Drivetrain Least favorite modifications
My little dose of LITHIUM
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 2
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
SpiderX: I think it's a great idea to be a "weekend Unichip tuner" I know you'd be able to keep busy most weekends if you decided to offer the service.
Unfortunately, I still live in BFE (oh, there I go again, I mean Albuquerque) so it won't help me...
cheers,
Unfortunately, I still live in BFE (oh, there I go again, I mean Albuquerque) so it won't help me...
cheers,
UniChip
The UniChip is my least favorite. Though I haven't tried a custom tune yet, I have tried two different canned versions. I will not recount the troubles I had when I first got mine, partly because I was one of the first MCS owners with one but when the problems went away, I was still left with no noticeable power increase, though it was not dyno'd. The second version was a reflash to go with my JCW 210, more noise, less smooth, and NO power increase and this time I had before and after dyno runs, twice. In fact, in the second, more reliable set of runs, it lost power to the OEM JCW software. In fairness to the Uni the GIAC lost power for me also, on the JCW but at least GIAC has a 30 day $$ back guarantee. The differences between my car and the cars the "Canned" programs were done on, is SMALL. I have a different air filter, Madness and JCW vs. Alta and a custom minimal bend cat back with a 5" disc SuperTrapp and 18 discs. I had also tried a 4" Trapp, less discs, no discs or end cap and a Burn's/Coast race muffler. Burn's/Coast was not dyno'd just SOP, where low end felt weak and it was to loud.
Originally Posted by ThumperMCS
I totally disagree about the one-ball. It's by far my favorite mod. So easy, so cheap, and it DOES add performance, and I think it sounds great. Mine definitely sounds different than stock, especially from the outside. I've had many compliments about how good my car sounds. I love it! Should be even more awesome once I get my OBX header!
5th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 784
Likes: 3
From: SE FL (Hell Disguised as Paradise)
Originally Posted by creeker
For the $160 I spent, I got a bit more sound, lost 22 pounds, and to me it sounds a bit cheap. If I could do it all over again, I would spend the extra $400 and get a real exahust with a solid sound that will add a couple of extra hp. I realize now that a one ball is not a good exahust platform for the other mods I will be adding to the car.
Another thing that is mind blowing about these exhaust systems is the price. I am a diesel nut as you can tell. Systems for my Duramax run $500 to $1000 for SS and 5"-6" wide and they are longer than the entire Mini.
I was thinking systems for the Minis would have been a bit less.
Thanks again for your help.
Rick
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by gowest
The UniChip is my least favorite. Though I haven't tried a custom tune yet, I have tried two different canned versions. I will not recount the troubles I had when I first got mine, partly because I was one of the first MCS owners with one but when the problems went away, I was still left with no noticeable power increase, though it was not dyno'd. The second version was a reflash to go with my JCW 210, more noise, less smooth, and NO power increase and this time I had before and after dyno runs, twice. In fact, in the second, more reliable set of runs, it lost power to the OEM JCW software. In fairness to the Uni the GIAC lost power for me also, on the JCW but at least GIAC has a 30 day $$ back guarantee. The differences between my car and the cars the "Canned" programs were done on, is SMALL. I have a different air filter, Madness and JCW vs. Alta and a custom minimal bend cat back with a 5" disc SuperTrapp and 18 discs. I had also tried a 4" Trapp, less discs, no discs or end cap and a Burn's/Coast race muffler.
As soon as I finish my NASM certification look for me to pursue the Unichip.....free room and board..... will tune for food....let's see Detroit...the Bahamas? hmmmm....Detroit...the Bahamas?hmmm..... Detroit....the Bahamas hmmm?....it is such a tough choice.....jk
3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Back in AZ
Originally Posted by gandini
SpiderX: I think it's a great idea to be a "weekend Unichip tuner" I know you'd be able to keep busy most weekends if you decided to offer the service.
Unfortunately, I still live in BFE (oh, there I go again, I mean Albuquerque) so it won't help me...
cheers,
Unfortunately, I still live in BFE (oh, there I go again, I mean Albuquerque) so it won't help me...
cheers,
Let's MOVE!
And Mr Pep'r
Buy a Milltek cat back from Greg @ 866-533-1777! You will LOVE IT! My wife and I do.
