reference from SimpsonGI stating that he got better economy on the highway with reserved driving style (38mpg!!), but that is not what I am referring to. I am very interested in this...if you can locate the post I would very much appreciate it.
I will also email Jeff as it seems he is off the board today.

 

lol.. I'm not going to search the hundreds of posts either. Alta can post it again, but yes, they can tune specifically for gas mileage.

However, just the tune that gets you more power also increases gas mileage.

 

Maybe I'm confused but the dyno run posted by MotorMouth shows peak HP 219. Isn't that only say 10 maybe 15 more HP than a factory JCW? I thought the tune/calibration performed on a factory JCW would yeild a 20-40 HP gain over the stock 207 HP? Someone please straighten me out.

 

Yep, any tune should increase your gas mileage provided you can keep from having a heavier foot.

 

Don't look at peak numbers only. There is a whole rpm range you drive in.
There are rpms where the HP difference is greater than 20.

Don't be fooled - the difference between even my engine with a dimsport tune (which was a good bit stronger than stock) is a huge kick in the pants.

As more people try out this, you'll see the Alta Choir get bigger and louder.
They have hit a home run with this.

 

Be sure you are measuring Wheel hp to wheel hp or Crank hp to Crank hp.
Manufacturers publish in Crank hp. Dyno's measure Wheel hp.

A JCW measures about 200 Whp so 219 is roughly 10% gain. This is fantastic for no physical part changes.

 

Are there any dyno graphs available to compare against a MCS with a JCW Tune? Almost all the graphs I've seen (unless I overlooked something) is comparing against a stock JCW or stock MCS.
(I posted this question in OC's review which I realized afterwards is the wrong place for it)

 

It looks like in order to get to Stage 2 and Stage 3, you almost certainly need a turboback exhaust. The fact that a catback isn't enough is kind of a bummer, seeing as CA law is so strict on emissions. It's to the point that the only catalytic converters that can be on your car must be OE! So much for a highflow catted downpipe plus a catback exahust for a street legal turboback system. Does this mean I'd be stuck? I'd be pretty bummed if the only thing holding me back from a more aggressive tune is a downpipe, seeing as how I'd be agreeable to boost tubes and a larger IC, in addition to the intake/catback that I already have.

I suppose another way of thinking about it is CA law pretty much takes away any incentive to have a catted downpipe to begin with. If you're going to be illegal no matter what, you might as well go for a catless downpipe plus a tune in order to avoide CELs and be done with it. However, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have the equipment or technical knowledge needed in order to switch out the aftermarket downpipe with the OE downpipe when the time comes anyway

Sorry, I kind of needed to get that out there

 

are you asking for a dyno of a stock S vs a stock S w/the JCW engine upgrade? Most of the dynos you'll find in this thread are for the AP tune. The JCW forum may have what you are looking for.

 

Unfortunately for you California guys, you are limited with how many modifications you can do legally. Even with stage 1 tunes, you will make a lot of power!

 

I'd like to also keep my cats and stay emissions legal. So I'd like to see what boost levels are attainable with a catback exhaust setup?

 

I was hoping for performance charts comparison of th AP vs JCW Stage 1 Tune. Hoping Chris / Jeff have those results.

 

I have an automatic...

 

I'm new to the mini world, always had bigger sports cars so correct me anytime if I'm wrong. But being that the JCW is 211 hp to the crank factory claimed. Calculating a 15% loss would be a 32 hp loss through the drivetrain. That would be 179 whp. My previous cars have been more like a 20% loss through the drivetrain. So is 200 whp your speak of an optimistic claim or is the JCW factory claimed crank hp under rated?

 

MINI underrates the power of the S and the JCW. They get close to the rated power at the wheels. Stock JCWs often break 200whp. The S models sometimes get 180whp.

 

Ok, got my maps earlier tonight (thanks Jeff!) and did the install with Jeff on the phone. It went perfectly, so it was time to head out and experience the difference.

First of all, had my daughters in the back seat (ages 7 & 10) so had to keep it within the legal-ish limits.

