Drivetrain F55 Modification opinions/help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-15-2018, 11:57 PM
heavyJ's Avatar
heavyJ
heavyJ is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: MO
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
F55 Modification opinions/help

I want to first say I was going back and forth when I first purchased my F55 about getting the JCW tune upgrade but the high price tag with installation it just seemed crazy, and all the bluetooth issues and such, I scrapped it and just kept it stock. Now 2 years later, I am thinking of doing this all at once to hopefully go smoother and save on some labor if I cant do it myself. Which I could definitely not do on the JCW kit. I know there are less options with F55 so maybe someone has something I am missing.

The Modifications

Bytetronik Tune - LINK

Milltek downpipe-LINK

Remus sport exhaust--LINK Gives option of flap open or closed

OR

NM Cat back system - LINK just different exhaust



I know the tune will boost performance and needed for CEL, but I guess my questions are the following. The Cat less DP will make performance a little better and change the sound. But do I really need the exhaust because is that going to do much but just change the sound. Also anyone running the Milltek with stock exhaust and what are your thoughts? Will no cat and Remus sport mode be too much, because that is getting close to straight pipe. Also any other different exhaust out there anyone would suggest for a F55?
 
  #2  
Old 04-16-2018, 12:04 AM
vetsvette's Avatar
vetsvette
vetsvette is offline
Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: South Central Virginia
Posts: 3,896
Received 450 Likes on 343 Posts
I would go with the first three. Add colder plugs (available from ByteTronik) and a bigger intercooler (available from BT, Helix, Forge, etc.)
 
  #3  
Old 04-16-2018, 07:02 AM
Bytetronik's Avatar
Bytetronik
Bytetronik is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 592
Received 83 Likes on 57 Posts
Originally Posted by vetsvette
I would go with the first three. Add colder plugs (available from ByteTronik) and a bigger intercooler (available from BT, Helix, Forge, etc.)
Ditto this. The DP is a matter of funds. We would suggest in this order:
  1. Exhaust
  2. Intercooler
  3. Intake or drop-in dry filter
  4. NGK Colder plugs with Stage-1 Tune
  5. DP (with bigger turbo)
 
The following users liked this post:
bratling (04-17-2018)
  #4  
Old 04-16-2018, 07:05 AM
Zix's Avatar
Zix
Zix is offline
1st Gear
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 26
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Bytetronik
Ditto this. The DP is a matter of funds. We would suggest in this order:
  1. Exhaust
  2. Intercooler
  3. Intake or drop-in dry filter
  4. NGK Colder plugs with Stage-1 Tune
  5. DP (with bigger turbo)
Who manufactures a turbo that would be a good upgrade?
 
  #5  
Old 04-16-2018, 08:08 AM
Bytetronik's Avatar
Bytetronik
Bytetronik is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 592
Received 83 Likes on 57 Posts
Originally Posted by Zix
Who manufactures a turbo that would be a good upgrade?
Nothing conclusive yet at this time on the turbo. We'll be testing the turbo and pistons upgrade in the near future. We just received some OEM-size forged pistons (custom made) as a drop-in replacement to the factory cast pistons.

For inter cooler, we highly recommend the Airtec.





 
  #6  
Old 04-16-2018, 10:58 AM
vetsvette's Avatar
vetsvette
vetsvette is offline
Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: South Central Virginia
Posts: 3,896
Received 450 Likes on 343 Posts
What's the compression ratio going to be with those ceramic coated pistons?
 
  #7  
Old 04-16-2018, 11:27 AM
Bytetronik's Avatar
Bytetronik
Bytetronik is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 592
Received 83 Likes on 57 Posts
Originally Posted by vetsvette
what's the compression ratio going to be with those ceramic coated pistons?
10.2
 
  #8  
Old 04-16-2018, 01:05 PM
vetsvette's Avatar
vetsvette
vetsvette is offline
Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: South Central Virginia
Posts: 3,896
Received 450 Likes on 343 Posts
So, how much boost do you think they can handle without compromising the con rods? Will they require a larger turbocharger? Just curious before I start scheming again.
 
  #9  
Old 04-16-2018, 01:27 PM
Mini_Vinnie's Avatar
Mini_Vinnie
Mini_Vinnie is offline
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 1,571
Received 265 Likes on 209 Posts
I really need to move back to Austin.
 
