Hi I'm new here and have read a lot of helpful information, I do have a question though, I recently aquired an 02 cooper s and was plotting my mods when I hit a brick wall when I talked to a guy in Florida who told me my beloved mini will not perform the way i want unless I sell it and buy an 05 or newer because the computer will not allow me to tune the car with the planned mods.

it has:

alta cold air intake

msd coil

alta short throw shifter

vented rotors

lowered

and planned on :

big valve head

cam

forged pistons

stage 5 clutch

header

sprintex supercharger

2%+ fluid damper

intercooler upgrade

750cc injectors

meth injection

nos (50 shot)

and my bubble was bursted when i was told I am wasting my money... do I need to find an 05 ecu and harness before I start I need to make around 400whp just to be in the running around here. any help or advice be awesome ... thx

 

I never heard of a limitation regarding ECU and model years.

 

I know of plenty 02-03's that make good power.

Your ECU is definitely tuneable, but if your doing all that work anyway, you'll prob better off with a standalone ECU (ViPec).

Oh and 400whp on a Sprintex aint gonna happen....