Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R56) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Blow off valve

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-24-2018, 12:10 PM
Kevinp_27's Avatar
Kevinp_27
Kevinp_27 is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 137
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Blow off valve

Is it possible and safe to run a blow off valve instead of a DV? Does the ECU need a new tune since its measuring the air that's going back into the intake
 
  #2  
Old 08-26-2018, 10:56 PM
squawSkiBum's Avatar
squawSkiBum
squawSkiBum is offline
Moderator
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 1,736
Received 302 Likes on 223 Posts
On the N18 engine this will cause a CEL. On the N14 some people say they get a CEL with a BOV and some say they don't. The ECU is measuring the air at the MAF and if you are blowing it off instead of recirculating the ECU will see it as a loss of metered air.
 
  #3  
Old 08-27-2018, 05:13 AM
njaremka's Avatar
njaremka
njaremka is offline
Alliance Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: WNY
Posts: 6,108
Received 1,710 Likes on 1,379 Posts
Originally Posted by squawSkiBum
On the N18 engine this will cause a CEL. On the N14 some people say they get a CEL with a BOV and some say they don't. The ECU is measuring the air at the MAF and if you are blowing it off instead of recirculating the ECU will see it as a loss of metered air.
blah, blah, blah, blah, blah....

Unless you have actually installed one, you shouldn't comment. I have had a Torque Solutions diverter adapter plate with a Forge valve installed to my Clubman S for two years and ~45,000+ miles, and NO issues or CELs.
 
  #4  
Old 08-27-2018, 08:35 AM
Kevinp_27's Avatar
Kevinp_27
Kevinp_27 is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 137
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Originally Posted by njaremka
blah, blah, blah, blah, blah....

Unless you have actually installed one, you shouldn't comment. I have had a Torque Solutions diverter adapter plate with a Forge valve installed to my Clubman S for two years and ~45,000+ miles, and NO issues or CELs.
Good to hear, could you please post a link to the adapter/Forge bov? thank you!
 
  #5  
Old 08-27-2018, 08:41 AM
njaremka's Avatar
njaremka
njaremka is offline
Alliance Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: WNY
Posts: 6,108
Received 1,710 Likes on 1,379 Posts
I have this valve installed:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-forge-pa.../fmdvr60r~frg/

And this diverter plate:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-torque-s...-r56-bovs~tor/

I have a 2012 Clubman S with N18 engine. I am running a Manic stage 2 tune, but the valve and plate were installed prior to flashing the tune. The plate needs minor modification to fit next to the stock waste gate housing, but nothing a little bit of sandpaper couldn't handle. I get lots of fun noises between the diverter plate and the sport mode popcorns.
 
  #6  
Old 08-27-2018, 08:50 AM
Kevinp_27's Avatar
Kevinp_27
Kevinp_27 is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 137
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
Originally Posted by njaremka
I have this valve installed:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-forge-pa.../fmdvr60r~frg/

And this diverter plate:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-torque-s...-r56-bovs~tor/

I have a 2012 Clubman S with N18 engine. I am running a Manic stage 2 tune, but the valve and plate were installed prior to flashing the tune. The plate needs minor modification to fit next to the stock waste gate housing, but nothing a little bit of sandpaper couldn't handle. I get lots of fun noises between the diverter plate and the sport mode popcorns.
I had my ECU flashed by Mario, if I got a BOV would it mess with the tune? and is it hard to fit it on the stock wastegate housing or was it pretty straightforward
 
  #7  
Old 08-27-2018, 09:53 AM
MrGrumpy's Avatar
MrGrumpy
MrGrumpy is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Washington state
Posts: 1,361
Received 241 Likes on 207 Posts
Right upfront: I do not have, nor have I tried to use one. That said, I have looked into it. It seems, from what I’ve found, like the adapter plates are kind of hit or miss. Some folks have no issues at all, some get a CEL. The only way to really know is to try it on your car. It appears that the whole Forge unit, as opposed to the adapter plate, causes less issues, but I’m not quite sure anymore, as it appears that those units now have the adapter screwed on the bottom as well, instead of being one piece anymore. But that just from a quick look. I’m not trying to sound like any kind of authority on this at all, but I have checked into it because I do love the sound! I ended up getting a DV+ and it works great, but is very quiet. I’m curious if the adapter plate can be paired with the DV+. That would be perfect!
Good luck on it, and post your results if you do try it. The good thing is if you do get one and can’t use it, you can always put it up for resale here on NAM
 
