The single largest obstacle when it comes to tuning the Mini is trying to deal with non-synergistic parts. Haphazardly bolting parts on can and does lead to engine tuning issues. The list of parts that are actually sold for the Mini that are absolutely just a waste of money (but come with a sticker) is mind boggling. Some of the biggest offending parts are 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,…And this only deals with the engine. We do a vibrant track setup business and see cheap, poorly made parts there as well.

Bottom-line: With a well thought-out plan you will save not only your time and money but you just might actually achieve your goal of improving your Mini.

(I posted this in the MTH Forum but since I get many requests for tunes I thought it would be appropriate to post here as well.)

 

Can you make some recommendations as to intakes? From your website and fallowing your post I know where you stand on all the other products you listed. Can you fill us in on this aspect of tuning?

Thanks,

 

Dinan & JCW seem to be the best as they are able to keep the hot air out. Dr. O, from his test results, recommends these two as well.

 

Is the prob with most aftermarket CAI the fact that they're made of metal, and not that they're open on the top? I haven't looked carefully but have always assumed that the hood + rubber gasket running along top of (most) aftermarket CAI seals halfway OK - or at least meets each other.

 

My K&N for example takes air from the the small hole in the plastic sheet by the cowl and also from a small hole from the engine bay. I looking to correct/alter that a little today.

 

Most are just made of sheet metal and have two tabs for screws in the front and the same for the rear. They have no seal and thus they are not real CAIs. That is why the Dinan and JCW are the preferred units.

 

Any thoughts on the DDM CAI design? It's sealed to prevent engine bay air in isn't it?

 

My initial thread was not really about whose CAIs are best but rather how to spend your money wisely when doing modifications.
Dr. O seems to be a good source for "CAI" data. Isn’t the DDM unit is made of stainless steel? Why buy that when you can buy the plastic units made by Dinan and JCW which do a superior job of insulating?

 

Is there a reason why the other closed box intakes aren't on your list (ie - Alta or HDI)?

Edit: Nevermind.

 

Understood, and agreed. Thank you, I do value your opinion. DMH is only a 6 hour drive for me so I've always considered any serious MINI mods could occur at your race shop.

 

I don't want to get into a "naming names" thing, but I'm curious if you have any commonly seen "parts combos" that tend to work against each other, or typically don't really do the engine or performace much good? For instance, it's pretty common and long-running practice (since waaay before MINIs) that improving the intake and exhaust airflow are good, basic first mods to get a performance increase (like a high flow air filter and different exhaust/header). Any other recommendations or caveats on what people should or shouldn't do with a MINI?

 

i don't know if this is what some of you guys were leading too... but...

an intake tube that is made of metal vs. one that is made of plastic has about a 1-2 degree affect on IAT. Please do not frown upon intake tubes made of metal.

The JCW intake and JCW filter do not flow well enough when you start making over 200whp. swaping a jcw intake with our intake yielded an extra 6 hp and an extra 10ft/lbs of torque on a recent customer car

 

Don,

I had the Dinan and switched to the Alta which is made of metal and is open and made 4-5 more whp...... I now have the DDM

 

On which pull and under what conditions?
With your anecdotal claim there is simply far too much variance you are neglecting.
As I tried to say before, I have no real interest in CAIs.

 

Or complementary either...

 

what does this mean?

 

You are just the right person to help explain just exactly what this means.

 

ATTENTION IN THE FOB:
This thread will not go well........




Seriously, if you are really interested in MADPOWA...WTF? Why did you buy a MINI in the first place. Get something reardrive and of an Asian bent and you will see much more power for far less cash.

That is all.

 

It sounds like Don and Lucky Dog Garage have some data to support which mods work well together and will help the car perform now and in the long run. You can probably find out what they recommend by visiting their websites or calling them. That call will probably entail a discussion about what you want to do with the car and why, followed by recommendations of the best products as per their testing/experience/knowledge. Other opinions/testing/experience may vary.

mb

 

I did not ask the question to start a war or people trying to stand up for the products which they themselves bought. After reading all through many of Don's post it is apparent which products he likes and which he does not. Intakes are something I have never seen him mention.

 

the main issue with the JCW filter is its paper even in the new box it its still a paper element and paper dose not yeild a high flow we have found that swapping out the round paper element for a CAI one in the box yeilds the best of both worlds also the intake hose on the MCS is riddged inside and creates turblance

ive been planning the mods for my s (when i fond one i like) for a long time based on whay results others have mods should run in the following order brakes, coilovers, struts, cai and hedder, 17% reduction puller and GRS intercooler and high capacity spark plugs

 

Then simply replace the filter with a cotton or foam one. They are available from various vendors. And then get yourself a Samco hose if you really think it makes a difference.

 

If you search through my old posts you will see a common theme of the synergy and non-synergy of "go fast" parts.

 

Excuse my frankness but whats the point of claiming all these bad mods if youre not going to inform us of the actual culprits ?thats like saying hey someone sucks.....who?...imm nottt tellinnggg ....same thing...go further into your accusations so that others can see if theyre valid or not

 

After deciphering your poor grammar all I can do is redirect you to the introductory post where the idea was spelled out. I do not care to help you with your logic skills.