I was considering the Dinan Tb with my JCW kit but the dealer claims that a computer program is required to use the TB and will not work with the TB... is this the case? I see the other TBs and they don't mention any programming.

 

Randy Webb installed my throttle body in Vegas last year. Didn't get a new ecu until later. No problem. Randy installed the Alta pulley, Alta intake, throttle body, coil pack, plugs, and wires, then I got better MPG on the way back at a higher speed then I got going.

Earl

 

So it will try to compensate in closed loop operation (via the oxygen sensors). Open loop mode (I don't know if the Mini does this, but my EFI Ford motor goes into open loop at wide open throttle) uses a program, or map, to know how much fuel and spark advance to use. So as you add modifications, you're asking the car to adapt more and more. And there may be cases where you tune isn't perfect if open loop mode is enabled.

That's not to say they won't give you benefit. You just may get more with a tune on top of that. The first step is to get a tune based on the mods you've made to your motor. This will get you part (probably most) of the way there. For exctracting the very last bit of power from the mods, you need to tune for your exact combination of parts, including thier non-ideal behaviours. But it's even more comlicated. You can tune for power, or efficiency, or some combination, so there really is no perfect tune.

If you're interested in low cost ECU tuning, look to the MTH thread, if it still exists!

Matt

 

The dealership likes to overreact and generalize based on their ignorance of the vehicles' operation. Adding a higher flow TB will not require an ECU tune - just like changing the supercharger pulley does not require an ECU tune - it tunes itself.

 

Which is what I thought, I put a larger TB on my Camaro and did nothing with the computer until I added more, and more, and more... but we never tuned for the TB....

Maybe I should just get the Ultrik TB from Mini Mania, I will still have a warrenty....