  #10  
Old 04-16-2018, 02:34 PM
Bytetronik's Avatar
Bytetronik
Bytetronik is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 592
Received 83 Likes on 57 Posts
Originally Posted by vetsvette
So, how much boost do you think they can handle without compromising the con rods? Will they require a larger turbocharger? Just curious before I start scheming again.
We'll let you know when we reach that point Stay tuned
 
The following users liked this post:
vetsvette (04-16-2018)
  #11  
Old 04-17-2018, 08:49 AM
charrigan's Avatar
charrigan
charrigan is offline
3rd Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 178
Received 33 Likes on 22 Posts
sorry for going off topic OP but has the actual weak point of the b46/48 actually been found? Why pistons before rods?
 
  #12  
Old 04-17-2018, 11:01 AM
Bytetronik's Avatar
Bytetronik
Bytetronik is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 592
Received 83 Likes on 57 Posts
Originally Posted by charrigan
sorry for going off topic OP but has the actual weak point of the b46/48 actually been found? Why pistons before rods?
This is the bottom side of the stock F56 pistons... what do you see?

 
  #13  
Old 04-17-2018, 11:03 AM
heavyJ's Avatar
heavyJ
heavyJ is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: MO
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by charrigan
sorry for going off topic OP but has the actual weak point of the b46/48 actually been found? Why pistons before rods?

No worries interesting stuff
 
  #14  
Old 04-17-2018, 11:32 AM
charrigan's Avatar
charrigan
charrigan is offline
3rd Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 178
Received 33 Likes on 22 Posts
Originally Posted by Bytetronik
This is the bottom side of the stock F56 pistons... what do you see?

looks like a run of the mill bmw n54, n55, b58, b46/48 cast piston to me.
 
  #15  
Old 04-17-2018, 11:55 AM
charrigan's Avatar
charrigan
charrigan is offline
3rd Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 178
Received 33 Likes on 22 Posts
Originally Posted by heavyJ

The Modifications

Bytetronik Tune - LINK

Milltek downpipe-LINK

Remus sport exhaust--LINK Gives option of flap open or closed

OR

NM Cat back system - LINK just different exhaust
A couple things to note. The NM cat-back deletes the secondary cat. The remus sport does not replace the secondary cat. A catback is going to net you minimal gains. Just added noise. Theoretically the NM exhaust should gain you slightly more due to deleting the 2nd cat.

Another option if you just want more noise is you can go a frankenstein Milltek exhaust. Since Milltek does not have a f55 exhaust you can purchase the non-resonated front silencer replacement pipe and the oe downpipe to milltek exhaust adapter. You would need a reducer to clamp on the front milltek pipe with the stock exhaust. This would delete your secondary cat and resonator but retaining the stock rear muffler.

A downpipe will gain you some power with a tune vs a car with factory downpipe. The factory downpipe has a cat right off the turbo which hurts some flow as well as increased egt's. The Milltek downpipe is the best on the market currently. The catless version has an extended secondary o2 sensor bung. They claim it wont cause a CEL and I have not seen any reports of someone saying the catless downpipe in fact caused a cat efficiency code.

On stock turbo an intake is pretty much useless unless you just want more noise.

IMO your best bang for the buck power wise doing a downpipe, intercooler, and tune. Do all 3 at the same time so your car has to be tuned once and youre not paying $100 per tune adjustment for an added part.
 
  #16  
Old 04-17-2018, 12:09 PM
Mini_Vinnie's Avatar
Mini_Vinnie
Mini_Vinnie is offline
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 1,571
Received 265 Likes on 209 Posts
Originally Posted by Bytetronik
This is the bottom side of the stock F56 pistons... what do you see?

I finally see a ship!! I hate these stupid pictures but after looking at this for an hour, i see it!!!





I'll see myself out
 
  #17  
Old 04-17-2018, 12:46 PM
vetsvette's Avatar
vetsvette
vetsvette is offline
Moderator
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: South Central Virginia
Posts: 3,896
Received 450 Likes on 343 Posts
No, no Vinnie. It's a cat!
And it doesn't have a full skirt.
 
