Can you tune the ECU, or chip it, or flash it, or whatever, or does it need to be replaced by a tuneable aftermarket ECU like a Megasquirt? Thanks.

 

What year and model?

 

The R50 and 53. Can't be more specific since I haven't bought one yet. I just like to know what I might be getting myself into if I do.

Is tuning a popular mod with these cars? I'd assume it is, since it seems to be with just about all enthusiast cars. They don't call them "tuner cars" for nothing. :D

 

There's numerous active threads about tuning.

Short answer is: yes

If you are even thinking that performance may be in the future, get an R53 (preferably 05-06). If performance is what you are looking for, an R50 can only go so far (common max is 115whp).

A stock "210 JCW" will put out apx 184whp, but with proper "tuning" you can see apx 195whp. With a little more work/mods/improvements/tune 210-220 Whp is not uncommon.

You don't need to find a legit JCW, the same performance mods can be found for much less money in the aftermarket.

 

As for the ECU Tune itself, there are about 3 options

Dyno tune/party ( by someone like "Jan" from RMW)
Bytronic - send your ECU out to a company to flash it for you, and you can log/email for additional tweaks
Full ECU change - usually only the dedicated race cars will do this as there are problems when it gets on the street. I forget the brand, but it's definitely in NAM if you search for it.

 

basically theres a few options for tuning, jamez listed some


there are some piggy back options such as unichip, best to just stay away from those ( need to reset the ECU nearly everytime you drive, the ECU will adapt over the values it trys to give)


RMW/MYNES can remote tune, Way might be able to remote tune as well, but I know you can send the ECU to him. those are the big names in tuning


then you can always get a standalone ECU like megasquirt and do it yourself

 

Like others have said...you basically have to take your car to one of the handful of guys in the country that can tune them, meet them at a "tune party".

Tuning options for the R53 Mini's are pretty slim.....and very expensive compared to other "performance" cars.

 

The Bytetronic has been the most popular with what I've seen for the price. We carry it if we can be of help to you! Don't have to send the ECU in for that plus great customer support with the guy at Bytetronic!

 

Remember that tuning a R53 will not yield the same gains as tuning a turbo car, since you're not controlling the boost. You can get gains, however, that are commensurate with the buck spent (If you compare the price of a tune vs., say, the price of an exhaust, it's a very good value). The best way, without any doubt is a custom tune done on a dynamometer specifically for your car. I wouldn't bother getting a 'canned' tune: one in which you get your DME flashed with an off-the-shelf tune. Your car has to be dynoed.

We hare hosting a RMW Dyno tuning event October 22-24th. If you are interested, we may still have a couple of slots left (we're at around 20 cars already). Drop me a line to inquire.

Bottom line, don't waste your money on a canned tune: get it done right if you're going to do it.