I finally had a half hour to myself on Sunday (05/07/17) and installed my RaceChip Ultimate Performance module.

It is literally a 30 minute install, I kid you not. Common sense dictates to work on a cold engine, and with the persistent rain we have been getting my JCW has been sitting idle in the garage for over a week.

On to the install process.

You will need a 10mm socket to remove the mini version of the cold air intake plumbing. I have uploaded the RaceChip pdf file, it's all pictures for the most part, but let me explain where NOT to trip up.

The harness and plug for the connection after the Air Filter Box, and the one Under the air filter box are identical. How NOT to get it wrong, is to notice that the two connectors, though both identical, only one of them required a 3 pin out, where the other one requires 4. So, unplug the connector, look at it, and the one with 3 pins is the one you want to use the 3 pin Harness. Easy, peasey.

The other connection point, is found dead center to the engine bay, and it is a completely different size, so you cannot go wrong there. Also, the T-Harness is Male, Female in concept, so that the T-Harness can intercept the signal between the sensor and the Mini's ECU.

I used Tie Wraps (not enough included in the box, and I ran out of black.) that came with the RaceChip, and you want to 12" -18" black ones to complete the installation. You want to pay particular attention to two things. 1) Make sure the harness is properly fastened so that it does not come into contact with the Radiator Fan. 2) Make sure the harness does not rest along any of the hot engine or metal contact points (as a rule, follow the mini split loom harness to know the safe routes).

In my opinion, the safest and secure place to install the actual ECU is on top of the Mini Battery. It is the coolest area of the engine, the driest, and the split loom harness does not get pinched or wedged.

I want to know if a group buy is possible, and if so, how would everyone like to proceed. You will save about $100 usd off the price listed on the website with RaceChip.
Last thing I want to do is turn this into a full time occupation. So, what I am looking to know is help with things like;
a) payment process
b) shipping time frame
c) not being responsible if you order the wrong part.
d) not fielding any technical questions (will this fit, will this work etc).
e) any other pit falls that I may encounter.

On to the pictures... (yeah, my phone camera is not great, sorry about that).






Using the Battery washer and screw to hold the RaceChip wiring harness in place.



Using the Battery washer and screw to hold the RaceChip Module in place.



T-Harness install underneath the air cowel.



T-Harness loom attached to pre-existing mini split loom harness.



RaceChip module location on top of Mini Battery cover.

 

I don't think you can run a group buy without being a vendor.

 

Nice writeup LD. If you put a piece of velcro on the bottom of your RaceChip it'll stick to the battery cover without having the unsightly tie wraps. That's how I have my NM mounted.

 

I like your idea...

the Hook part, of a hook and loop tape.

I wanted to secure it properely, but I plan on making a small metal bracket. a u shape, between the two screws and the racechip module.

I will remove the white tie wraps, and replace them with black ones as well.

I have not finalized it 100% yet. And the final stage, I will make the wiring harness too fit. By that, I plan on shorten the length so that there is no bulk. Once again, when I find another 30-60 or so to break out the soldering gun, and heat shrink, I will correct that soon.

Cheers

 

I installed the Chip on Sunday, like I mentioned above and turned the engine over to see if there were any fault codes and what not. All Good. I did not go for a spin because of the bad weather.

Took my son to school today, on a November fuel that I had in the tank (down to a 1/3 tank so far) 94.5 octane and ethanol free. Temperature outside was a nice Turbo 5 to 6 Celsius, mother natures intercooler weather

First 10 minutes, noticed a lot more snap crackle and pop goodness as I drove from 1st gear up to 3rd, and touched on 4th.

Got to school in about 20 minutes or so of driving, and car drove and pulled like OEM.

After dropping him off and starting the car, I noticed a lot less snap crackle and pop on the drive back. So far, I have not noticed any performance or power increase.

So, three things...

1) The ECU / Racechip are in a learning stage, and the benefits are not there yet. Is there a mileage or time frame period anybody can avenge to.

2) It's working but the gains are so progressive that they are not felt by the seat of the pants driving.

3) It's not working or not adjusted properly (I have not taken it apart to check the settings).

I may take it in to work today to get some miles on the RaceChip. My performance pertaining to the engine is bone stock JCW. Other than 94.5 Octane, and Royal Purple Synthetic motor oil, that's it.

 

With my NM Module it takes 20-30 miles of driving for the ECU to adapt and compensate for the "new" normal. That happens every time I remove and replace the module. If the chip is working properly I guarantee you will know it. It's like a different car.

 

Drove in to work, about 20minutes... felt a little better, but not that gee gawd, what a difference.

Still waiting for the "Revelations".

 

OK, took out the JCW for a 3rd run, and I have to be honest, I do not feel or see a difference. I am not throwing any codes, so that is good. An email has been sent to RaceChip to see what is going on.

More to come...

Cheers,

 

Haven't driven the JCW w/ the Racechip in a couple of days... took my son to school today (it was sunny) and felt the increased power today, first time ever. It's not that POW Bang like power, but more of that Diesel Train pushing you with a head of steam.

I must say, I drove about 60 km before noticing anything. Drove with the traction and skid control off (whatever mini / bmw call it) and I can't break the wheels lose in 2nd or 3rd gear (running 18" JCW CrossSpoke wheels with the Dunlop Runflats) for what it's worth.

I will say, as the engine warms up, the snap crackle and pop diminishes with the Race Chip on, compared to without it, or when the engine is cooler.

I did send an email to Racechip two days ago, I have not heard back from them fwiw.

 

OK, so patience is a virtue, I guess... with the RaceChip.

I Finally can say, hey, this isn't your ordinary JCW.

I must say, it took a lot longer than I thought for the integration process.

And yes, depending on conditions, you get some traction loss in 2nd gear.

So, one is too assume (or in my case anyways) that it took an honest 40-60km of driving (I can't be sure anymore of distance, but roughly I would say 3 hours or so of driving.

Today, it was SUCH a nice day, I drove in to work. I can now honestly feel the power, as my drive in to work my JCW was how it should of left the factory. Some Nirvana, and Hyperness that is not felt on the factory JCW. The JCW is no slouch, but it felt like my 540i (effortless smooth speed). And now it feels a little like my MR2 Turbo (that was HKS, Greddy, and Blitz to the max) which was a hyper edgy drive.

I like Nirvana, and Edginess.

Cheers