I didn't say down draft, I said draft tube, not the same thing.

 

Sorry, i mis-wrote that

 

 

I've read this thread with great interest. I also read a thread recently to NOT do the passenger side block off but can't find it.
I have recently removed and cleaned my head and valves (bought it with bent valves) so I am completely clean inside and want to keep it that way and will probably blank off the passenger side.

I am only 250 miles into my 'new to me car' and now getting a P1497 code. If I blank off the passenger side, will this code go away?

 

P1497 means that you have an air leak between the turbocharger and the throttle body.
I've been running my MINI with the PCV line to the throttle body blocked off and an oil catch can on the PCV line to the turbocharger for nine years with no problems.

 

​​​​​​...I bet your intake valves are gummed up nonetheless. Have you checked them?

 

 

The head cover is between the turbocharger suction and the throttle body, if you haven't blocked off the PCV line to the throttle body.