I've pretty much given up on trying to find anyone here in the Midwest to do a custom tune on my R53. Even the MINI dealers are here are clueless when it comes to the R53s.

So...I've decided to try a canned tune, just to see what kind of improvements it will make. I have an 03' JCW MCS......the 200hp model. In 2005 the JCW models came with the JCW intake, and also the 380cc injectors. I've got an intake, but haven't got the 380cc injectors yet that all of the 05+ JCW's come with. I would like to find a canned tune that would work with the 380cc injectors when I install them.

I'm not looking for huge power gains...just a tune that will work with 380cc injectors, smooth out the power a little bit, and give me some better throttle response.

I've searched the forums, and it seems like there are not many options out there for canned tunes. I thought I would see if any of you guys could steer me in the right direction.

Thanks!

 

Since you have everything but the injectors, get them and then have the dealer add the JCW factory tune to it.

 

Your referring to the air intake assembly and not the intake manifold I take it?

 

If it was that simple, I would have done it a long time ago. I have called the closest MINI dealership to me (3 hour drive), and as soon as I start talking to them about a JCW tune on an R53….I knew it was a lost cause. I’m confident that if my problem was “I have a rough running 2012 MINI”…they could help me out, but when it comes to the Gen 1 R53’s….they are lost. I’ve called multiple times and talked to the service manager, and a long detailed conversation with him trying to explain to him that I wanted to upgrade my 03’ JCW tune (no 380cc injectors) to the 05’ JCW Tune (with 380cc injectors)….and then him finally saying “so, your mini cooper is not running right, and you think the injectors are messed up???”……I finally gave up.

Like I said, I’ve tried going the dealer route, and it’s a waste of time. If I lived on the East or West coast, it would be a different story. It’s frustrating to say the least.

 

I've got an aftermarket intake.....

 

Sorry your dealer sucks. I believe Jan (RMW) can do a can tune.

 

Jan (RMW) did the tune on my R53 when he was here in Philly at Helix. Very noticeable improvement in performance.

If you can work it out, Jan is the Man!

 

IQ, I take it you're looking for a less expensive route than custom tuning, and the upgraded JCW tune w/ the 380's is the only "canned" tune I would trust, while some people have been happy with some of the canned tunes available over the years, most have been a bust, either no real improvement or once checked, actually bad for your motor.

That being said, where in missouri are you, I have one possibility in the StL area, but if they're no help the only other option IMO would be to save up for a custom remote tune.

Or, just install the 380's, drive it a bit & let the ECU do some self-adapting & see if you think it has helped / more to your liking, won't cost you anything but time (I'm guessing you either have or are getting the 380's anyway) and worse case, you don't like it, swap the injectors back, let the ECU re-adapt & work toward a custom solution.

 

Yes, you are 100% right. I'm looking for a tune that will make my mini run smoother, with better response, and a little more power and tq, and maybe even a little better MPG.

The problem, is that I don't want to spend $700+ to do it. An RMW canned tune would be awesome, but I don't want to spend $300 on the flash tool, and $350 for the tune. For a few hundred more I can drive a few hours and put the car on a dyno and do a remote tune. But then you are talking close to $1000....for what? A slightly smoother running daily driver and 10+/- HP? Is that REALLY worth $1000?

I would LOVE to just have my 03' JCW upgraded to the 05' 210hp JCW tune at a dealer....but like I said, the ones I have contacted are clueless.

If you have a contact in St.Louis, that would be great. From what I have been told..

IF I can find a dealer who knows what they are doing, they usually charge $100 or so to update to the 210hp JCW flash. That would be my most cost effective route.....and I think the best choice for what I'm wanting right now.

 

You must be talking about the Pipercross intake? Not the intake manifold as the R53 uses the same intake manifold on both the MCS and the JCW. Sorry my brain just gets to technical at times.

 

I'll get a number & PM you some info later on.

 

Sounds good, thanks for the number. I'll have to get them a call.