Last year I came across an 02 low mileage (32k) R53 with a OEM JCW package w/ 17inch rims. No air cooler. I've now driven it for a year and the tuning bug after reading some on the forums has bitten me. I have a few very beginner questions.

Does anyone in the Socal area know of a reputable shop that will do ECU tuning when I get to that? I've found Coast Motor Werks but they do OEM work.

Second is where is the logical place to start? Air cooler? Exhaust? Suspension?

Thanks

 

I'm thinking of doing my intake first. I'm looking at the DDmworks package or the m7, the JCW would be nice but the added comparitve price is a question. Other than staying OEM and the valve will I see any performance differences?

Second I am looking at doing pulley replacement to the 17%

Or should I do pulley then intake?

Thanks in advance

 

what do you mean by "air cooler"? the intercooler?

second, the price diff btwn the pulley and intake is like, 10 fold. so, really its more of a wallet issue. best bang for bucks is 17%. as for intake, mod your original, get a high flow filter and samco/alta intake tube; your set.

after that, its again just a $$ thing, where you will get 1-5hp out of each mod from there on out until you tune, which again will be dead last.

 

I have the JCW intercooler it was the air intake I was referring to. My JCW kit is the model without the air intake or the 380 jets. The cost factors weren't really a concern, it was more of a logical methodology I guess. Sorry for the confusion as I said I'm just getting started.

Ease of install the air intake looks to be easiest but as you said the more bang for my buck will be the pulley.

Thanks

 

FYI, the JCW intercooler is the same as everyones. only the GP model had a bigger IC. since you dont have the 380 injectors, you may want to only go to a 15% pulley. otherwise, youll def feel a diff with the bigger injectors and an "updated" JCW computer tune.

next, a "cheap" mod is the "one-ball" exhaust, if you dont have the dual JCW exhaust. then to simulate the JCW airbox, just cut a big hole in the back, as thats about all it is.

 

I do plan on getting the 380 injectors and I have the first gen 03 JCW kit on my Mini so as I understand that's the exhaust, tune, and Supercharger at 200hp.

This is why I was asking on the logical approach. Last thing I want to do is blow up my Mini.

 

heres how i would do it...

1. injectors
2. updated 210 JCW tune
3. high flow air filter
4. cut hole in existing airbox
5. Intake tube
6. consider bigger wires, colder plugs, upgraded coil pack (screamin demon have had almost no issues, do not go MSD)
7. 17% pulley
8. headers
9. consider a GP intercooler (if price is not an option, as its about a $400 part)
10. custom computer tune

im at "stage 8" lol. no real expendable funds just yet :(
now, thats all engine stuff. there is always $$ to be thrown at the car in looks, rideability, and interior gadgets and such