Thanks for the response - next question: 15% pulley, based on your testing = bad for track use? Acceptable? Helpful? Works on its own, or with certain other mods?

I ask because if I do another engine mod anytime soon, that would probably be it. You see the sig, so you probably know my next question: is Dinan's claim of the need for an enhanced fuel pump with the 15% pulley fair or BS?

Good stuff in this thread!

mb

 

15% pulley; a great upgrade. The Dinan claim for the up-rated fuel pump seems a bit much at this power level. If you start to make 220+ WHP then yes. And more information about this modification will be coming shortly. (I didn't develop the product; a colleague did. And no, I cannot name who at this time.)

 

I can speak directly to this question.

Been there and done that.

The answer is yes and no!

John can tune it as well as it can be tuned with the mods you have.

But if some mods actually hinder the overall performance, then there you have it.

It'll be the best it can be, given that the mods may have been put together without a real game plan or true evaluation of their performance, or without enough planning ahead when it comes time to see if they all work synergistically, if at all.

The good news is that he's not much of a salesman.

Unfortunately, the bad news is that he's not much of a salesman.

So what you discover may not be what you thought you knew. Or want to know...

 

I was just pointing out a grammatical mistake because I'm a pain in the *** like that. Sounds like you fellas got issues though.

 

Actually, not all the aftermarket parts are all that complementary. And when you find out that one you bought fits that category, you won't be all that complimentary.

Does that grammar work for you?

 

Gold star. And golf claps.

 

Exactly!!

 

What kind of popcorn is that? Is it microwaved or hot air popped? Think I'm going need some....

 

Don/MTH makes some great points most of which I agree with completely. Our experiences to date with results given certain components have been consistent. If you put lipstick on a pig it's a pig with lipstick. As an experienced tuner I consider his posts(as well as mine) as more like public service announcements than ads. We've both been at this for a long time and have both enjoyed success with other marques besides Mini. I love my Mini and of all the cars I own, it's the one that puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. I look at mods as a whole system rather than a mish-mash of parts. This is how the car was designed, as a system not a collection of random parts. The main reason that I've been able to achieve good results tuning this car is that I started out with a really well done car to begin with. Props to BMW.

 

John,

I sent you a PM.

 

I totally agree..... and I do respect Don's expertise (he and I have spoken on the phone several times) "Hornguys" had nothing but a glowing report after he visited your shop and Jim has "been there and done that." I am one of the guys that has gone about it all wrong..... 3 years ago there were/was only a few choices and theye were learning. My car should make more power than it does for the $ invested but it runs smooth "these days" and thanks to DDM and Juston it is a very nice street car to drive. (224.5 whp and 190 tq)

It is great that today the Mini has attracted experienced people that bring system solutions to our cars. If I were starting all over again from scratch (which I am not) I would take my own advice and Don would be one of my first phone calls. The "key" is that, as i previously stated, very few know where they want to get to when they start and then some end up with a "Frankencar" and some have very nice rides.

John, are you coming to the Dragon? it would be great to meet you.....

Bob

 

I'll be there with my dyno.

Jim. I never got your pm.

 

I'll just send it again as an e-mail.

 

having re read and read the rest of this its opened my eyes about mesisng with my car and makes more sense why people i know (myself inc) think they know whats best for their car .... i dont think so anymore now im left baffled as to who i should trust with tunning it seems my best bet in the uk is GTT

 

They have a good reputation .... the main thing is someone that will stand behind his work with references......

If you want to stop at a pullley, cat-back, intake..... there are many that can do that work competently..... this thread is discussing more complex work.... ie head work....

 

over at GTT. I like the way he takes and posts data. But I'm sure there are others over there who do a good job as well...

Anyway, start learning about supercharged cars. There are lots of where you can do this. Also, learn about fuel injection systems. There are lots of places that you can do this as well. This will let you understand the systems, the operational principles and things to look out for. After this, you will better understand how to achive various goal in a very general way.

What you really pay your favorite tuner for is how those general principles are applied to the specific case of car X, Y or Z. Each engine has it's own "personality" so to speak.....

This is so much easier than it sounds. I"m not soo strong on turbo applications. Took two evenings to read a book on it. I'm not an expert now, but I know a lot more than I did before....

Matt

 

Just stay out of the Holiday Inn Express.

 

That's why I went with Dinan and considered JCW before that - I trust their engineering of systems instead of random parts.

I'm sure Don or LDG could put together a better system at a cheaper price, but I didn't realize that when I bought mine. Live and learn - Don is setting up my suspension for the track this season, and I feel comfortable with someone who takes MINIs to the track, tests, drives, and generally knows what works and what doesn't in that arena. TSW and LDG are the same. Because of that comfort, they're who I'd go to in the future for any engine mods.

It's very tough for the average car enthusiast who doesn't have a technical background (at all - like me) to sift through the crap marketing and get to the parts that work, so we have to rely on people we trust for our own reasons.

People have been saying that the car's mods need to be a "system" for a long time, but hopefully Don's abrasive nature will help people listen up, or at least question what they're about to spend money on. And if it doesn't, great, it's their money to do whatever they want with!

mb

 

Don's not abrasive. He's from New Jersey.

 

I married a jersey girl and therefore qualified to "understand" this post .

 

 

I did not mean that in a bad way. I'm from Philly.

 

uhh dude he's right, you simply make a vague comment on how some mods work well with each other and some don't. To be honest it's a completely useless post. I went through the same debate on the vortex about intakes, CAIs are filters on sticks essentially, nothing is perfect. Now, if youre interested in improving the quality of your post, name some names my man. ie. the alta pully doesnt work well with these injectors etc etc.

 

Standard: "you simply make a vague comment on how some mods work well with each other and some don't."
dmh: "...non-matched injectors, CAIs that actually suck in hot air, pulleys and pulley combinations that over tax the supercharger/intercooler capacity, intercoolers that are less efficient than stock, poorly designed heads that do not atomize the air/fuel mixture and/or puddle the fuel, poorly designed header flanges/primaries /collectors/flex joints,…"

Standard: "...if youre interested in improving the quality of your post, name some names my man..."
dmh: This post is not about whom but rather what. From my tuning experience I’m trying to help enlighten folks who are about to go and modify their engine. The reason is because I see many people who are disappointed in the end result and/or have no idea that they went down the performance ladder and now have a lighter wallet to show for it.

 

Hey, I resemble those remarks! My life’s journey has led me to NJ but I'm not originally from here. I'm from a ranch in Colorado.