  #8  
Old 08-27-2018, 10:43 AM
njaremka's Avatar
njaremka
njaremka is offline
Alliance Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: WNY
Posts: 6,108
Received 1,710 Likes on 1,379 Posts
Originally Posted by MrGrumpy
Right upfront: I do not have, nor have I tried to use one. That said, I have looked into it. It seems, from what I’ve found, like the adapter plates are kind of hit or miss. Some folks have no issues at all, some get a CEL. The only way to really know is to try it on your car. It appears that the whole Forge unit, as opposed to the adapter plate, causes less issues, but I’m not quite sure anymore, as it appears that those units now have the adapter screwed on the bottom as well, instead of being one piece anymore. But that just from a quick look. I’m not trying to sound like any kind of authority on this at all, but I have checked into it because I do love the sound! I ended up getting a DV+ and it works great, but is very quiet. I’m curious if the adapter plate can be paired with the DV+. That would be perfect!
Good luck on it, and post your results if you do try it. The good thing is if you do get one and can’t use it, you can always put it up for resale here on NAM
I appreciate the clarification.

I have a friend with a 2009 Cooper S with the N14 motor, and we installed the same bypass plate to his car. He is still running the OEM diverter valve, and has no issue with CEL or stumble. His was performed maybe a year ago, and 12,000 miles. His is also a daily driver.
 
  #9  
Old 08-27-2018, 10:52 AM
squawSkiBum's Avatar
squawSkiBum
squawSkiBum is offline
Moderator
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 1,736
Received 302 Likes on 223 Posts
Originally Posted by njaremka
blah, blah, blah, blah, blah....

Unless you have actually installed one, you shouldn't comment. I have had a Torque Solutions diverter adapter plate with a Forge valve installed to my Clubman S for two years and ~45,000+ miles, and NO issues or CELs.
Let's be precise with our descriptions.

If it is a Blow Off Valve and vents boost pressure to atmosphere, it will cause a CEL. If it is a recirculating valve, then it has the same function as the stock recirculating valve and won't cause a CEL. The Forge valve is a recirculating valve, from the description at WMW: "The Forge valve is not really a blow off valve, but this is what it is commonly referred to as it is actually a recirculation valve. It does NOT vent the boost to the atmosphere like a blow off valve, but actually recirculates it like the design of the MINI originally has..."

The OP asked about blow off valves. There are plenty of threads here about the issues, some people say they get CELs, some people say it works just fine. This was a topic I researched carefully before deciding to spend my money on other things. The engine and ECU are designed for recirculating, while you won't get whoooshy noises, a recirculating valve will keep the turbo spinning and result in less turbo lag when you get back on the throttle.
 
  #10  
Old 08-27-2018, 03:30 PM
njaremka's Avatar
njaremka
njaremka is offline
Alliance Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: WNY
Posts: 6,108
Received 1,710 Likes on 1,379 Posts
Originally Posted by squawSkiBum
Let's be precise with our descriptions.

If it is a Blow Off Valve and vents boost pressure to atmosphere, it will cause a CEL. If it is a recirculating valve, then it has the same function as the stock recirculating valve and won't cause a CEL. The Forge valve is a recirculating valve, from the description at WMW: "The Forge valve is not really a blow off valve, but this is what it is commonly referred to as it is actually a recirculation valve. It does NOT vent the boost to the atmosphere like a blow off valve, but actually recirculates it like the design of the MINI originally has..."

The OP asked about blow off valves. There are plenty of threads here about the issues, some people say they get CELs, some people say it works just fine. This was a topic I researched carefully before deciding to spend my money on other things. The engine and ECU are designed for recirculating, while you won't get whoooshy noises, a recirculating valve will keep the turbo spinning and result in less turbo lag when you get back on the throttle.
Yeah, thanks, I know what I’m talking about. You are correct that the Forge valve linked is a “diverter” valve, but installed with the TS bypass plate, it becomes a blow-off valve that dumps to atmosphere, which is what the OP was asking about...
 
  #11  
Old 08-27-2018, 08:00 PM
squawSkiBum's Avatar
squawSkiBum
squawSkiBum is offline
Moderator
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 1,736
Received 302 Likes on 223 Posts
Originally Posted by njaremka


Yeah, thanks, I know what I’m talking about. You are correct that the Forge valve linked is a “diverter” valve, but installed with the TS bypass plate, it becomes a blow-off valve that dumps to atmosphere, which is what the OP was asking about...
Since it works for you, I'm genuinely curious - 1) how did you manage to install it? Since on my N18 there's no room behind the stock diverter valve to add any spacer, due to the cooling plumbing for the turbo. This is one of the issues I found during my research on the topic some years ago. 2) do you notice any performance impact? 3) why did you decide to install it?

thanks.
 
