Straight to the point... Helix 13 blow off valve for R56

Does anybody have any experiences with this unit? Helix claims in will install without tapping anything. I ordered the Forge "Sandwich" diverter valve adapter but am now having second thoughts about it since many have said it's best to vent further away from the turbo so the ECU doesn't freak out.

See signature for my setup. I will also be installing cold/hot side boost tubes this weekend.

Thanks for all the help gurus!

 

There is no performance gain from a BOV. FWIW my buddy has had the forge spacer on his GTI for 2 years still working fine.

 

I'm well aware there is no large performance gain with the Forge BOV. I was looking more towards the sound and a minor reduction in turbo lag.

 

I love when people use BOV's on cars that are ment to run with a recirc diverter valve.

Oh well...this is been discussed to no end, so don't need to bring it up again.

 

I was specifically asking about Helix 13's product. I know this has been brought up already but when I do a search the majority of material is about their FMIC.

I'm fully aware there is no performance gain from a BOV, but those who want some extra flair to their R56 on top of a CAI would probably benefit from a BOV that doesn't require any drilling/tapping

 

Just give Helix a call and I am sure Eric or Ralph will give you all the details you need.

 

I actually did today and got a lot of questions answered. I went ahead and got one!

 

I bought my kit set from Hector at Exhaust Depot, they send you a BOV valve with a pipe, you will need to removed all three factory hoses and just install this kit, you don't need any other adjustment.

I installed on a R55 "S" without any problemhttp://www.exhaustdepot.net/inbotuhakit.html

 

Get a video. I'm interested in what it sounds like.

 

I was interested in Hector's combo set initially, but I could not take a bite of the large price. He's making a little too much money on that item for my taste!

I last Saturday I ordered the Alta boost tube upgrade kit (on sale) and yesterday purchased the Helix 13 BOV. I'll try and get a video up in a couple weeks when I have time to get all this stuff installed.

Wish me luck!

 

Well it took me about 4.5 hours to install my Alta boost tubes and the Helix 13 BOV. The cold side boost tube took up the majority of my time. People are not lying when they that tube is a b****. Using the bent awl tool Adam recommended helped with getting the OEM tube off and getting the Alta one back on.

The BOV sounds very nice. For everyone that's new at this like me, it only activates under higher boost pressures so you have to drive a little bit aggressively to have the BOV start working. You can still hear the diverter valve activating at lower engine speeds, but when you gun it you can really hear the BOV. I really like it.

Here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z6-p_6iLUQ

 

Nice woot!

Sounds great, how is it on the road, any compressor surge or cel pop up at all? I too am interested in this for the reduction in turbo lag, but Hector does offer a sweet setup with the hard pipes...better for people looking to really push the car and especially if your going to tune it to get more boost.

 

I have noticed a slight reduction in turbo lag. It's very rainy here in Detroit right now so when I push the car to the max it of course spins the tires so I don't have a good guage to what my butt dyno is saying yet. I have only put about 40 miles on the new setup right now since I did it last night. No CELs so far. I'll keep the post updated.

I agree that Hector's setup could be a little better for people running a lot higher boost. On the other hand, he hasn't put any real world data up on his site proving his steel pipes are better. Simply saying that silicone can expand up to 25% without any data to back it up doesn't do it for me.

Hey... at least you 2007 guys can get a working unichip!

 

For one, maybe 2 percent of the unichip people can say it works flawless, maybe less...

Its a known fact that that carbon fiber, steel, any hard metal plumbing that is unrestricted is much more efficient than silicone tubing. That's why you see track cars and race cars with that instead of the silicone. Its more efficient and reliable, enough of a reason to purchase, but wether or not we will be boosting so much that we need it is to be determined.

Even people with the unichip have said the silicone pipes collapse under higher boost. This would not happen with the metal plumbing.

 

I did not know that!

I think for my R56 that's probably never going to see a reliable ECU upgrade, I'll be fine.

That doesn't mean that I'm still not crossing my fingers for the hot shot ECU hackers out there!

 

I beg to differ. Jan from RMW, a well-respected and reliable tuner in the MINI world has just recently made strides in cracking the ecu - I'm positive it will be a reliable and a much anticipated ECU upgrade.

 

That sounds like good news to me!

... so many possibilities

 

Great sound will have mine soon

 

.

 

UPDATE:

I've had the chance to drive the car WOT lately and there is definitely less turbo lag when shifting. I can't say how many less RPM I have to wait, but it's definitely noticeable and a more responsive. About 200 miles on it and no CELs.

Oh yea, did I mention you do not have to drill your intake manifold?!?!?

 

subscribing to view video at home.

youtube blocked at work :(

 

totally agree... not to mention the stock recirc valve is plenty loud.

 

Do you have any install pics of the unit?

 

No install pics. If you look up "Helix 13 BOV" on google you'll find the installation instructions on the first page. It was very simple... way easier than installing that cold side boost tube!

To each his own. I just love the BOV sound. Yes the DV is OK, for most people, but some just don't want that. I'm not kidding either when I say it does reduce turbo lag more than the stock DV. No CELs either!

 

I personally love the sound of a BOV, and I also love the whine of a supercharger. Some people like a quite engine, and that is why there are no MINI are alike

I say do whatever you like with your car, and if it makes you happy, then who cares what other people have to say. They don't make my car payments, so who cares