Throttle Response - The first map I tried was the JCW Stage 1 with the linear throttle response. As Jeff described it, it's more like the gas pedal is giving throttle at about the same % as the pedal is depressed (25% pedal = 25% throttle, etc.). Although I appreciated the linear pedal (and it would be a great map for someone driving the car for the first time) I was longing for the initial thrust of the stock throttle response with the sport button. I pulled over, put the AP into the port (following instructions of course) and uploaded the JCW Stage 1 map with the stock throttle response. Took about 90 seconds start to finish. That was the ticket! Now it felt really responsive and you could feel the extra power just beginning to kick in at about 30% throttle.

Power - OMG. It was a bit shocking the first time I really got on it. Pulling away from a light it pulled VERY hard. I knew from reading other posts that the tires could very easily break loose so I kept it within the adhesion limits of the tires, but the difference in torque was very noticeable. Every time I pulled away from a full stop I played with a little more throttle, and it was very clear that this tune unlocks a LOT of torque. The turbo lag is a little more evident, but the power comes on very smoothly. I don't know if this tune does anything to lower the threshold of when DTC/DSC kicks in (Jeff?), but if you leave them engaged you will see the DTC light come on pretty regularly on launch unless you take it easy. I can only imagine what it would feel like with really sticky racing tires, but bargain summer performance tires will struggle with any aggressive throttle. I need to emphasize that the "butt-dyno" says the car pulls WAY harder. I can't imagine any bolt-on mods that could make this much difference for the price. In 2nd gear at 30 MPH, step on it and you are at 50 in what seems like a flash. And in all gears I feel like I need to shift sooner (red-line gets there faster). My memory may be a little fuzzy, but the car feels as strong or stronger then the 135i I test-drove last summer. Seriously.

Drive-ability - The more I drove around (some 2 lane back roads, some in-town, but no highway yet) the more I loved it. The car does feel smoother (a few of you have noted that), idles better. It's not difficult to drive in town, you don't feel like you are surging in 2nd gear trying to stay at 25-30 mph. I will say that for winter or wet roads the linear throttle tune may be the way to go, you don't want to fight for traction every time you step on it. But I can already tell that I will have no regrets running this tune all of the time until the snow flies. The word that comes to mind is "smooth", the car just feels "smooth" at any speed.

First Impressions - So, with only one drive under my belt with the new tune, all I can say is I have no regrets whatsoever with my $795 purchase. Honestly, when the price goes to $895 it will still be the best money you will spend, especially with a JCW. Plus you need to keep in mind that the AP is more than just a tune-upload tool. It has data logging features, something I hope to play with more as time goes on. And switching maps anytime in under 2 minutes is pretty sweet.

I know there will be more positive reviews, dyno charts, track impressions, etc. coming from other AP users, and we wil all have to see what the reliability is over time, but for now I can't quit grinning.

Hurry up tomorrow, i need to motor!

 

Freakin eh? Thats awsome to hear, I learn something new about my mini every day on here. This however, the most exciting news.

So be that as it may, the ALTA tune gain 10 or so whp? Whats the jcw put down torque wise stock? Because the alta tune is suppose to be 240 ft/lbs ish at the wheels?

 

^^ See woodster? It is every bit as good as the hype. I expect more reviews like this to come out as people install this.

 

The stock JCW (2009 anyway) is rated at 208 hp / 192 torque, but stock torque can peak at 208 ft/lb when in overboost.

Look below, this is pretty much what the car feels like now. Notice the stock readings are pretty much what MINI specs say.

 

woodster:

it should not have taken a couple of minutes to flash the ECU....Or was that including the hook up time to the OBDII port? It should only take 40-45 seconds to actually flash it.

 

Simpson - that would include unboxing, hooking up cables, then flashing, and boxing everything back up.

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me Woodster, I know i had seen that earlier in this thread last week or so but after doing so much research for many different components (RMW tune, turbo back, intake, intercooler) other that Alta's AP I forgot just how good the numbers were. Thats got to be a trip to drive being that my stock JCW is a blast. Interesting how the torque peaks so high between 2-4k then drops. Anyone know how much torque the stock JCW drivetrain is rated for?

How long has the Alta AP been around? I was waiting for customer feedback and numbers before I buy. Both I've seen, my last concern before taking the plunge would be reliability. For the money, this appears to be the biggest performance gain for the money, am I right?

 

The AP has been around for maybe a week. I believe that these threads were started on release day.