What options are there out there for the guys that know how to, and want to do their own tuning on their R53's? I'm pretty good with the GM HP Tuners Software for LS motors, and I've also messed around a lot with the MegaSquirt software.

I know people have had luck (some good, some bad) with Bytetronik Full Access, but are there any other options out there? I've heard of some people using Tuner Studios MS for tuning....and ECM Titanium, but I haven't really heard a whole lot of feedback on those two.

The R53's have been out for 17 year now......there have got to be some good options out there for tuning....right?

Any info, feedback, or suggestions would be great! Thanks

 

115 views and not 1 reply....I guess that answers my question. And this is exactly why nobody wants to invest the time and money into developing tuning software for our cars....

 

You can download the raw ECU with software and a cable called Galleto (will have to check the spelling for you). Finding the maps in something like WinOLS would be a bit of mission DIY however.

Would be interested to see if anyone else has any input, but from my brief look into this FA53 for $500 seems the best way to go.

 

115 views and you expect a useful reply? Quality IP work is not free, and folks that have the skills and knowhow likely turn it into a commercial product and that's likely why. It is not like changing out the carburetor jets, change the spark plugs and advance the ignition timing and call it good.

I don't pretend my reply to be very useful.

 

Yeah.....that's a given. If you don't have experience with A/F charts, timing charts, injector pulse rates, VE charts, etc, etc....you don't need to be messing with tuning software. That being said......it would be nice if there was another option out there besides Bytetronik FA.

 

The only thing that I don't like about FA is that you aren't just modifying the code, and then flashing it to the PCM....you have to load FA onto your PCM....and it's on there forever (at least that's what I've heard several people complain about as far as the FA software goes). I've also hear (but no proof) that it can be kind of buggy, and sometimes you can make a change and it might, or might not make the desired change in the PCM. But I've never messed with it...so I can't say for sure.

I wish HP Tuners made a software version that would work on MINI R53's

 

 

FA53 is loaded onto the ECU so fast data-logging can be enabled. To revert back to stock, simply use FA53 and "return the ECU back to stock" option. It's that easy. If customer happens to lose their "stock rom" during the initial loading of FA, then they can send the ECU and have it revert back to OEM stock for a small service fee.

The ECU is 'buggy' b/c it might not do what's desired by the user? Perhaps the user does not understand how the ECU reads or interprets the various maps? The Siemens ECU behaves very differently than the JDM (Honda or Mitsu) ECUs.. we have had JDM tuners go in and try to tune the R53 using the JDM approach and the results were less than spectacular, to say the least. Keep in mind, FA53 is a tool that allows end users to access and change the mappings inside the ECU; how well you do it depends your knowledge and understanding of the ECU architecture.

Anyone can go to the Bytetronik website and download FA53 and test drive the software using the Demo Tunes:
https://www.bytetronik.com/wp-conten...8-complete.rar

 

There have been many canned tunes over the years... but for a car that's over 15 years old (and growing), a canned tune would not be very beneficial. These 4 bangers are quite strong - do a Youtube search for ABF Turbo R53 and you'll see how much power can be squeezed out of these 4 bangers.

The trick is getting rid of the SC and replacing it with a turbo. In fact, we'll be offering in-house turbo builds on the R53 at a set price, guaranteed to be over 300WHP at under 21PSI... stay tuned... (o, and this will be achieved using FA53 tuning kit on the Stock Siemens VDO ECU/DME).

 

 

Here ya go...

https://unichip.us
or -
https://unichip.us/faq-end-user-tuning/

I'm on the proverbial fence on whether or not to get one. I'm in CA, they won't sell to CA, but...we have ways.

Mike

 

 

Do a forum search on Unichip to see how bad of an idea it is for the Mini. While not the greatest a mod specific canned tune, would be a much better option than Unichip.

 

This just indicates the lack of knowledge of the person doing the tuning..!
Has NOTHING to do with being a "Mini", or any other car brand.
Doing your own tuning takes a little knowledge. Going in without some knowledge or a dyno to tune on,..granted, that IS a bad idea.

I've been tuning bikes for years with this type of (you tune) box. My new to me, 05 JCW is my first car that is computer controlled. I have no concern going with this method of tuning (If I can get one !)
As for the Unichips "canned" tune...I cannot comment, have no knowledge. That's not what I'd be buying it for. Buyer tuning, that's what I'm looking for, as it seems the original poster is looking for.

Mike

 

I used to think that.....but the more I read up on the Bosch, and other brands of PCM's that are used in the MINI's (different years of R53's have different brands of PCM's if I remember right)......it does matter. Something about how the code is written on the MINI PCM's.....it's different than most other brands of cars. That's why most "we can tune anything" type software packages don't work on them.....and specific software has to be designed just for the MINI's.



Maybe Bytetronik can give some more details on this?

 

Can you give some more info on this? I'm used to the HP Tuners type software, and Megasquirt software....you open a fuel or timing map....you make a change to the map.....and you see the resulting change in the fueling and/or timing on the motor. It's pretty easy. Why does understanding how the ECU reads the maps affect the numbers you input vs. the change that is made to the ECU/PCM? If you select a group of cells in a timing map, and tell it to add or subtract 2 degrees of timing on those cells.....does it not do that?

Just looking to educate myself on this a little.......

 

there are 3 types of DME/ECU used on the MINI R53, Siemens and Siemens VDO (The VDO from 05 and 06 R53, and all R52 versions). The Bosch DME/ECU are used for the R56 N14 and N18. And the 07 N14 DME is a bastard child that was in used for only one year.

 

There are some many other torque limiters and torque managers built into the ECU to ensure engine longevity. Remember, the primary concern of the car manufacturer is not to make power - it's about keepping the motor safe. If you tell the engine to run X-timing at y-range, the ECU might detect the stated parameters to be out of range and ignore your commands and default to 'safe mode' timing values... it's a lot more complicated than that.

Why don't you download the FA53 software and take a look-see yourself

 

Thanks for the info, that makes sense. I'll check out the software. Thanks again for the info!