  #12  
Old 08-28-2018, 05:24 AM
njaremka's Avatar
njaremka
njaremka is offline
Alliance Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: WNY
Posts: 6,108
Received 1,710 Likes on 1,379 Posts
Originally Posted by squawSkiBum
Since it works for you, I'm genuinely curious - 1) how did you manage to install it? Since on my N18 there's no room behind the stock diverter valve to add any spacer, due to the cooling plumbing for the turbo. This is one of the issues I found during my research on the topic some years ago. 2) do you notice any performance impact? 3) why did you decide to install it?

thanks.
1) It is tight behind the OEM diverter valve, but there is just enough room for the plate. There is slightly more space on the N14 engine. I gained a little more wiggle room to the coolant line with the use of the Forge valve.
2) No performance impact, good or bad, that I can tell.
3) I installed it when I bought the car because I wanted to hear the turbo blow-off sounds, it was purely an emotional decision.
 
  #13  
Old 08-30-2018, 10:30 PM
renchjeep's Avatar
renchjeep
renchjeep is offline
6th Gear
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Aguanga, CA
Posts: 1,114
Received 46 Likes on 38 Posts
I installed a Forge atmospheric BOV (FMDVR60A) on my 2011 N18 more than 30k miles ago, did not use a spacer, and have had no check engine light issues related to this install. Love the noise, and I do believe that boost recovers more quickly after shifts versus the stock recirc valve, even after I had installed the heavier ALTA spring on my stock recirc valve.
 
  #14  
Old 08-31-2018, 09:29 PM
squawSkiBum's Avatar
squawSkiBum
squawSkiBum is offline
Moderator
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 1,736
Received 302 Likes on 223 Posts
OK it looks like I was mistaken about the vent to atmosphere (VTA) valve on the N18. It is about 50/50 on the N14 though based on posts from people who have installed one.

The reason for either a VTA or recirculating valve is to prevent turbo "flutter", which is the impeller blades of the turbo stalling when the air stops moving because the throttle closed. This can damage the turbo bearings. N14 and N18 engines differ in that the N14 uses the throttle plate to regulate airflow into the intake manifold, the N18 uses variable valve lift. I'm not sure how this affects the overall issue but since there is a longer path in the N18 vs. the N14 (the N18 air path is all the way through the throttle body and intake runners up to the intake valves) there's likely more of a spring or cushion effect when you suddenly lift in the N18 vs. the N14. In either case there is be a boost spike as moving air hits closed throttle plate or intake valves.

With sustained full throttle, the turbo will be at maximum RPM so lifting suddenly and closing the throttle plate (N14) or reducing intake valve lift (N18) will stop the airflow out of the turbo. That airflow either has to get vented or recirculated. Venting it makes noise, which some people like, but it also means that the pressure the turbo has been working hard to build is lost and the turbo starts to slow down. Recirculating the output of the turbo back to the input keeps the turbo from slowing down which means that boost will build faster once you're back on the throttle again, so it minimizes turbo lag.

I get it that some people like to hear the noise of the turbo boost being released. I'm an engineer and tend to over analyze things, I think the recirculating valve is an elegant solution to minimizing turbo lag, and will always make my decision based on performance and efficiency. The original reciculation valve is well known for failures, there is an updated part available. But it's your MINI, you get to do what you want with it.
 
  #15  
Old 08-31-2018, 11:06 PM
MrGrumpy's Avatar
MrGrumpy
MrGrumpy is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Washington state
Posts: 1,361
Received 241 Likes on 207 Posts
Originally Posted by squawSkiBum
OK it looks like I was mistaken about the vent to atmosphere (VTA) valve on the N18. It is about 50/50 on the N14 though based on posts from people who have installed one.

The reason for either a VTA or recirculating valve is to prevent turbo "flutter", which is the impeller blades of the turbo stalling when the air stops moving because the throttle closed. This can damage the turbo bearings. N14 and N18 engines differ in that the N14 uses the throttle plate to regulate airflow into the intake manifold, the N18 uses variable valve lift. I'm not sure how this affects the overall issue but since there is a longer path in the N18 vs. the N14 (the N18 air path is all the way through the throttle body and intake runners up to the intake valves) there's likely more of a spring or cushion effect when you suddenly lift in the N18 vs. the N14. In either case there is be a boost spike as moving air hits closed throttle plate or intake valves.

