Man. I spent the last two weeks looking at a hot side turbo tube, FMIC and CAI. Only after spending time on the Alta site did I notice that most of the CAI and all of the FMIC and tubing for air intake are not permitted on road vehicles in California. There's plenty of NAM members from CA that are installing these parts, but I'm looking to stay legit and don't want to deal with swapping parts to get smogged.

All I'm looking for is some more low-end torque (I know, I know... 1.6L isn't designed for that). "Mr. Tabasco" drives plenty fast , it's first gear that bums me out (especially with a passenger or in the heat). Looks like the CAI may rob a little on the low end, but it sounds cool and may be helpful if I ever spring for a custom tune (not ready for that yet).

Open to suggestions, stories, limericks, etc.

 

The only CARB Legal upgrade I know is the NM Engineeeing Intake.

 

Unfortunately there really is nothing that is certified CARB legal for California, aside from that NM intake.

And they only certified it because they are based here in Southern California.

You can always do suspension and wheels/tires!

That's much better place to start.

 

Do you guys know if the Forge recirculation valve gives that "whoosh sound" with the stock CAI?

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Yep. Just checked with NM Engineering, only the CAI is CARB approved. Though, they state on their web site "NM Engineering is working to make sure all hi-performance engine products are street legal in all 50-states."

I love my MINI wheels and I'm not doing AutoX.

Really looking for a modest bump in low end torque for 1st gear. With just me in the car and cool temperatures, there isn't a thing I would change... it's everything I want. Put a full grown passenger in there or if the temps are 85F+, that's when it needs 2500+ rpm to get off the line smoothly.

 

You've said it best. If you want to make the MINI faster, the best place to start (besides the driver) is tires and suspension.

 

NewCooperFanatic/countryboyshane: Thanks for taking the time to chime in. If traction or cornering were what I was looking for, wheels and suspension definitely make sense.

Just looked searched the CARB Aftermarket Database, no luck with CARB approved intercoolers for MINIs.

 

Just looked searched the CARB Aftermarket Database, no luck with CARB approved intercoolers for MINIs.[/QUOTE]

How does an upgraded intercooler affect your emissions? I didn't think it mattered if you upgraded your stock intercooler because it's not like there is a catalytic converter in it. It just helps keep the intake air cooler.

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I can't fathom how an intercooler could increase emissions. But, by your logic, my car came with an air intake, I should be able to upgrade that air intake, right? Unfortunately, even replacing the tubing anywhere along the intake path with non-OEM parts requires CARB certification. I'm guessing that MINI had to get the MINI CARB certified anyways, so there's probably a blanket approval for all of the CARB-related parts.

There are plenty of CARB-approved intercoolers, just none for MINIs.

 

I have an accessport, and would remove the tune a day or two before the inspection. After inspection, tune goes back on, a 10 minute job at most. This is the only tune that I've had experience with, but there is a nice boost of midrange torque that makes the car much more fun to drive. The AP is nice because there is a separate dongle to use, rather than some of the others that have a modified ECM (so that tune is not easily removable). Yeah, I know that it is not supported, its just my opinion.

I've done suspension upgrades as well, but the tune is a more noticeable improvement for me.

Intake and exhaust are reasonably well optimized on the car, and like you state, would generally focus on higher RPM improvements, not low end torque.

Do a carbon cleaning (as well as other maintenance) first, then go right for a tune. With no aftermarket hardware on the car, there is no reason to suspect that the car won't pass emissions.

Have fun,
Mike