Hello NAM –



I wanted to provide feedback on using Lou ( https://prototype-r.com/ ) for advanced tuning for our Mini Coopers. I am cross posting between here and the R model mods section – as he offers tuning for both the R & F series across different turbo platforms, enhancements etc

I have now worked personally with Lou on 5 separate tunes (I did the data logging with 2 different drivers. First was Chuck Mallett – owner of Mallett Performance and former GM track instructor who I will further mention below. The other was Mike Messina – GM at Brembo who tracks his JCW mini). Two of the cars were mine (both stage 2 on an N14 – Airwerks turbos, but with slightly different engine builds ). The others were a stage 1 on an N18 ( Stock S daily driver ), stage 2 on an N14 ( JCW – track car ) and stage 3 on an N14 (Frankenturbo – street car). All had different set ups.

Each had a couple rounds of data logging. One had a prior tune while others did not have a preexisting tune.

More specifically –

One of my cars had a prior tune (automatic tranny, rebuilt engine - CR about 10.25:1, slight head work, forged rods and pistons, 2.5 exhaust, JCW cat … ). We did a test run on the existing tune – just to check it out. Believe it or not – that tune had the rev limiter at 7000 rpm (yikes !), deactivated knock sensors with advanced timing ( double yikes !) and was running at 18 psi boost. After Lou’s tune, (21.5 psi, appropriate timing with knock sensors reactivated, rev limiter back at where it should be). The car drives phenomenal !!! Night and day difference. It is a beast

My other car did not have a prior tune – but am running N18 big bore Mahle forged pistons/rods and CR is at 10:1 – so tune is a little different). Again, post tune - drives phenomenal !

The JCW car did not have a tune, and the owner (Mike) wanted to tune more for the track. After 1 data log, we nailed it. He was so happy he brought in his wife’s N18 S for a stage 1 tune (and specifically asked to address the hesitation when starting from a stop – this hesitancy is due to the Valvetronic. While this hesitation can’t be removed, Lou was able to make to minimize it). The stage 1 was a very nice improvement.

The last car was a catless Frankenturbo and perhaps the hardest tune – Lou was hesitant to tune, as he has had mixed success with these given their inconsistent nature/quality, he took it on. The owner had nothing but smiles post tune.

Lou knows his stuff and not only that, very competitive on pricing. I was running a non safe tune which he caught. The difference between stage 2 tunes on that car is night and day!

BTW - an added feature: he can turn off the fault codes driven by an LED conversion which I have in one of my cars ).

So I highly recommend Lou - easy to work with remotely. He even tells you what cable to buy for tuning and can remote in on your laptop for installing the software and tuning.

A little more on Chuck Mallett (https://mallettcars.com/). Chuck is historically a GM guy (Vetts, Trucks etc – from stuffing 6.2 ls’s into Skys along developing an S/C kit for Colorados). He is in the Charlotte, NC area and has gotten into Minis over the last 4-5 of years. He flips about 1 a week, along with providing performance upgrades and even maintenance. I can’t recommend him highly enough – from engine to handling upgrades or even conv top repair (he has fixed many windows falling out of R57s LOL). If you are in the Charlotte area and looking to buy, build, add performance or service – check him out.

Dan

 

Apart from being a wizard with tuning these cars, Lou is also a personable and stand-up guy. Not only will he tune your car, but he will go out of his way to make sure you're happy with the outcome. Not only has Lou tuned my car, but he has also become a long-distance friend.

 

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the sentiment. I just try and provide the service I would want if someone were tuning my car. Might take a little longer and require a little more effort to make sure things are as dialed in as possible but hey that's what custom tunes are for.

 

Just a quick follow up - I worked with Lou to remove the headlight fault codes on my Mini with LED lights. I have the 35K bulbs in them. Lou has the Bimmer software installed on my laptop and remoted in. We dug into it and found the lines of code to 'unengage'. Tuned it right out - so now I don't have that stupid exclamation point on my dash.

Just a note though - when we tuned them out, the exclamation point came back. Checked the fault codes and they were gone. Turned out my tire pressure dropped to 30ish psi - so it was the TPMS sensors. It did not come up on the speedo though, just saw it when I scrolled thru the menus on the dash.