Well, I've caught the mod bug and the speed bug at the same time, and after installing the pulley, intake, and exhaust on my 03 S, I'm looking to jump to the next level.

I've been doing some reading on this and other forums in an attempt to get some information about the different heads offered for a Mini. As of right now, it looks like I am going to go with Thumper. I have exchanged a number of emails with him, and each has been answered quickly and with good detail. The customer service has been superb. And from the reading I have done, there seems to be a lot of positive feedback about his work. That being said, it does become difficult to sift through some of the nonsense that goes on in this head discussion, which is why I wanted to make this thread.

I'm looking for people with experience with or around a Thumper head in a Mini. I'm looking at the TPR-1 at the moment since that seems to fit the budget, but if someone thinks that the TPR-2 is worth the extra cash, I'm definitely interested in hearing that. Really any input about the Thumper head that can be offered is appreciated. This is a big purchase, so I want to make sure I get it right.

If it helps, I'm looking at a combo of the TPR-1 head, NS1 camshaft, and ported intake manifold. The car is a daily driver, and could go an entire year without seeing the track, though I hope that is not the case. Because of this, I would like to keep as much of the low to mid end torque as I can. My driving style is definitely spirited, as I do have a bit of a lead foot. I want the car to perform well, but I don't necessarily want to spend top dollar on everything. My plan would be to get the head/cam/manifold combo, injectors, header and a tune. I currently have a 16% pulley, CAI, and cat back exhaust.

*Please leave the bickering between fan clubs out of this thread. I am 100% aware that RMW and others make great parts for the Mini, but as of right now they do not seem like the parts for me.*

Thanks!

 

If the high end of mild & low end of wild is your goal, you've got a good combo, that being said if you ever think you might want more, you'll then have to buy a whole 'nother head, which means considerably more money & labor than just getting a TPR2 up front. Don't forget the Head is a major defining point on how far you can go, and there will be absolutely no difference in your everyday use or reliability, between the two heads. IMO with all the mods you listed, realisticly your looking at the difference in reaching 225+ or reaching 240+. (whp)

Bottom line, if you think you'll never want more, you've got a good combo, if not go with the TPR2 & the adjustable cam gear to give you more control of you're power band.

If you're a power junkie it won't matter if you ever track the car or not, you'll just want it.

 

I currently run a TPR1 head with ported intake manifold, stock cam and the adj. cam gear. I will say it is a blast and a great combo. Thumper will even dialin (Index) your adj cam gear for what ever your application. His customer service is great. Thumper even sold me on the NS1 Cam i just havnt taken the plunge yet. Thumper wont steer you wrong.

The TPR1 is great, but if you are ever wanting more it is worth it to spend the little extra and go with the TPR2.

The adj. cam gear is almost a most for dialing in the power. Doesnt matter if you have a stock head & cam or all the way up to the baddest head & cam combo known to man an adj. cam will allow you to dial in the power.
I had an adj. cam on my old v8 Nova and once i got it dialed in i had gained over 25hp. Thumper already knows what the best position is on most cams.

 

Not a lot of time to type now but I love my TPR1 head and manifold!

 

I've got one with TPR2 NS1 and one with TPR1 and Mega Mini cam. I have to say that I'm glad I went with the TPR2 but the difference between the two cars is so slight it's hard to notice. The TPR1 & MM cam is in a Cabrio so it's heavier and from what I hear the there's a difference in the gearing between a 02 (which has the T
PR2) and the 05 Cabrio. Customer service has been A+ and communication has been great also. He's older than dirt so you better get one of his combo's before he heads for the old man's home!!

 

 

This is the kind of information I was looking for! I'm torn between the two heads at the moment. I sent another email to Thumper to see what his thoughts were, and he said that where I would really feel the difference between the two heads was in the 7000 and up rpm range. If that is the case, I don't spend much time there, so it may not be worth the extra $400 to me. Any chance you could give some more details on your experiences with both?

And anyone with more information on this adjustable cam gear, I would love to hear that as well. That was never in my thoughts before, but its starting to sound like its a necessary piece to dial it all in.