  #18  
Old 04-17-2018, 12:58 PM
heavyJ's Avatar
heavyJ
heavyJ is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: MO
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
It is crazy Mini went through all the work to put a magic eye on the bottom of their pistons, those things were all the rage in the 90's, I guess they are bringing them back. Thanks Mini for your attention to detail!!!
 
  #19  
Old 04-17-2018, 01:01 PM
Mini_Vinnie's Avatar
Mini_Vinnie
Mini_Vinnie is offline
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 1,571
Received 265 Likes on 209 Posts
Originally Posted by vetsvette
No, no Vinnie. It's a cat!
And it doesn't have a full skirt.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
 
  #20  
Old 04-17-2018, 01:49 PM
bratling's Avatar
bratling
bratling is offline
Super Moderator
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: May 2009
Location: North of Boston, MA
Posts: 1,675
Received 217 Likes on 151 Posts
Originally Posted by Bytetronik
This is the bottom side of the stock F56 pistons... what do you see?

um… surprisingly little side skirt? I am not an engine designer but that seems like it might not be the best weight-strength trade off to make.

Did I guess right? If so, do I win a prize?
 
  #21  
Old 04-17-2018, 07:43 PM
camptown's Avatar
camptown
camptown is offline
2nd Gear
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
I can give you my impressions later this week.

Currently have JCW factory exhaust with flap open. Running BT tune and adding a Milltek DP and AirTec IC on Thursday.

Not exactly the set up you were asking about but it is close.

 
  #22  
Old 04-18-2018, 07:08 AM
charrigan's Avatar
charrigan
charrigan is offline
3rd Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 178
Received 33 Likes on 22 Posts
Originally Posted by bratling
um… surprisingly little side skirt? I am not an engine designer but that seems like it might not be the best weight-strength trade off to make.
the piston skirt and design is no different design compared to previous and current forced induction bmw engines B and N family.
The B series engines are a modular design. Same bore and stroke etc. The b58 engine is proven to be able to handle north of 500+whp on stock internals once you get past the fueling limitations. The b58 piston looks essentially identical design to the b48 piston.

I am still waiting for an educated answer from Mike in regards to how and why he feels the piston is the weak point of the B46/48. Other than severe detonation causing the piston to crack BUT detonation can easily take out a forged piston as well.

Mike do you know more about the only known tuned b48 engine failure than we do?
 
  #23  
Old 04-18-2018, 07:50 AM
Bytetronik's Avatar
Bytetronik
Bytetronik is offline
Former Vendor
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 592
Received 83 Likes on 57 Posts
Originally Posted by charrigan
the piston skirt and design is no different design compared to previous and current forced induction bmw engines B and N family.
The B series engines are a modular design. Same bore and stroke etc. The b58 engine is proven to be able to handle north of 500+whp on stock internals once you get past the fueling limitations. The b58 piston looks essentially identical design to the b48 piston.

I am still waiting for an educated answer from Mike in regards to how and why he feels the piston is the weak point of the B46/48. Other than severe detonation causing the piston to crack BUT detonation can easily take out a forged piston as well.

Mike do you know more about the only known tuned b48 engine failure than we do?
We are not mechanical engineers and can't speculate what the B46/B48 MINI engine can or can not do. All we can do is provide results once our testings are completed with our forged pistons.
 
  #24  
Old 04-18-2018, 08:08 AM
charrigan's Avatar
charrigan
charrigan is offline
3rd Gear
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 178
Received 33 Likes on 22 Posts
Originally Posted by Bytetronik
We are not mechanical engineers and can't speculate what the B46/B48 MINI engine can or can not do. All we can do is provide results once our testings are completed with our forged pistons.
Why not test what is possible on stock internals before diving into replacing internals? Without knowing the limitations of the engine weather it be fueling, rods, pistons, etc why waste money building an engine?
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NJ Mini
F55/F56 :: Hatch Talk (2014+)
25
07-20-2016 05:58 AM
Engin
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
12
02-22-2008 06:48 AM
mach schnell
Interior/Exterior
8
12-04-2007 02:09 PM
Simon Washington
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
5
11-19-2006 07:38 PM
dalenelson
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
1
12-09-2003 09:36 AM



Quick Reply: Drivetrain F55 Modification opinions/help



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:36 PM.