Hello -

I'm a new member, and newly into a low mileage (25k) 2007 R56S. Been lurking for a while, but wanted get some more knowledgable opinions.

I'm in California and am a complete novice regarding tuning and performance modifications, but I'd like to add a little more zip to the car. I've seen that RMW is highly regarded, so I was considering a tune, but I had the following questions:

- What mods (bolt-on, as a newb a good place to start) would you suggest prior to a tune? Presumably a FMIC, but anything else? From lurking I understand that intakes on this car mostly provide sounds (correct me if I'm wrong).
- I want to be able to pass emissions without too much work. I figure I could reflash and do things like change an intake out, but I would be reluctant to do something more radical like switch exhaust parts. Is there any benefit to considering something like a complete JCW exhaust that would presumably meet emissions?
- Will an RMW tune preclude being able to pass emissions?
- Is there any reason to consider making a trip to RMW for a dyno tune, or should I start with a canned tune?

I guess my goal is to add some power to a daily driver, without sacrificing too much in terms of reliability.

Also - if there are threads that address this question (tuning and being able to pass emissions), please don't flame. I searched, but couldn't find them. I'd be happy to read any links and not waste your time if this has been addressed.

 

Covered eleventy billion times.

Since you live in Cali, you need to have a CARB exemption # for any visible modifications or you will fail the visual inspection.

I don't know of ANY intakes (except the JCW intake) that will pass.

Tuning, Jan at RMW uses the DimSport tuning flashloader. (I've got it, it works fine)
Alta uses the Accessport by Cobb tuning, (Cobb will no longer be supporting the MINI), but Alta will. It works too. A custom, on site, tune will always be better than a canned tune. Every car is different. They should all pass emissions provided they aren't turning off the CEL light (like for a catless downpipe)

FMIC is a must. Helix, Forge, Alta, all work.

Yes, a JCW exhaust will pass, most other downpipe back pipes that remove the second cat, may fail visual (probably not), all will pass a sniffer test. Cheap exhausts will drone. (the Invidia I bought was horrible at highway speed, I sold it less than a week later) The NM and Akrapovic didn't. ($1199, and $1700+ respectfully)

Be advised, the Mini will NEVER EVER be a fast straight line car.

But yea, either Alta, or RMW tuning will work for you. I'd get a FMIC and stage 1 tuning, and call it a day until you learn more.

 

The NM Engineering intake comes with a CARB sticker. I live in WI, so laws are a bit more lax, but I assume it should pass, correct?

 

(double post)

 

Boy you have to spend some big cash on this car to get just a little more zip. Doesn't really make a whole lot of sense for a California daily driver that's stuck in traffic a lot.

The worthwhile additions are a bigger intercooler, high flow downpipe, and an ECU tune. I'm not sure how the high flow downpipe will work out since I don't think any are CARB approved. Total cost is at least $2500 w/labor for about 30-40hp. It might be time to think about moving

For that amount of money i'd be looking at new tires and suspension. That's the place to start on a MINI, not the powertrain. There have been a handful of people that have thrown a lot of money at the R56 engine to make more power, and you have to spend thousands to get that "oh ****" look on your face from a 1.6L engine. If you're looking to shave seconds of your lap times the rubber and suspension is what matters most without considering the driver.

 

I'm in SoCal and I could care less about emissions. When it's time to perform emissions I just swap it out. Not that big of a deal. Like shane said, it will cost quite a bit to create the "zip" you want. It'll definitely give you the "oh ****" face, as long as you have an open wallet.

 

Here is another

http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...rod=69-2004TTK
2007 MINI COOPER S 1.6L L4 F/I - US, CoupeStreet Legal In All US States: Yes
CARB EO Number: D-269-37

 

And that is key. A big open wallet

 

[QUOTE=countryboyshane;3657246]Boy you have to spend some big cash on this car to get just a little more zip. Doesn't really make a whole lot of sense for a California daily driver that's stuck in traffic a lot.

It might be time to think about moving

Depends on where you are in California. I woke up this morning to 30 degree weather, a light dusting of snow, and there are rarely traffic problems. Lots of twisty roads to play on, 2 hours to the beach, half hour to a ski resort..... California is great if we could get rid of the liberal laws and the taxes.... Oh well, you have to pay to play...

 

[quote=cop1406;3657291]Sounds amazing. I love to Ski and love the beach. Indianapolis is in the middle of nowhere in comparison. I can ski two hours away if you want to call it skiing. Beach is forever Very jealous. Maybe I can retire out west.

 

Find out what maintenance and warranty work has been done on the car first. Your 07 was the first of the new generation, and you want to make sure that the timing chain and water pump warranty has been done. For a low mileage car, there is also a good chance that there is significant carbon buildup, which should be cleaned before you get too far into the mods. Search for these items (carbon buildup will also be covered in Oil Catch Can (OCC) threads).
The good thing is that the MINI runs pretty well as it is. When you add 20 ft-lb of torque you really notice it (I have major traction problems with my winter tires in the dry). I have an Accessport and like it a bunch because it reduces the throttle delay. I don't know if the RMW does that or not. With my AP, I uninstall it for my yearly inspection, then reinstall the tune when I get home. Again, I don't know if this is possible with the RMW or not.
Welcome to the club, keep reading and have fun.

Mike

 

Thanks for the responses guys! I appreciate all the advice. I'll dig into this a little more and plan a trip down to RMW for the spring (and look into some suspension mods as Shane advises).

Right now, 30 hp seems like it would be a pretty noticeable difference though!

 

Well, if you can care less, at least you care some. I'll think of you when I see the reports of brown air in SoCal...lol

Plus you get to make that "oh crap face" when your high strung MCS breaks a piston. (how many of those have we been seeing...?)

 

Heh. Okay.

48k miles and still going strong. I'm not too worried when it breaks down. It'll get fixed either way, before or after they go.