Hey all, newbie looking for help!
I actually made an account because I've looked everywhere and couldn't find anything on the intake question.
First off, I was looking at doing the air intake silencer mod, but with the changes they've made from the N14-N18, I'm not sure my intake has the same silencer, if any to do that mod on. (Taping the holes)
I'm planning on doing a new intake here within the next couple months so it's not a huge deal but if it's something I can do until then it be much appreciated. Maybe I could even avoid the upgrade for longer..
Next! I've seen a lot of seafoam videos of MINIs online and hear the wonders that it works on these cars.
I've used it on my older Jeep Wrangler and it helped...but it also had 160k miles. My MINI only has 50k.
I heard with the high compression and carbon build up its a nice thing to add to your maintenance to help between carbon cleanings.
The problem I'm haveing is all the videos I've watched,are on the N14 and the pvc valve has change on the N18. Where do i add the seafoam to?
I have a 2011 R56 S if that helps... Forgive the noob-ness, first mini, first forum, first post! Any help is greatly welcome!!
If it's been postes before please send me in the right direction.

 

It might be worthwhile to read this thread about carbon buildup:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ec-tuning.html

 

Don't look for problems. Don't really see reports of N18 Carbon issues, especially on low mileage cars.

 

Thanks for the thread, I definitely plan on doing the carbon cleaning but inbetween I thought the seafoam would help. I know it won't eliminate it. And I wanted to add it to the pvc not the gas tank. In that thread though, I did find a place near me that does the cleaning so I really appreciate that!!!
I'm not searching for problems.l, I'd call it... Preventative maintenance haha. Anything to make my car run better.
Plus before I start modding I want it to be running in top shape.

 

It's definitely not a bad idea. I know you said you found a shop, but if you're ever inclined to DIY, this thread here has a great PDF for a step by step carbon clean up. It also has some good information on it as well. Seafoam is good to use here and there, even after the clean up. Never a bad thing to over maintain if you're able to.

From what I am seeing you are to put it through a vacuum line to the intake manifold. Not sure this will be helpful at all, but read the comments below the video as well directly on the YouTube page.

 

I used to believe in seafoam but after seeing some other tests like soaking a dirty valve in seafoam overnight and it had like zero results I have just started adding Techron to my tank everyother tank or when I remember, it did far better at cleaning carbon.

Again with a DI engine not much you can do. I think if you can stop your engine with intake valves closed and add a cleaner to the top it would help but that's too much work.

There is someone on here who must sell BG44 is very religious about it, cost too much for me to try.

 

Try buying it in the aerosol can that comes with a red spray tube extension. Remove the MAP sensor that is mounted on the plastic charge pipe to the left of the engine. Set the sensor carefully aside while still electrically connected. Insert the plastic spray tube a couple of inches into the charge pipe angled aft. Keep your finger over the hole to prevent an air leak and to hold the tube in place. Have someone else start the car and hold the engine steady at 4000 rpm. Feel free to spray away. Doesn't matter whether it's an N14 or N18 as this method works on both. Also comes in handy for mosquito control during the summer months

Will it clean all the carbon off your valves? Not a snowballs chance in someplace REALLY warm. Will it help even out a rough idle caused by removing some of it? Anecdotal evidence appears to support the idea but no one to my knowledge has taken before and after valve pictures for comparison.

 

This video has video has some compelling video of before and after.

 

Thanks for all the help guys, haven't made any changes yet but have done quite a bit more research on intakes. Cold air vs open vs stock...still haven't made up my mind. I found a ram air style by M7 that uses what looks like a modified stock CAI and utilizes the scoop. Looks way cool and is carbon fiber. Too bad the price tag is $800...little too expensive for an intake for me lol

 

I'm happy with the AEM. It now is CARB compliant here in California. Performance benefits are a apparent sans a dyno. Knowing I don't have to take it out and monkey around is very good