With sustained full throttle, the turbo will be at maximum RPM so lifting suddenly and closing the throttle plate (N14) or reducing intake valve lift (N18) will stop the airflow out of the turbo. That airflow either has to get vented or recirculated. Venting it makes noise, which some people like, but it also means that the pressure the turbo has been working hard to build is lost and the turbo starts to slow down. Recirculating the output of the turbo back to the input keeps the turbo from slowing down which means that boost will build faster once you're back on the throttle again, so it minimizes turbo lag.

I get it that some people like to hear the noise of the turbo boost being released. I'm an engineer and tend to over analyze things, I think the recirculating valve is an elegant solution to minimizing turbo lag, and will always make my decision based on performance and efficiency. The original reciculation valve is well known for failures, there is an updated part available. But it's your MINI, you get to do what you want with it.
This is why I decided to give the GFB DV+ a go. It works quite well. Although I don’t get the nifty noises hardly at all now (its very quiet), it does a superb job of holding more boost between shifts than the factory DV. I would much rather have the improvement in performance than neat sounds any day.
That said, I do get enough noise from other sources to be happy! Between the sound of the exhaust, the pops, and sweet sound of the spooling turbo are enough to make me grin.
 
  #16  
Old 10-04-2018, 06:55 PM
RChandler's Avatar
RChandler
RChandler is offline
1st Gear
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Central NC
Posts: 29
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Diverter plate

Not to revive anything dead but there are not enough people who have tried it and posted results.

$20 ebay n14 diverter plate fit on my n18 just had to notch the front mounting hole edge and widen the crappy China holes. I also bought American bolts for my comfort.

I would advise buying name brand unless you have small hands and patience but I was not positive it would fit so $90 vs $20 wasted I'll take my $23 3 hour no CEL "woosh", though eventually I may add a real bov for the "psssht"

my $0.02

Edit note: I am running a newer jb+ at 50% just in case that might help fool MAF though I dont think so.
and what are peoples opinions [ if any] on blocking off a 2 of the holes in the diverter plate for less woosh more psssht , I imagine if I take mine off it will be to add real BOV but jw.
 
  #17  
Old 10-13-2018, 09:29 PM
drea-min's Avatar
drea-min
drea-min is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Makakilo,Hawaii
Posts: 295
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Blow off valve adapter

Originally Posted by RChandler
Not to revive anything dead but there are not enough people who have tried it and posted results.

$20 ebay n14 diverter plate fit on my n18 just had to notch the front mounting hole edge and widen the crappy China holes. I also bought American bolts for my comfort.

I would advise buying name brand unless you have small hands and patience but I was not positive it would fit so $90 vs $20 wasted I'll take my $23 3 hour no CEL "woosh", though eventually I may add a real bov for the "psssht"

my $0.02

Edit note: I am running a newer jb+ at 50% just in case that might help fool MAF though I dont think so.
and what are peoples opinions [ if any] on blocking off a 2 of the holes in the diverter plate for less woosh more psssht , I imagine if I take mine off it will be to add real BOV but jw.
i installed the diverter plate or adapter after i did the walnut media blast and replaced the internal spring on the diverter valve and i had issue, evertime i pressed the gas it bogged down several times it sounds like its popping, once or twice no CEL and if i keep pushing the car and pressed the gas im getting P0302 and P0304. I removed the adapter, same issue, third attemt i reinstalled the original spring on the diverter valve the same issue. Any idea what's going on? Do i need to replace the Diverter valve? Any help ican get are much appreciated.
 
  #18  
Old 10-14-2018, 12:17 AM
MrGrumpy's Avatar
MrGrumpy
MrGrumpy is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Washington state
Posts: 1,361
Received 241 Likes on 207 Posts
Well the codes are for cylinder 2 & 4 misfire. There are several things that can cause a misfire, unfortunately. What year is your car? Was it doing this before you did the walnut blast, or was it after? As for the diverter, what was the reason for the swap? Was it misfiring before you did anything to the diverter? You can take a look at your plugs, to see what condition they are in, when we’re they changed last? Same question for the coils. Are you getting any other codes or symptoms?
As a first step, if it were me, and the plugs and coils are ok, I would first determine when it started occurring, and if it was immediately after doing something to the car. If it started right after changing something on the car, I would start my investigation there. Go over all the connections to make sure they are all connected properly and locked in place, and make sure and screws and bolts are tight, etc. What brought it on and when will be important in trying to diagnose it. But start by inspecting the plugs and coils, they are simple and easy to get to and check out.
Let is know how it goes, good luck
 
