Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R56) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Questions about ECU and performance Mods

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Old Feb 3, 2007 | 01:08 PM
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Questions about ECU and performance Mods

I am reviewing the options to add more HP to the mini. Such as Cat back exhaust, Cold Air Intake, supercharger pulley, colder plugs, etc... Does anyone have any recommendations for the computer to accept all of these mods?
 
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Old Feb 3, 2007 | 01:13 PM
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At first, you don't NEED to do anything...

the car will still run fine. When it comes to maximizing power, none of the solutions are perfect, and all have some issues.

When I was digging into this stuff, I came to a couple of conclusions. First, if you're going to keep modding, make sure you get something that is inexpensive to upgrade. Second, support for stuff like this is key, so if you have a local tuner you trust, work with them. If you don't, use someone who is remote with a GOOD REP! Third, not all do everything, so make sure you have your priorities right. WOT power makes nice dyno curves, but doesn't tell you squat about day to day (read part throttle) driveability.

For a somewhat out of date summary of many of the offerings, I think the 4th MC Squared issue has my article in it. It's introductory in nature, and will get you up to speed on many of the offerings, so you can carry on more informed discussions.

Good luck!

Matt
 
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Old Feb 3, 2007 | 01:29 PM
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I am starting with suspension mods first, have my parts sitting here and just waiting to get them on. Then I will start with adding some more horsepower. I was going to look for some tuners in my area and have some conversations with them.

BTW - Nice stang! I am looking to pick up an old ford truck as another hobby.

Thanks for the information.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2007 | 07:05 AM
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As pointed out based on the mods you listed/intend, you do not NEED to upgrade your ECU. My experience w/ an ECU upgrade is that it seemed to tie together/maximize all of the mods. Most noticeable for me was the smoothness and crispness.

Take a look at a thread I did called "ecu giac upgrade" in the middle I do a pros/cons on 3 main programs - MTH, GIAC and Unichip. These were my perceptions based on my research. Appreciate that you are not just buying a file, installation varies and don't forget service and support.

DrO makes good points - the value of a local shop should not be under estimated. As well Dynos compared to seat of the pants daily driving.

Most importantly, while we all pursue "the best" in any mod when it comes to Ecu upgrades there is no BEST, unless you have a custome file made for YOUR CAR. The ecu upgrade vendors have libraries of files and they sell you the one closest to your cars specifications. These files are significantly cheaper than a true custom tune and can/do imrpove performance.

Take your time in making this decision.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2007 | 09:32 AM
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This is why I signed onto these forums. To get a good understanding of what others have been doing for their Mini's. This is my first Tuner car and I am learning about the pro's / con's of the multitude of parts out there.

This can be extremely overwhelming, what to do? what do purchase? What works together?...etc.. I have read the article you suggested and gained a lot of input from the other people using each product.

As stated before I am starting with some suspension upgrades to give the car a better stance and stick to the ground a little better. I have the list of performance mods laid out already, and just need to decide which manufacturer I will buy from.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2007 | 04:45 PM
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Is this thread in the correct section? Which generation are we discussing?

Currently there are no ECU mods available for the r56 - and very few other mods available.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2007 | 12:40 PM
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Incorrect. An MTH remap is available; $950.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2007 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by dmh
Incorrect. An MTH remap is available; $950.
Gotta ask - what kinda numbers are you seeing. What things are changed (like the r53) - redline?, .............

Do tell
 
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Old Mar 22, 2007 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by dmh
Incorrect. An MTH remap is available; $950.

when did it become available? This is the first I've heard of it.

Also, look at the date I made that statement.

edit: I just checked your website and it's not listed? I saw them for 05/06 but not 07.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2007 | 01:54 PM
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There are some factory mods in the works. The first is to be intake, exhaust, and ECU mods. Rumor is that they have been delayed by heat problems. Might be something to think about before trying it yourself. If the factory engineers are having trouble keeping it from self-destructing, perhaps this engine is not easy to mod safely?

From what I hear, the stock R56 S has more power than the R53 JCW mod. Might be wise to sit back, enjoy the suspension modes, and see how things shake out with engine mods. It is pretty early days for the R56 engine.

Just a thought.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2007 | 06:20 PM
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Anybody bringing the burbles back? please?
 
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Old Mar 22, 2007 | 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by dmh
Incorrect. An MTH remap is available; $950.
......and what does it remap?

You could've left the snippy "Incorrect" off your response, as NOBODY has annouced its availability until you chimed in.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 04:05 AM
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R56 tuning was announced in February. Correcting a factual error ought not to be considered "snippy." It’s not on the web page as it has not been updated.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 06:26 AM
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No Don, you posted a teaser, not a shred of factual information. You even said in that teaser post you'd add information a week after that post, however that was 3 weeks ago. Yesterday was the first time you posted a price, which at $950, is astronomical. You still have yet to post what this MTH remap actually does, let alone any proof of its effectiveness.

How about some factual information Don? How does the MTH map adjust the boost controller, ignition mapping, air-fuel ratio, redline, top speed limiter, DSC interaction, and Sport button settings?
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by dmh
R56 tuning was announced in February. Correcting a factual error ought not to be considered "snippy." It’s not on the web page as it has not been updated.
so if i dropped by your shop today with $950, what would I leave with?
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 10:47 AM
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so if i dropped by your shop today with $950, what would I leave with? I don't know. $950?
 

Last edited by dmh; Mar 23, 2007 at 10:52 AM.
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Ryephile
No Don, you posted a teaser, not a shred of factual information. You even said in that teaser post you'd add information a week after that post, however that was 3 weeks ago. Yesterday was the first time you posted a price, which at $950, is astronomical. You still have yet to post what this MTH remap actually does, let alone any proof of its effectiveness.

How about some factual information Don? How does the MTH map adjust the boost controller, ignition mapping, air-fuel ratio, redline, top speed limiter, DSC interaction, and Sport button settings?
It adjusts all you mentioned. At $950 I think it is well priced, if not cheap!
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by dmh
so if i dropped by your shop today with $950, what would I leave with? I don't know. $950?
So you're telling MotorMouth to keep his money and not buy anything from you?

Originally Posted by dmh
It adjusts all you mentioned. At $950 I think it is well priced, if not cheap!
I didn't ask if it did change those things, I asked HOW it changes those things. You're mistaken on the price, it's significantly higher than any ECU product for the R53. How do you rationalize the significantly higher price; by refusing to provide details on the product?
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 11:25 AM
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I did not understand his question. I guess is my answer is he can buy what ever he wants. I'm not pushing anyone to buy anything. Just as with the R53 no details will be given out. (I am not sure I know any tuners that give out specific information.)
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 12:03 PM
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Originally Posted by dmh
no details will be given out.
...except the price; gotcha.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 12:07 PM
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Will we be seeing any before and after Dyno's?
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 12:11 PM
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What difference would that make, just believe him that's the way it is with all the other vendors. I've never seen a car that had so many magic after market parts as the MINI. Let's get back to the real stuff like the Dragon.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 12:21 PM
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Sorry for offering the product and upsetting you. I'll happily put you all on the "no sale" list.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by dmh
Sorry for offering the product and upsetting you. I'll happily put you all on the "no sale" list.
How depressing that you take pleasure in upsetting us instead of entertaining our obvious ignorance and answering our pertinent and valid questions.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2007 | 01:37 PM
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I think people would really like to see what sort of hp and tq gains you are getting from this. Before and after dyno sheets would help answer many question that people may have especially when parting with $950!
 
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