I did a search and found alot of old info, but nothing recent. Does anybody have anything to say about Evotech? My car is set up close to the mini-madness stage 3 set up, so I thought about using the Evotech software they use. I also talked to another tuner who would do a custom tune, 5-6 hrs on the dyno and on the road, but at a higher price. How much power do you think I could gain with the custom tune over the pre-made software. My car has alta intake, 17%, schrick cam, Hamann 4-1 header with 1.625" primaries, 100 cell metal cat, Bosi exhaust: 2.5" to the mufflers then 2" from the muffler, then 3" tips. I have the stock intercooler with the alta diverter and M7 ram air scoop. Thanks for your opinions.

 

I'm no expert, but there are a couple of issues that come up frequently on this forum. The first is that there's probably not a ton of hp to be had from ecu tuning. How much are you willing to pay for 3, 4, 5 hp? Does your tuner offer support after the tune? Let's say you go to the dealer and they reflash your ecu even though you've asked them not to (it's happened). Will he put the changes back for you?

Just some food for thought.

 

"Veni" has correctly recited some of the important considerations for shopping for an ECU tune (and a lot of other mods if you have others do the labor).

I agree that it's not reasonable to expect big HP increases from ECU reprogram alone. Your mods indicate that you are near the end of any one bolt-on that could significantly increase HP. You've even gotten a cam. Also, I think that because you have gotten a cam you might have MORE (than most other MINI tuners) potential to gain from an ECU tune. Even at that, it might not be as much as you would like for the money.

If you are wondering about "bang for the buck" from this point on, it also appears to me that your engine is "positioned" to benefit significantly from getting work performed on your head (if it is still stock). I think you should discuss your wants and needs directly with Madness, WMS, Fireball Tim, Helix13, Detroit Tuned (and feel free to add your favorite to the list) who do MINI ECU and head work to see what they say. I think the shops who have a "loyal following" can be trusted to steer you the right way for your next move. Many of the tuners familiar to NAM have well-earned reputations. Maybe it's time to use their collective expertise to continue educating yourself and to help you decide on your next move.

You know you WANT a beautiful ported, polished, professionally and lovingly prepared head to go with all the other neat stuff you've done. IMO that would get a LOT of HP compared with any ECU or more bolt-ons.

THEN get the ECU tune!!