Thanks for the replies thus far!

 

Double post

 

LOL.....

Thumper

 

I've gone for the TPR2R head with intake.
Mated it to a Sprintex, and had just installed a 1320-CatCam today.
Had the car tuned at their shop and the final result was 248,7 whp and 201 ft/lb wtq with a max IAT of 41 degrees

Thumper stuff is just GREAT!

 

Just doing my due diligence! Been nothing but a great experience thus far. So much so that I will officially be placing my order for the TPR-1 head, NS1 cam, ported intake manifold and adjustable cam gear at the beginning of March, then installing at the end of March during my spring break.

Cant wait! And just for the record, if a Thumper t shirt happened to come in the box with the head, it would be worn non step at every car event I attend

 

It would be awesome if you could get a before dyno done just to see where you are at before the big change, forget about the numbers though. An after dyno will then let you know what you got out of the big investment.

Regardless, good luck and have fun with it!

 

I'm very interested in your impressions of your new TPR1 Head, NS1 CAM, and timing gear. Hopefully installation went well and you are enjoying your new ride. I'm right where you were choosing between a TPR1 and TPR2 head. I've already installed an NS1 CAM, 380s, and a header.

 

Go with the TPR2, you wont regret it.

 

Thanks.... That's where I'm leaning (TPR2 and ported intake). I may add the adjustable cam gear at a later date.

 

If there's ANY CHANCE you're going to want to push the limits, then yes do the 2.

 

I'd love to give my impressions of the setup, but I'm currently fighting what I (and others) believe is a bad timing chain tensioner plug. Bought a new one, and that didn't want to work either. Its currently at a shop to see if they can figure it out.

So, as soon as I get it back and actually get to drive the damn thing, I'll be sure to report back with my feelings on the setup. What I can say as of right now is that Mike was great through the entire process and my 400,000 questions. Answered every one of them. He was available by phone during the install and even took the time to talk to me while I was having issues on Easter. It has been nothing short of a very enjoyable process.

 

Thanks...... I replaced the timing chain tensioner when I installed the NS1 cam about a year ago with no issues. I was not going to replace it again with the new head... maybe I should reconsider???

 

I'm pretty sure its going to have to come out regardless because you'll need that slack on the chain. My car has 85000 miles on it, so once the original tensioner came out and lost its pressure, it did not want to pump back up. The new one is just being a pain about pressurizing the first time, which I hear has happened before, though its rare. If I were you, I'd grab one from the dealer so you have it. Otherwise you'll be like me and have to find another vehicle and rush over there. If it turns out you don't need a new one, then you have it for later when it does go bad.

 

TPR2... well worth the $400! It's like buying an oil cooler, ya hope you don't need it but glad it's there when you do!

 

I did plan on taking the tensioner out when replacing the head and reusing it since it only has a few thousand miles on it. My understanding is that you can compress the tensioner by hand and then reinstall it. Then apply some pressure on the back chain guide through the timing gear opening to "pop" it back out again. Starting the engine will also pressurize the tensioner but I heard this may take a few seconds or so.

 

OK... Pretty sure I'll go with the TPR2 Head. I already got the gaskets and head bolts. Just gota time it when the dear wifey is out of town for a few days.

 

When you have the valve cover off you can engage the new tensioner by by levering the chain towards the back of the car. This way no noise or damage to anything. It clicks and opens.

 

The adj. cam gear is great, Thumper (mike) has most cam profiles and knows how to set up the gear for what ever profile you need. It really bought my mini to life, the difference was very noticeable

 

ummm...mebbe someone can explain to me...why would you need a adjustable cam gear? for one its not even exposed so setting it would be a pita...and i see nothing wrong with the stock one as long as the timing is set properly...also why put something adjustable when over time unless you pull the valve cover off often the timing will change as it would probably loosen over time...

mebbe on a honda a adj cam gear would work because its exposed and you can see it...but im not so sure about an internal one with no access...

just a thought