Not much loader and it's deeper sounding ( Ask Dr Phil. ) You can install it your self! The hardest part was getting the car on 4 jack stands and removing the rear muffler hangers. Your a Pilot come pick me up and I will do it for you. Just some pizza & beers if you be so kind? ( Will work for Food ) I will make a sign and stand at the airport so you know who I am. Oh, I will bring the tools also.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by JCampos
How bout Bay Area I'll need another tune once my HDI gets here and I get my injectors
I'll need another tune once my HDI gets here and I get my injectors
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,580
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
Originally Posted by SpiderX
I was just in Healdsberg/Santa Rosa two weeks ago for a wedding at the Hartford Winery......what a beautiful area.......this thing is growing legs....twist my arm with some Pinot
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by creeker
For the $160 I spent, I got a bit more sound, lost 22 pounds, and to me it sounds a bit cheap. If I could do it all over again, I would spend the extra $400 and get a real exahust with a solid sound that will add a couple of extra hp. I realize now that a one ball is not a good exahust platform for the other mods I will be adding to the car.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MSFITOY
sooo...too famous to reply to old buddies eh?
this coming from the guy with an article in MC2....... it takes two pages to list your accomplishments.... hey brother from a different mother, you know I love you best...... if I actually do this, your first.....that way if I totally mess up MSFITOY...... I can go out to the bay area with "J" and binge on Pinot or run to the Bahamas and look at bikinis
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
From: Boulder Creek, CA
Originally Posted by myzamboni
I hope I didn't over-sell you on the one-ball Brian. I for one love mine. I am curious as to what your mod roadmap is as so far I don't see the oneball holding me back (of course I also went2.5" all the way back from the cat).
Neutral
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MSFITOY
I would have agree with both your assessments...My biggest standalone performance enhancing mods are:
- Venom for no BS instant go fast (next best thing to TC or turbo)
- Pulley reduction for easy 20 ponies
- Megan coil-overs for unsurpassed handling
- Rear sway bar for attitude adjustment
- TDR wheels and Kumho Ecstas for weight reduction
- Stoptechs for neck breaking brakes
Any chance you could tell me what the Venom is please?
Sorry if this is really obvious...
JonnyC
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Washington, PA
Originally Posted by jonnyc
Hey
Any chance you could tell me what the Venom is please?
Sorry if this is really obvious...
JonnyC
Any chance you could tell me what the Venom is please?
Sorry if this is really obvious...
JonnyC
My least favorite mods were 19%/GIAC/jcw injectors....just because they were $ down the drain when the TurboKompressor went in.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 784
Likes: 3
From: SE FL (Hell Disguised as Paradise)
Originally Posted by MiniMeg06
Dr. Phil
Let's MOVE!
And Mr Pep'r
Buy a Milltek cat back from Greg @ 866-533-1777! You will LOVE IT! My wife and I do. Not much loader and it's deeper sounding ( Ask Dr Phil. ) You can install it your self! The hardest part was getting the car on 4 jack stands and removing the rear muffler hangers. Your a Pilot come pick me up and I will do it for you. Just some pizza & beers if you be so kind? ( Will work for Food ) I will make a sign and stand at the airport so you know who I am. Oh, I will bring the tools also.
Let's MOVE!
And Mr Pep'r
Buy a Milltek cat back from Greg @ 866-533-1777! You will LOVE IT! My wife and I do.
Not much loader and it's deeper sounding ( Ask Dr Phil. ) You can install it your self! The hardest part was getting the car on 4 jack stands and removing the rear muffler hangers. Your a Pilot come pick me up and I will do it for you. Just some pizza & beers if you be so kind? ( Will work for Food ) I will make a sign and stand at the airport so you know who I am. Oh, I will bring the tools also. The only problem is the owner of the airplanes I fly really does not like flying them without paying passengers and I can not afford a 5min flight. Now if I still had my TWA now AA job I could just send you a free round trip ticket. 
I will keep this number for this future project.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by creeker
No, not at all. The one ball was a inexpensive mod but I can't see staying with this much longer. I just want the performance and sound of an engineered exhaust. As you know, I spend 50% of my time driving beautiful highway 9 and I want to hear more of the exhaust note when I'm pushing it hard. The sound of Milltek would be nice. Maybe I'd even wait for the M7...
(as well as a 15%)
Originally Posted by SpiderX
As soon as I finish my NASM certification look for me to pursue the Unichip.....free room and board..... will tune for food....let's see Detroit...the Bahamas? hmmmm....Detroit...the Bahamas?hmmm..... Detroit....the Bahamas hmmm?....it is such a tough choice.....jk
