so I've been reading A LOT about upgrading my 10 R55. I checked with the MINI dealer and the timing chain and tensioner were replaced last year and I'm ready to start modding. I've spoken with John from battle tuning and have been putting together a parts list. John told me in order to do the stage 2 tune I need an intake and exhaust but from reading here most people say K&N is a waste of money and I'm not interested in spending $400 on an intake. Can I get some opinions on if I need it or not. My plan is to do an exhaust not sure which cat back system to do an intercooler and a tune. I was going to do a DP as well but I need to pass inspection so I think a DP is out. Also if anyone has any feedback on the Borla catback I would appreciate that as well. Thanks guys.

 

I would do a cone style intake. Be that, JCW, AEM, K&N typhoon, NM, DDMWorks, DOS (if you can find one), pipercross, or even alta, it will allow more volume. With a tune you'll want more volume, and that may mean you'll get warmer air (depending on which intake you choose) but you'll be providing the damanded volume of air. Plus getting a good FMIC, should pretty much erase the extra heat from the intake change.

On a stock car, there is little to no benefit of any other intake. The stock car adjusts for air flow differences, so its really pointless to get an intake for that kind of car set up.

Most people agree that the JCW intake is the best option. AEM and DDM are the only two to use the hood scoop. DOS is the loudest and is still argued to be the most beneficial, but you can only get a used one.

I can't attest to the Borla. And the DP depends on what kind of inspection they do, if its just check the light and OBDII, then your ok. If its a sniffer test, then you might be SOL.

 

Well I just bought a FMIC and have an appt with a local custom exhaust shop that does good work on Thursday. Still not sure what I'll do for an intake but I'm working closer towards the tune. as for the downpipe I work for a dealership so as long as it passes on the ecu I'm good for inspection.

 

Cool, I also work at a dealer. I'm a service advisor. So it sound like you should be able to do a down pipe with no problem then. Get the intake that fits your needs the best, then the tune. Once you get the tune, I'd recommend taking to the dyno (if you have one close) and getting the tune adjusted, eek out every last HP you can.

 

Yea def hitting a dyno after the tune. I feel like if this car had another 125-150hp it would be the funniest car I've ever had. I need to find a good deal on a catted DP with an O2 bung. I'm getting there though. Once all the performance mods are done I'll start doing suspension and exterior upgrades as well. I'd really like to add the driving lights in the grille and maybe a set of JCW rims and that's it for the exterior.

 

I know JM Turbo Coopers developing an exhaust for a clubman and they were looking for a car to do test fitting. If you are close to AZ, it may be worth checking with them. This is what I am planning to get for mine once they have something built. I agree that JCW kit intake (with cone filter) is the one to get, but is hard to find in used condition.

 

For the R55 Cooper S and JCW (N14 engine ) its a quick swap.

We have ran it on a factory JCW N14 engine and it a direct bolt on with the tube filter. Fits the N14 Cooper S engine also, as its part of the JCW tuning kit.

I would recommend the little gasket also , as the 2007+ R56 Cooper S and The Factory JCW N14 airbox uses the factory panel filter as a seal. otherwise it might rattle a bit. John Cooper Works Tuning Kit Intake does not come with that gasket seal.

John Cooper Works Tuning Kit Intake part # 13720429380

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/13720429380/




&

John Cooper Works Tuning Kit - Air Box With Tube Filter - Gasket Part # 13530433064

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/13530433064/



If you want to change to a light oil foam filter , Pipercross has direct fit tube filter.

Performance Foam Air Filter - JCW PX1875

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/PX1875/




And here is the cleaner kit for pipercross.


ES#2626400
Pipercross Filter Cleaning Kit

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/ES2626400/



Thanks

 

Just ordered the whole kit thanks for the info I really appreciate it. I'll post my opinions when I get but its JCW so I'm sure it will be great.

 

Double post

 

So I got to the intake today. It's being installed as we speak. Intercooler will be here tomorrow. I received bad news though. John from battle/DNA tuning is no longer offering tuning for our cars. He said it will be at least a year before he offers it again. I am now in search of another tuning option. Does anyone have any recommendations? Also what are the thoughts on the AP tuner? Is there a list of mods needed for each stage of the AP tunes?

 

Another update. I got the helix intercooler installed last night and I still need to decide what I'm going to do for an exhaust and I'm lost on a tune really not sure that I want to run an AP. But I'm getting closer.

 

Manic Motorsport. You get massive gains and map switching on the fly.

 

But I have to go to a manic dealer for the tune right? If so the closest one is like 8hrs away lol.

 

That or overnight ship it to a dealer.
What stage are you? Do u know?

 

I'm only running a jcw tuning kit intake and a helix fmic right now but I'm going to be doing a catback too.

 

My recommendation is to do a down pipe next and then do your tune. You would be at Stage 2. At Stage 2 I dynod at 215whp on Map B and 226whp on Map C on a mustang dyno with 100 degree weather.
Not bad for our 1.6L

 

I have to worry about emissions in MA so I wasn't going to do the dp but I guess I can find one with a cat and O2 bung. 230whp was the goal so that will work. I guess I need to start looking for a DP.

 

Yeah maybe a hi flow cat will work. Check out my Manic Thread on the drivetrain forums. And look on Manic Motorsports USA on Facebook. I want all you guys to be happy. It's really a whole different car. I'm at close to 260whp now.

 

for a downpipe check out the Akrapovic DP, they are a piece of art. They always fit perfect and have a high flow 100 cell cat. It's what I have for my GP, and highly recommend them.

 

So I found a local guy who has experience tuning minis but he's saying that he will have to pull the ecu to tune my car because There was a software update that blocks tuning by the OBDii port. I have a 2010 N14 motor and this contradicts everything I have read about tuning this car. He said he would try and do the tune by plugging in but doubts it will work. What do you guys think?

 

All N14 engines can be tuned via OBDII. As long as they have the correct software. If they use different software or tool to program, then I bet they can't.

 

well he said he's reflashed 07s and 08s but has had to pull the ecu on the later cars. I just like the idea of having a local tuner. I just can't be without my car for 3 days.

 

Ok so I've been in touch with redline speedworx in New Jersey and I'm going to take the 5hr trek down to get the manic tune. I've decided against the DP because no one can guarantee no CEL. I am going to do the stage one + tune and hopefully be satisfied.

 

Manic tune removes CEL from down pipe

 

but it won't pass emissions. I'm don't want to have to put the stock DP on it every year.