So many of you may already know of the slight hesitation I've been experiencing of take-off from 1st gear. It has prompted me to do the following in my "desperate" attempt to rid myself of this PITA phenomenon:

- Purchased SprintBooster which was sent back because I was sent the wrong version (bad 1st impression, so I never re-purchased it)
- Purchased a K&N CAI system. No regrets there.
- Have tried numerous blends of gas, of varying octane 90-93 (Shell, BP, Sunoco)
- Added Chevron Techron fuel cleaner to the car a few times in its now almost 25k miles
- Switched to Shell ethanol free gas (90 Octane) now for 2.5 tank fills
- Added 1 can of SeaFoam to the gas tank (still working through its first tank)

Solution .. That damn hesitation is still there! However, I have narrowed it down to WHEN it happens. This phenomenon ONLY happens when I have the AC on. With the AC off, it runs like butter regardless of which gas I use.

I plan to switch back to Sunoco 93 E10 on my next tank-full. However, I give up because I have no idea why this happens and will need to accept it's just the way this MINI runs. 😔

Frustrated in Florida.
Dave

 

The ac kills the power in the r53, I usually turn it off on take offs.

 

Hi Dave, I notice the hesitation on my 13' as well only when the AC is just turned on and usually goes away after a minutes.

 

Thanks Bav. I guess I need to start getting use to driving without it as much as possible. Kinda hard in SW Florida. :(

 

Yea it's frustrating, wish there was a way to fix it. Mine almost stalls off the start when I have the air on, luckily I live in a colder area.

 

David:

Sorry you had a bad experience with the Sprint Booster. I've used one on my R56 and R59 for several years, and it really helped get rid of the power lag.

You didn't mention if you notice improvement in Sport mode (actually, I don't know if a 6-speed tranny even has the Sport mode!)...I get very quick throttle response with my auto when I use the Sprint Booster in Sport mode.

 

Hi Kenny. Yes, I have a sport button and it still does it.

The SprintBooster threw an engine light and after trying it several different ways (door open, etc), it still did it so sent it back. Wish I could find a reputable seller who would work with me to make sure it works on a R56 justa.

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

The solution to your problem is for you to move to Michigan. I don't even know how to turn on my air conditioner. But, your problem will then transfer to a feeling that your car is going to fall into pieces...but that's just our crappy roads.

 

David: Suggest you contact ECS Tuning, a vendor/sponsor on NAM...has offered good advice on a number of issues in the Roadster forum...he is a vendor for Sprint Booster. Good luck. Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

With the A/C on, you're gonna have to give it more gas when letting off the clutch. My R53 was this way and my R56 is this way. The A/C system in these cars is a very large draw on power when taking off from a stop. Annoying, but once you're used to it (which can take some time) it begin to come naturally.

 

Thanks everyone. Griz, I'll have to compensate for the added draw on this. I really enjoyed driving during the winter months here in SW Florida. At least I know it's not just my car, or something wrong. I guess that's the way Justas behave. No worries, after the initial hump, the rest is nothing but fine driving. I'm back on Sunoco 93 e10 though.

 

I can't help it, every time I see the thread title, this runs through my head!! (Skip to 29 seconds)


(Too bad the "go to a specific time" bit doesn't work in the "youtube" tag!)