I've done all the basic engine mods... CAI, pulley, colder plugs, exhaust, JCW injectors... And now the time has come to put it all together with a tune. I'm in western ct and need a recommendation on a place to take it. Found a place that does a bunch of tunes but few minis. I'd prefer someone who knows the quirks of our engines.

Also, are there other options? I.e. so e type of effective but reliable plug and play options.

Finally, what's a reasonable price? I've seen anything from 400-1000.

Any and all advice would be appreciated.

 

For the most part, you want someone who tunes Mini or BMW, while tuning basics are the same, the way BMW/Siemans works is unique, you want some who knows what they are doing with it and how our cars work.

IMO, stay away from plug-n-play or basic "canned" tunes, while some that are offered by reputable Mini associated vendors would be the only ones I would trust, you have to be willing to live with the fact you spent money to go part of the way, and it will still cost you the same to then have it done right, in all honesty a canned tune with your mods really wouldn't be worth the expense when you consider that just driving the car has allowed the ECU to do a lot of the same changes on it's own, yes it would tweak a few things but IMO, not enough to justify the cost.

Save your money, look into a custom remote tune for "your" car, even with all the same parts as 90% of everyone else, they always work different on each individual car, look into different vendors offering different options, 1 day remote tuning on a dyno, remote tuning over time in the street (my prefered, since it more involves real world temps, air flow & torque) or of course catching up with someone on a "tune day".

Of course I'm a Byteronik/Mynes guy, and have never been happier, but yes look into your options, and while they may seem to be pricey, remember, you get what you pay for, and a good & "correct" tune means that you've gotten all the possible gains & safety for your motors longevity.

 

Had mine done it CT at an RMW tune party down by the casino in Norwich at a dyno...happens just about every year when Limerock racing season in going on...JAN is in town, so he comes over and tunes cars.
Cost was $350 (I think a few years ago) for the tune, and $100 for dyno.

 

And the same place down in CT is set up to do remote tunes pretty sure....I think remote tunes are a few extra $$, would have to call and find out.
Think the shop/dyno was SWIFT Motorsports.

 

Zippy how much hp/tq did you gain on the dyno after the tune?

 

And what were your overall numbers?

 

thanks for the advice guys. I'll see if they plan another tune day this spring.
Anyone lese know of a place in the New England NY area?