First off I'd like to say I've been searching through the forums for awhile trying to find information on this and haven't had much luck, there aren't any tuners near Cincinnati.. Cincinnati has a huge MINI crowd, but there isn't much of a MINI performance sub-crowd.

The only thing I've read about so far that seemed to be an option for me was the Alta Accessport which does not have the best of reviews and seems to be unobtainable.

I live near Cincinnati and cannot find a tuner even remotely close, I'm looking for a bit more pep in my 2010 R56S, I've not got a huge budget, but am willing to stretch for the right thing.

As of right now, the car's only upgrade that I've seen(I bought it with 40k miles) was a K&N drop in filter. Beyond that I am unsure.

Essentially I'd like to find something in the range of a 'few hundred dollars' that will give me a noticeable increase in performance.

 

You'll have to overnight your ECU to a Manic Tuner, takes about 2-3 days max I believe.

You would get better attention in the Modification/Drivetrain/Manic Motor Sports thread. They tune N14 as well as N18 engines.

 

I don't know where you got your Accessport reviews, but I love mine. I'm just using the Stage 1 tune on a stock N14 engine now and the difference is very apparent. It's a great utility. I'll be installing a Helix intercooler when the new generation is released and can't wait to load the Stage 1 FMIC tune. BTW, I live in Springboro. Hi neighbor!

 

A tune is probably the right step if you have a limited budget. One caution, every tuner will assume that your engine is in very good condition. Have you had carbon cleaning done, and changed spark plugs? This maintenance is not advertised at the dealer, they normally wait until there is a problem. Also keep an eye out for leaks, oil or coolant. MINI's have some common maintenance issues as the cars get older.


I'm another happy AP user, but I would go with a more modern tune if I was doing it now. I've read many good things about Manic, but haven't fully researched other options.


Have fun,
Mike

 

How many miles are on your car and is it in great mechanical condition? If so, I think a 15% pulley will be your best bang for the buck. The ECU will adapt to the pulley. A tune is not necessary. A few more mods and a tune will be necessary to make everything work together properly.

BTW, after installing a 15% pulley and a DDM CAI, my mileage went up 2 mpg under my normal driving.

 

Smithey, it's a 2010 so it's a turbo....

 

It's always a good idea to read the first post that way everyone is on the same page.