I have a 2013 S rated at 181hp. I'd like to get closer to 200. All I can find is the jcw tuning kit-$3000+ for 8 hp according to their number. Pitiful. I would appreciate any suggestions as I'm finding it hard to locate anything else for gen 2 minis. Thanks in advance.

Terry

 

Here's a few pages you might want to read through.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rse-power.html

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ms-tune-s.html

 

You definitely want the JB+

http://burgertuning.com/Mini_Cooper_...nce_tuner.html

 

Read other threads like the other guys have recommended. Unless you want more sound, the intakes and cat back exhaust will give you little performance. A tune and aftermarket downpipe are generally thought to give the best bang for the buck. A catless dp can give 10 hp, a high flow cat a bit less. The tune will maximize any other upgrades that you have done (like a downpipe, intercooler, etc). A tune should be considered manditory, and if you can afford to do multiple changes at once, the tune should be the last piece of the puzzle.

Have fun,
Mike

 

Thanks for the replies but I have no idea what any of this means. The JB page says installs in 30sec but I presume your not done then hence the can tool? I'm in a small town and the closest mini dealer will not install any aftermarket parts. Any suggestions on a source for a cat free exhaust, that sounds like the simplest solution , I'd like to change the sound and I could have it done at a local shop.

thanks all,

Terry

 

The tool for a tune allows you to install or uninstall the tune. I'm not specifically familiar with the JB+, but that is what I expect.

Look in the Modifications sections, most exhaust responses are under the Drivetrain section. I think that the tune would be the easiest mod for you, based on your desire for more HP.

Have fun,
Mike

 

The JB+ is all you need. It connects to the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) and tricks the car into providing more boost. It really does install in 30 seconds (after waiting ~5 minutes for the car to "sleep"), and then takes ~500 miles to fully adapt.

They also sell a CAN tool, but it isn't required. It reads codes, it can clear downpipe codes, and it can do gauge hijacking to monitor boost, timing, and AFR using the center speedo and fuel gauges. It's nice to have, but again, it isn't required.

 

If you want to go the catless exhaust path, start with Way's catless downpipe (http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-cat...8-r59-r60.html), and then add your exhaust of choice. Lots of options out there.

Just be aware that if your state does any sort of emissions testing, you'll have to reinstall the original downpipe or figure out some other solution. And it will most likely raise a check engine light.

 

Thanks for all the great response. I've decided to start with the catless downpipe and miltec exhaust from way. ( our state "inspections" are a joke) I'll likely do the JB later, but it sounds too good to be true-any danger in using it to engine, ie running too lean, etc?

 

The DME responds accordingly, it sees low boost and provides more boost and more fuel. It's not like adding an aftermarket intake and exhaust where the DME does nothing.

 

Is it safe to assume that you will get a CEL with this dp?

 

With a catless? Yes, you always will unless you tune it out.

The reason for the second O2 sensor is to make sure you have a working catalytic converter. These remove the cat so you will always get a cel since you don't have a working cat.

 

I've had the JB+ installed for about 5000 miles and have had no problems. I routinely monitor timing and AFR and with it on the default setting there are no pulled timing or lean issues. I have not dyno'ed the car after install but it probably added about 15-20 hp.

The only caveat is that you need to run premium gas...91 minimum with 93 octane highly recommended.

The catless downpipe from Way is really nice.

 

I've ordered the wmw catless downpipe and miltek exhaust. I'm thinking of going ahead with the JB + tune, @15-20whp that's a lot of bang for the buck, Any compatability issues? How much HP do you think I can gain w/ these mods?

thanks for all the great input, I feel like a member of the MINI community already.

Terry

 

I added the JB tune 2 weeks ago and am glad of the order of my mods considering the JBs adjustment period. Today we installed a wmw catless downpipe and milteck exhaust. Sound is great more british sports car than rice burner whine. But on the ground the thing is scary, approaching 5000 rpm it seems to want to go airborne. I have no access to a dyno- any guesses as to how much hp I've gained.
Also I race bicycles where wheel weight is a huge factor. Any thougts on lightweight wheels (17s) for the beast.

 

The JCW tuning kit increases HP from 181 to 197, a gain of 16 hp not 8.
Regardless of the numbers on paper, the butt dyno difference is night and day.

The quote of $3k is pretty high also, try Sewell Plano, mine was considerably cheaper there.

Best of luck with your upgrades!
J

 

If you have a clubman a dealership on Facebook was selling the kit for dealer cost plus 2-3 hour labor.

 

Check out NM Engineering. They have several options for wheels. I personally like the 17" RSe07's. I will be putting these on this spring. They only weight a little over 16lbs.

Other options are, BBS (way expensive), Enkei RPF1(15lbs), Breyton GTS-R Mini, ect. Be aware if you plan on upgrading your vehicles brakes with a big brake kit or JCW brakes some wheels will not work.