I have a 2008 mcs with JCW tuning kit with JCW tuning kit intake and FACTORY JCW cat back exhaust that does not have the second cat.

Assume that I only have $900 max to spend on drivetrain related improvements at this time or maybe for the next year. I track my car a couple times per year.

What would you do and why... between these two options:

1. Upgrade intercooler
2. Install Alta AP tune

Thanks.

 

Get the ALTA AP tune. It'll give you the most bang for your buck.

 

Okay but I already have a tune and don't have an intercooler and the intercooler would at least allow me to get all if the power available.

Feels like a hard decision especially since I already dumped my hard earned money on a tune that is noticeably better than stock. Especially high in the rpm range.

 

Just take the loss. You've got to enjoy the Stage 1 tune for a while and now this is the next step up. You can always download another map when you buy more powertrain components.

If you're going to be tracking the car I would get an H-sport competition sway bar. It's a wonderful effective suspension mod that doesn't cost a lot. I also assume you've ditched the factory Continental runflats.

 

In order to get any significant gains from a new intercooler you would need a new tune anyway as the boost could/would need to be turned up and it won't do that without a new tune. ALTA will update your tune for free when you are able to get the IC. Also with the tune, you'll really see a difference all across the board, low, mid, and high RPM ranges.

 

I would go with Shane on this one. Work on the chassis. Tires, Rear bar, and camber will produce better lap times than the power train mods.

 

I am only a part time track guy at best. I already have JCW suspension, larger rear bar, light wheels and good non RF high-performance tires. I might consider camber plates in the future.

Still torn between IC and AP but leaning towards AP a bit. Would really like that burble to help justify it for me!

 

You can go cheap. Slot the front fenders and just adjust the rear. I got -.9 on the front and -.4 rear at stock ride height. Makes a BIG difference in the "in the road" feel. Free. Well, cost of an alignment. Then spend the rest on professional track instruction. Sure, not as sexy as parts, but makes you go way faster.

 

I already have an aggressive alignment as well. I guess my original question was not clear. I will update. I am looking for input on the IC vs. Alta AP if I only have $900 max to spend.

 

I'd go with the ALTA AP now and then get the IC when you can. You'll get more power out of the tune. Like others have said, ALTA will update the tune for free when you get the IC.

 

I would spend the $900 right now on the stage 1 Alta AP tune. I would then save up for a downpipe (get the Alta stage 2 tune) and then after that save for an IC (get the Alta stage 3 tune). As far as I understand you can upgrade maps for free as you update drivetrain parts.

 

I'm going to go against the flow.

If you feel you're starving on power, then get the tune. If you are happy with your current setup, but want a little more, then get the IC.

I just put my Helix IC in and the butt dyno says i'm pulling way harder and smoother merging onto the freeway than before. Same time of day (6am, ~60F), same on-ramp i've been using every morning since i got the car.

 

Tune.

 

Spend the money on the tune.

An intercooler doesn't create HP. It simply delays (notice I said delay, not remove) heatsoak and allows you to keep what HP you have longer.

A tune will knock your socks off.

Mark

 

get the driving training. more benefits over the long haul.

 

I'd hardly say you're derailing the OP's post but anyway, I'd skip the intake unless you're looking for sound.

It's a known fact (and I don't want to speak for DOS themselves) that most CAI don't work as well as the stock system with an upgraded filter.

And not to mention you're not going to feel any difference when compared to a tune yet you'll spend almost half the money on that you would on a tune.

HTH's,

Mark

 

 

It'll be worth it. I mean the whole point of any of these mods is to get the most performance improvement, right?

If so, nothing will make your car run like a scalded dog than a tune...

Mark

 

Mark,

Yup, total agreement, a tune is going to give you the biggest Hp gains, no doubt. However, we've had some customers that purchased our CAI after they already had an AP tune on their car and are reporting that their cars pull harder throughout the powerband with the DoS intake compared to their stock box. All this is butt dyno and heresay at this point in time, (but if I can find a local customer that has an AP tune and wants some free dyno time, drop me a PM).

All that DoS feels that we can legitimately compare and put into writing at this time are comparisons to our CAI vs. the stock box with a stock tune. However, the results are very telling.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...03-post90.html

The fact that the AP can log needed tuning datasets and allow tunes to be modified remotely is a huge advantage when folks mix and match parts from different aftermarket manufacturers. It should be a huge benefit to members of the MINI tuning community, but only time will tell.

-Clint

 

Clint,

I appreciate the point and I agree.... that's why I said "I don't want to speak for DOS CAI's."

There's no doubt from what I've heard and read that your intake is a definite improvement, I just meant that between the two (CAI or tune) the tune will be a noticeably higher improvement.


No offense meant to your product at all.


Mark

 

Mark,

I totally understand. I took no offense. You've been deeper in the track day and tuning trenches than many folks here on NAM and folks generally respect your opinions. I just wanted to make sure that I got in my $0.02.

Have a great weekend.

-Clint

 

Fair enough

Mark