I see a lot of mentions of "supercharger whine" around here. I have listened for it, but can't hear it. Is it only audible if you have an after-market cold air intake, or a 15% (or greater) pulley? Or can I not hear it because of my high-frequency hearing loss (I really do have one)?

It sounds like you are in a jet plane at times, the high frequency hearing loss could be to blame...

You should hear a high-pitched whine at about 4k RPM that will get louder from there. In the cabrio, you can hear it better with the top CLOSED actually, I've found.

If you REALLY want to hear it, do the Alta Air BOx MOD - an open-style air box will really let you hear it much better.

I have the Dinan air box, and I removed the intake muffler and plugged the hole in the lower air box with a 2" Fernco cap, nice whine now.

You may be hearing it but attributing the sound to something else - or you're accelerating too gently! You won't hear it as much when you're not "on it".

I really started noticing the whine after I got my 15% Webb pulley installed... Stock intake, etc., and it's not LOUDER - just more interesting!

The whine encourages me to use more throttle - which makes the whine sound better - which induces more throttle...


The best way to get an idea of the MCS characteristic whine is to find a gathering of supercharged MINIs, and listen as they leave a parking area, or make a turn at an intersection, one after another... There will be individual differences in the characteristic sounds, depending on the various mods: pulleys, intakes, exhaust, etc. - but compared to any other kind of car doing the same thing, supercharged MINIs have a VERY distinctive sound!

I wonder what the twin-scroll turbos will sound like?

_Dave_

It's also more noticible with the air vent open :-) (ie, turn off air recirculation)

I was only able to hear it just slightly - note that it will only occur when you're into the throttle - with the stock airbox. With an aftermarket CAI, it's much more noticeable.
I added an M45 to my '91 Miata, and that is MUCH louder than the MCS.

Pretty much everywhere you see the front of the car here is where you should hear the whine; it's modded so its lounder and more pronouced than stock a stock motor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBRVwMCqUxk

I've actually mistaken my S/C whine for a siren a few times, but I've got a heavily modded air box, no pulley yet.

davavd, I suspect your hearing loss may be preventing you from hearing the whine of the supercharger. It is audible in the stock MCS, but yes, with a CAI, it is much more pronounced. I have the K&N Typhoon CAI kit and the Alta 15% pulley...great-sounding whine!

Here's what you do: Tell your Mini that you are going to start using regular rot-gut gas from the Kwikie-mart. Boy will it start to whine!

The whine will only be pronounced above 4k rpms under the aforementioned hard acceleration. by 6k it is producing almost all the engine noise you hear in the cabin

What a meanie!

I heard it in the MCS Automatic I test drove. Just put the pedal to the floor and you will hear it pretty quick. Then back of the gas before you break any laws.

Even with a loss of hearing you should still hear it.

I hear it on mine at 4,000 rpm. That's when my JCW intake opens. After my 15% pulley install I hear it sooner & get pushed back in the seat too.

Would you like some cheese with your whine?

I like the whine

Drill holes in the plastic that seperates the intake area from the cowl area with a hole saw.... then you hear it really good!!!

As soon as I hear the the supercharged whine in my JCW Mini I hold tight to the wheel because I know I'm gonna end up feeling like I'm in the back seat. This week I had the JCW brakes intalled to slow her down on an as need basis.

Whew - love my Mini!

I love the whine and the little exhaust gurgles.

I dont think I can hear the whine much ever being that I am in break in period. I have mastered the art of blowing past everyone without bringing it about 3800 rpm. I shift the sucker quick and lightly. plop plop. when its broken in.... hehehehe... cant wait to rev it out in like 3rd on the parkway.

Whine? Mine screams ! Kelleners 15%, GruppeM CAI.....whoo hoo! (it's better doing 5K - 7K in 1st and 2nd)

And you can drop the rear seats to hear even more gurgles!

Really? I'd want to make sure I understood this PERFECTLY before I did it. Can anyone elaborate - I might actually do it, if it is really OK.

Look at steps 16&17 here on Randy's airbox how-to.