  #19  
Old 10-14-2018, 05:02 PM
drea-min's Avatar
drea-min
drea-min is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Makakilo,Hawaii
Posts: 295
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Originally Posted by MrGrumpy
Well the codes are for cylinder 2 & 4 misfire. There are several things that can cause a misfire, unfortunately. What year is your car? Was it doing this before you did the walnut blast, or was it after? As for the diverter, what was the reason for the swap? Was it misfiring before you did anything to the diverter? You can take a look at your plugs, to see what condition they are in, when we’re they changed last? Same question for the coils. Are you getting any other codes or symptoms?
As a first step, if it were me, and the plugs and coils are ok, I would first determine when it started occurring, and if it was immediately after doing something to the car. If it started right after changing something on the car, I would start my investigation there. Go over all the connections to make sure they are all connected properly and locked in place, and make sure and screws and bolts are tight, etc. What brought it on and when will be important in trying to diagnose it. But start by inspecting the plugs and coils, they are simple and easy to get to and check out.
Let is know how it goes, good luck


The car is 2008 Mini Clubman S, prior to the walnut media blast it runs fine i did replaced the spark plugs and all coil because i also getting misfire 2 &4 and it ran fine no CEL for several months, then the walnut blasting, i added the adapter and change the spring hoping to help eliminate the turbo lag time, i installed this add on right after the media blast and when i test drove the car i had this issue, the car runs fine at idle no CEL it revs fine though only when driving and stepped on the gas its sounds like it bogged or pop several times, when i slowly pressed the gas it runs fine. Sports mode does it to it poped releasing something and car slowed down. I just order New Diverter valve because it seems old, the diaphram near the yellow o-ring are deteriorating some rubber or paper looks like fell-off. I hope i can get it fast from WayMotors they said its the newest upgrade type.
One thing i did not pay close attention is monitor the fuel pressure when this is happening, i’m going to test drive the car and see what is fuel pressure show on my Scan-Gauge.
 

Last edited by drea-min; 10-14-2018 at 05:47 PM.
  #20  
Old 10-15-2018, 06:42 PM
MrGrumpy's Avatar
MrGrumpy
MrGrumpy is offline
6th Gear
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Washington state
Posts: 1,361
Received 241 Likes on 207 Posts
That’s a good plan. Monitor as much as you can when it happens. It’s tough to diagnose anything over the internet. But there are unfortunately, several things that can cause something like that. I once had a multiple cylinder misfire with really bad jerking when I put my foot into it a bit. All from overboosting after a turbo swap, because I didn’t check the wastegate adjustment before I installed it. Like I said, lots of causes, lol.
good luck
 
  #21  
Old 10-19-2018, 01:47 PM
drea-min's Avatar
drea-min
drea-min is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Makakilo,Hawaii
Posts: 295
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
I just replaced the Diverter valve (New) and still popped when accelerate a little harder and if i pushed more it slowed down, initially no code but it shows engine check light.
whenever the BST goes 7+ and RPM around 3000plus it popped and the engine lights comes on when i released the gas it reset and when i tried to pushed more it keeps popping the eventually it goes liimmed mode and when i turn off and on the engine it start right away... No code at first then when i checked it after i gets home the code P0302 came on after.

 

Last edited by drea-min; 10-19-2018 at 02:38 PM.
  #22  
Old 10-19-2018, 01:51 PM
drea-min's Avatar
drea-min
drea-min is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Makakilo,Hawaii
Posts: 295
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Diverter valve replaced

I am having difficulties uploading the video..
 

Last edited by drea-min; 10-19-2018 at 02:08 PM.
  #23  
Old 10-19-2018, 03:30 PM
drea-min's Avatar
drea-min
drea-min is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Makakilo,Hawaii
Posts: 295
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
  #24  
Old 10-20-2018, 04:32 AM
njaremka's Avatar
njaremka
njaremka is offline
Alliance Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: WNY
Posts: 6,108
Received 1,710 Likes on 1,379 Posts
So, here’s my take... if you had the misfire code before all this work was done, and you are still getting the misfire code after all this work was done, the condition must still exist. What is the condition of the fuel pump and/or injectors?
 
  #25  
Old 10-20-2018, 10:50 PM
drea-min's Avatar
drea-min
drea-min is offline
3rd Gear
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Makakilo,Hawaii
Posts: 295
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
I didn’t had a chance to look at the injectors and neither the fuel pump, i was assuming the fuel pump is ok because it shows it has enough pressure based on the Scan Gauge, i don’t have any sign of hesitations and idle smoothly. I will have to take it to the dealer and pay them to troubleshoot the fuel pump.
 


Quick Reply: Drivetrain Blow off valve



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:40 PM.