The single largest obstacle when it comes to tuning the Mini is trying to deal with non-synergistic parts. Haphazardly bolting parts on can and does lead to engine tuning issues. The list of parts that are actually sold for the Mini that are absolutely just a waste of money (but come with a sticker) is mind boggling. Some of the biggest offending parts are non-matched injectors, CAIs that actually suck in hot air, pulleys and pulley combinations that over tax the supercharger/intercooler capacity, intercoolers that are less efficient than stock, poorly designed heads that raise the compression and do not atomize the air/fuel mixture and/or puddle the fuel, poorly designed header flanges/primaries/collectors/flex joints,…And this only deals with the engine. We do a vibrant track setup business and see cheap, poorly made parts there as well.

Bottom-line: With a well thought-out plan you will save not only your time and money but you just might actually achieve your goal of improving your Mini.

 

That seams to be a fair statement, now how about saving us some time and listing the offending parts or suppliers. Stop us from thrashing around and bludgeoning our wallets flat in the search of better parts that work well together. Yeah I know do thread searches add infinitum, but you state you know what is right so fess up. I hope this does not sound as a cross statement but I realy would like you to elaborate.

 

I've had this conversation with many an enthusiast (not just MINI). STOP buying parts and START buying improvements/upgrades. The human psyche is a powerful thing and will convince you that the more $$$ you spend on STUFF, the better the car.

 

I dynoed three track cars this past Saturday with various modifications such as injectors. The base tuning all came from different companies but they all used the PerfectPower piggyback to fine tune and data log. As I note above a problem with tuning can be non-matched injectors: injectors that do not flow at the same rate. It can easily happen with remanufactured injectors that are done four at a time rather than four hundred at a time. After replacing the offending injectors with JCW injectors things started to improve. Buyer beware.

 

RC Engineering can flowtest and clean a set of injectors for less than $100 and quick turnaround times. Good insurance before a tune.