This is the only thing that really bugs me about my MCS. My father just got a new Nissan Murano and it has better throttle responce that the mini does

Chris

 

I agree. Wonder if the ECU couldn't/shouldn't advance the timing more agressively until the supercharger kicks in. The throttle response is definitely, er, "relaxed" in the lower revs.

 

A lighter flywheel will help with throttle response but I think something that may be cheaper would be a new throttle body. The install should be a little easier and I don't know if the gains would be as much but if you really want to increase it go for both. (The flywheel and the throttle body)

Also if you haven't already done it go for the 15% reduction pulley on the supercharger. This will also help when you floor it. The biggest gains are at the upper RPM range but the response on the gas is increased on the lower end as well. GET IT DONE!!!! (if you haven't already)
-Chris

 

Is there a difference in throttle response between the MCS and MC? I would expect the supercharger to act as a flywheel as it is directly connected to the engine so the MCS would act as though it has a heavier flywheel than the MC.

 

The problem is that the engine is drive by wire and the throttle is control by the computer. It keeps revs up between shifts for better emissions. Dont know of any simple way around that.

--
Cheese

 

>>My father just got a new Nissan Murano and it has better throttle responce that the mini does
>>

I don't know one other car nowadays that has response as slow as the MINI. It is a bit on the ridiculous side and it bugs me as well, but unfortunately, like most things (good or bad), I am getting used to it.

 

I think that you guys are confusing throttle response with the inherent low end torque of the 1600cc Mini engine. The S probably has less low end as it has a lower compression ratio. Mods such as an exhaust, a pulley and an ECU should help but not totally eliminate the problem. In fact, it may feel worse and the differential between low and high end puch will be even greater. The pulley will increase low end boost but you really can't feel it until about 2500 rpm. The ECU probably advances low to mid range timing which will probably help more. So, for about 2 grand you can significantly improve the low end punch and have a hell of a lot more fun in the upper end.

The other trick is to go to 16" wheels with 45 series tires. The diameter reduction is about 1.25 inches effectively lowering your final drive.

Aside from that u can slip the clutch a little more off the line. That'll do the trick! :smile:

 

No I am not talking about it's inherrent lack in low-end torque, that can be dealt with. I am talking about the responce the engine has to throttle inputs; with or without the clutch engaged. Its inability to drop revs quickly on throttle lift and its severe retard in rev up on heel-toe throttle blips. Maybe a lighter flywheel and the pulley would change it just enough, I'll have to see.

Chris

 

>>No I am not talking about it's inherrent lack in low-end torque, that can be dealt with. I am talking about the responce the engine has to throttle inputs; with or without the clutch engaged. Its inability to drop revs quickly on throttle lift and its severe retard in rev up on heel-toe throttle blips. Maybe a lighter flywheel and the pulley would change it just enough, I'll have to see.
>>
>> Chris

Yeah, that is what I mean as well. Simply rev the engine in neutral and watch it, it's like slow motion.

 

Reciprocating mass and drag are the problem. A light flywheel will help, but the biggest problem I see is the belt driven supercharger.

At about 98 cubic inches of displacement, the engine has to carry the drag of that belt spinning at 0 boost. When you hit the throttle, it takes power and time to spin it up.

I think that's the biggest problem. Anyone checked throttle response on a non-S?

 

I agree -- the slow revving up and down has got to be flywheel. But what a tough mod, I would think... "four wrenches" on a scale of 1 to 4 for mech. difficulty.

The slight hestitation in the throttle is software (and some have speculated is a throttle body flaw). This one is obvious when you are going 30-45 mph, and the 1st time you tap the throttle harder you get a slight response, then when you tap it in a second time you get like twice the response.

 

>>I agree -- the slow revving up and down has got to be flywheel. But what a tough mod, I would think... "four wrenches" on a scale of 1 to 4 for mech. difficulty.


Aside from the mechanical difficulty in installing, sometimes with a lighter flywheel you end up with idling problems. I haven't heard of any installs of the flywheel yet on the MCS (probably due to the difficulty) so I don't know how much testing has been done....

Randy? Helix guys? Anyone test this yet?
-Chris

 

i've had the promini flywheel for several months, 3k miles. no problems aside from a bit of tranny gear rattle in neutral. No regrets. there was a bit of posting about it that might be found using the search function...also on mini2. other than this, I'm not chewing my cabbage twice.