I've seen threads about this mod and everyone raves about it. What exactly does it do, how does it work and how will my car feel different (06 MCS JCW).
Not interested in the VGS mod as I have read to many threads about high temps and jerky throttle responce.

Thanks

 

DetroitTuned bypass valve (DT BPV) is a must!

It makes the valve more "nerveous" and let boost comes earlier. This makes a good difference in everyday's driving.

It also gets rid of the annoying "yo-yo" on some MCS...

I haven't seen any lost in MPG.

Many BPV comes from the factory mis-adjusted... They won't close fully or the butterfly doesn't seal properly. DT adjusts them properly and change the spring to a stiffer one.

It is fairly easy to install... DetroitTuned has a great how-to with tons of pictures and easy to follow instructions. Just make sure you print them because you'll need it lol

Basically, it's a mod you want to have on your MCS, and you'll love it!

I've had mine for more than 1 year and think it's really worth it.

Remember that this valve is what controls your supercharger... ;-)

 

From DT's website :

The Detroit tuned Bypass Valve is a re-worked brand new OEM valve that is modified to eliminate the "Yo-Yo" in early year ('02-'04) Cooper S's, but is available for all year Cooper S's. This BPV uses a stiffer return spring, resulting in quicker boost generation, and thus quicker throttle response and transitions. The butterfly assembly is also adjusted to close fully, allowing for maximum boost. Perfect for the aggressive driver or racer. Expect a minor loss in fuel economy, and a great improvement in throttle resolution and smoothness.

 

Thanks, anymore reviews out there, particularly with 06 or JCW equipped cars.

 

Just a caveat about the BPV mod...

Having modest mechanical skills and a full array of tools, I found the BPV replacement to be a fairly involved process. This would be especially true if you are new to removing/replacing items deep inside your MINI's engine bay. You may wish to opt for a mechanic familiar with the MINI to perform the install.

Of particular note is the plastic intake pipe that runs from the throttle body area to the SC intake port. It is also attached to the bottom of the BPV and needs to be wriggled free from the valve for replacement.

Unfortunately, when the intake pipe is removed from the TB, the only thing securing it to the intake port on the SC is a little plastic tab in a very out of the way place. This can easily break if you move the intake pipe too much, and cause an air leak in the intake system. It is difficut to replace if broken, as the front bumper and radiator assembly must be removed.

So...care must be exercised!

If you don't know your way around the engine bay and still want to attempt the BPV replacement yourself, plan a lot of time for this...like all afternoon. Do no drink beer when doing this mod. Hide all hammers and other means of blunt force "percussive tuning". Take a lot of breaks. Study the instructions carefully, and do not run with scissors.

Good Luck,

Theo

 

On average, everyone sees about 1 PSI of boost more than before, and they see it sooner in the RPM band. making the car quicker and with a great throttle response.

very clear directions are included with each bypass valve and normally installation times run about an hour.

if you have any other questions, give us a call here at the shop. 586-296-6001. there are also a few other good threads out there if you do a search for Detroit Tuned Bypass Valve.

Chad
Detroit Tuned

 

Koopah, You are a good person for passing that information. Listen to Koopah, he know what he is talking about. Use care when making this mod. Just do not push down on the TB or you will be doing a lot of "extra" work. Koopah's method of keeping two screws on is also good advice. Tell them about it Koopah.

Bomboasy

 

Would any of you sharp mechanics then reverse the VGS mod if you replaced the Bypass valve with one of Detroit's?

I believe I have felt that jerky throttle response since making the VGS mod. But Yo-Yo was way better.

Yo-Yo even better with the By-pass valve redo?

 

That's probably why I get 16psi on my 15% pulley... Most people don't believe I get that much boost out of a 15% pulley, but I'm pretty sure my boost gauge is accurate... (Autometer)

The DT BPV is really a must and everyone whould get it! It's really not expensive and it brings the MCS engine to life! A lot more fun to drive and best of all, I haven't seen a lost in MPG...

Props to Detroit Tuned for the BPV!

Chad, you're the man lol

 

Not very...sorry

 

can you explain??

 

Mechanical/analog gauges are inherently inaccurate...few things to consider...needle vibration, no calibration capability, the increments are 1psi...a fraction of an inch apart...pretty good for indicating presence of boost but not "exact" boost. There have been reports of people getting up to 19psi with 15%

 

Ordered my Detroit BPV today. Hope it goes in easier than some have said. I used to be a pretty good wrench when I was constantly modifying VWs, so I'm expecting some blood, some sweat, but no tears.

 

Just take your time, watch out for excessive stress on the SC intake tube (rebolt it after removing the TB to stabilize), don't drink any beer until you're done, and you should be good to go!

Theo

 

Groovy, I'm going to have it on Wednesday next week.

 

Wish I didn't see this thread because now its going to cost me another $125.

 

LOL I was thinking the same exact thing.

 

But it will probably be the best 125$ you'll spend on your MINI... This little valve controls a lot of things, and makes the MINI drives a lot better!!

 

Great to hear reoports like these when I plan on installing mine next week.

 

Well, I got it done in about 3 hours.
No issues in the installation,except droppin one of the 11mm nuts that are basically irreplaceable unless you live right next door to a MINI dealer. After extensive fishing and magnet searching I got it back and the engine went back together well.

What a difference there is is smoothness of throttle and power. I also removed the VGS mod.

Glad I did it.

 

I didn't need to. It's low enough to be out of the way, and then the TB support bracket holds up (somewhat) the end of the plastic SC tube...

Matt

 

Installed my DTBV last night on my '05. So far so good. I notice sharper throttle response and it appears to have eliminated the light throttle whistle that may hear after installing an Alta cai. I would strongly recommend following DT's instructions, which includes removing the throttle body. There's a clip that holds a hose onto the bottom of the BV. It was hard enough getting that thing back on even w/o the TB in the way.

Also, I was very pleased with DT's customer service. I ordered it Tuesday morning and it was at my door last night (Thursday). And they included a couple of DT stickers and a free copy of MC2. I'm sure I'll order from them again.

 

Thanks for the report. I'm planning to do mine this weekend and am hoping to at least reduce the whistle.

 

I installed mine in about an hour, what a nice feeling this thing gives!

 

Just don't lose those three nuts that hold on the horn - basically irreplaceable. When the instructions say to use a magnetic wand - do it! I spent way too much time searching for a lost nut.
Also - who has a 11mm socket? I used a 7/16ths and it worked well.

Pablo