1.) Is there any point to an upgraded ECU chip, when all I have is an Alta intake (no pulley)? What kind of performance gains could I expect in this circumstance?

2.) Are there any chips that you can set back to "stock" mode for dealership visits? (I'm worried about warranty issues here).

3.) If you CAN set the setting back to stock, what happens if the dealer installs a new version of the ECU? What happens then?

Thanks!

 

Yes there are many benefits to tuning at all mod levels. From the factory the cars tend to be very rich thus giving up H/P. Proper tuning preferably on a dyno with wide band monitoring equipment will optimise the cars performance. As mods are added the car should be retuned.


Regarding "chips" and your dealer that is up to you. My belief is you play you pay.

 

From what I understand GIAC, Unichip and that German "M" company ECU upgrades can be tuned to pretty much any mod configuration you have.

GIAC and Unichip have an option where you can go to one of their tuning centers to have everything dyno tuned. This will produce the most power/torque as they are individually tuned to your MINI. I believe there is also a way to get more generic upgrades from them without visiting a dyno center.

The "M" ECU upgrade allows you to load the configuration on your own. When you add a modification, you send the ECU files to the tuner, he tweaks them and sends them back. You have the option of easily loading the original files back in case of dealer visits, and upgrades to new software versions from MINI are handled by downloading the ECU file and sending it in for an update. For more info check out this thread.