What's the best and safest way to get to 240-250 horsepower. Only had the car few days but this is my second mini I had a bunch of alta stuff on last one.

 

Bolt ons wont get you there.

Gonna have to wait for a tune, or send out your ECU to be tuned.

Please search

 

When you find out tell me!

 

How about the altar access port?

 

JCW Coupe has the same engine as the hatch. Tunes are available although I don't know how "safe" they are.

 

I don't think that is true. The JCW Coupe has the older style engine without the valvetronic valve train, N14 The hatch has the new N18 valvetronic motor. They are not the same.

In my driving of the two cars the Coupe S has the newer motor and the JCW that I test drove and my car do not have the fully variable valve management.

 

Correct, the 2012 factory JCW variants still use the N14 and therefore still can be ECU programmed with ease.

acejcw, you won't be at 250hp with these three modifications, but they are the most bang for buck in terms of power for the N14: ECU programming, intercooler, and exhaust downpipe.

- Erik

 

Yes that is what I said - I drive a JCW hatch... perhaps it wasn't clear and this is what I meant

"JCW Coupe has same engine as the JCW Hatch (N14). Tunes are available although I don't know how "safe" they are."

 

IMO its always better (for power) to get the intercooler, and exhaust downpipe.... than take your MINI to someone like Way @ Way Motor Works to have a custom tune done just for your MINI. That is the safest way I know.

I do have a Alta Access Port... and love it for the power... BUT like many say.... it is not a custom built tune for me... so I DONT know how safe it is. So I just use the Tune on days I want the extra power. Good news is that I can swap Tunes in less than a minute.

I wish I had spent the money on a custom tune. I will do it eventually but waiting to get all part on my MINI first.

I would also add a Forge BOV (blow off valve) while your at it... and the NM Torque bushing. If you have the dough. $$

 

The first and best mod i would recommend is a rear sway bar!!!! I'm sure you already know that.... just my 2 cents

 

Jackson, we've talked about this before but, what's the purpose of the Blow Off Valve?

 

What is the difference between the new and the old engine I hope I didn't make a mistake by not waiting.

 

IMO, nothing but to make more noise....

Supposedly if you get an aftermarket BOV, it will open quicker to release the pressure faster.

I HIGHLY doubt anyone can install one, do a dyno or 1/4 mile time trial and see any difference. IMO, it’s there to make more noise.


My .02 worth....


Mark

 

Who would you send the ECU to on a N18?

 

+1^^^

 

So what's the difference between the to motors

 

I put a Forge BOV on .... and noticed a difference. I did not hear any noise difference at first. I only noticed the noise or a noise (not 100% sure it's all from the BOV) after I installed a aftermarket intake. Now I have that sucking sound.

But to answer your question.... I noticed the response time when I hit the gas the power is there and stays there a lot better. Especially between gear shifts.
The small little lag the stock BOV disappears. Mainly noticed it at lower to mid rpms .... at higher rpms (> than say 4000) you probably won't see the difference.
PLEASE NOTE!!! I did install the heavier stiffer spring (yellow) which gives me a more consistant boost and I have seen my boost with the ALTA Tune stage 1 go up to 21-23. Without tune.... usually tops out around 15.

This is of course just my opinion. I think Way Motor Works or a pro would be able to give you a better answer....

Do I think it's worth it..... HELL Yeah! But of course I ONLY recommend the FORGE BOV with Yellow or stiffer spring. With a good custom tune and intercooler and stage 2 or higher.. you can get even a stiffer spring. If I remember right..... there are 2 more springs stiffer yet.

 

Jackson - you end up uninstalling you OCC? Don't see it your sig anymore.

 

Yes sir!

From Way @ Way Motor Works ..... recommendation... I uninstalled the OCC. I still have it if you want it? I only used it for maybe a month. Clean as a whistle.

Way stated to me that he never installs them ....even on his race cars. I wish that there was more data to support the need for one.

I do always use SeaFoam on every oil Change. Also don't know if this actually helps ... but for a few bucks .... it can't be hurt.
(I know there is a huge debate on this topic , but I figure I would rather be an optimist about it)

I do get a small boost from the SeaFoam right after using it.... but I don't think it stays. I just hope it's helping keep the motor a little cleaner.

 

Check MotoringFile or search the forum for more details.

N18 basically has full ValveTronic which gives more HP and better efficiency... However there is no JCW for sale (yet) with newer N18 engine and JCW factory bits. Maybe a year, maybe longer, before you see the newer engine on a JCW. Keep an eye on MotoringFile but by the sounds of it MINI is working on it.

I wouldn't worry too much about not having the N18 engine.

 

I think that the increase is so minimal, there’s no way you can feel it by seat of your pants. I doubt you could see it on the dyno. (this is assuming that the factory BOV is in working condition)

I think it’s like exhaust, the sound we hear makes the car seem faster.

Check out this video.



As you can see, they all have the same results. In the end, the factory BOV did leak a bit but it was also 10 years old. I’ll bet if they had installed a new OEM valve, it would have produced the same results.

 

So is it for sale then?

 

Acejcw;

Cornelis Hollander is running a full stage 3 Alta / Access Port on his JCWcoupe with no problems, You can find him here https://www.facebook.com/groups/211254292274789/

 

If his isn't, mine is. I have ZERO room to install it without changing the intake and I'm in no hurry to do that.

 

A JCW should see 250hp from a map quite easily I would have though - JCWs over here that have the N14 engine have been over 250hp with just a map... most seem to be around 230hp when stock...

Or do you mean 250hp at the wheels ??