Please forgive the newb if this is a topic already covered. If I’ve managed to miss the topic, please point me to it and I’ll shuffle back off to the lurker’s corner!

I tried to search these forums for various aftermarket ECU options; however, was quickly overwhelmed with returns more focused on the factory ECU problems rather than what I was hoping for. Next month I will order my 06 MCS and was trying to research the myriad of ECU options available. Please understand that I'm not trying to start a war over which is better. Rather, I am trying to establish baseline, comparison data from which to develop decision criteria. I appreciate any assistance one may offer and thank the group for an excellent forum community!

Cheers!

 

You might check out some of the vendors that are advertising on NAM - Webb Motorsports and Detroit Tuned are two that immediately come to mind. MTH provides an ECU re-map; however, they are not based in the U.S., so if you encounter any problems, you are limited in your remedy. I guess the first question is what is your tolerance for risk (as in the ECU code not working with your car's ECU)?

 

Hi:

There are just to many choices to choose from. So I'll list down what I do know is out there, and you can do an individual search on each one.. ..Different people here on the forum have different opinions as you know by now.. But if you want the most power out of each of these options, you would have to have it customed tuned for your car.. If you just want something you can plug and play , then anyone is ok...

MTH (flash)
Unichip (Piggyback/base maps available)
Evotech

Universal Piggy back
APEXI S-AFC II/ APEXI Select (needs to be tuned)

MTH (ask in the newly established MTH section in NAM) is priced reasonably but Unichip and Evotech are pretty costly... Choosing an ECU will be dependent on exactly what you want to do on your car, and of course how much money are you willing to spend.. Remember the ECU upgrade will give you different numbers depending on what exactly other mods you have done..

I totally believe in the ECU upgrade after seeing my A/F ratio from the factory.. it its TOOOOOOOO RICHHHHHHH, not just rich, but TOOOOO RICCHHHHHHHH

///Gilbert

 

MINI's stock are infact "TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Rich". Just correcting the A/F ratio to be what it should be has two very important side effects.

1) Better fuel economy, you're not wasting fuel not needed for combustion.
2) More power, since you increase the efficiency, you generate more power.

I like the simplicity of MTH, since its a flash, it takes very work to install (compared to a Piggyback system). Also, its much easier to hide from the dealer, since its virtually undetectable. As far as erroneous code making your car not work, I have yet to see that happen when proper care is taken with installation, just like any other performance part.

 

Yea,

I'm trying to decide myself between, Unichip, Powerchip, or MTH.

I'm so confused.

Steve

 

Another option is GIAC which is available for cars with a 15% pulley or a 19% pulley w/larger injectors.

AMPR

 

Its not like you need another but Dinan is an option. I have their Stage 3 ECU software and love the results. Price was $400 including dealer programming and they'll change it for me if I add exhaust, etc. It also carries a warranty which is important to me as the car is fairly new. They have performance info on their site www.dinancars.com

 

I have done a series of MODS and believe the next step is an ECU upgrade. I'm glad to see that I am not the only confused person on trying to figure which way to go.

So, I'd like to ask for your recommendations - BASED on the following criteria:

MCS 03 + CAI + 15 pulley + header / catback.
purpose - primarily very spirited daily driving but the occasional autocross.
I want to set it and forget it.
The car is not under warranty and it will see little dealer time.
Budget - would rather spend less than more but want to do it right - and thats why I'm here.

If you feel there is an additional mod that should go with what I have along with the ecu upgrade you arerecommending - let me know what it is.

Always looking forward to what you think.

 

head work! and match port header....big difference when it comes to power hands down......

 

Prices:


MTH Tuner : $350 + ($110 for a cable if you dont have anyone local who can hook you up)
DINAN : $400
GIAC: $325
EvoTech : $690
UNIChip : $735


The other things to consider:
Is it going to cost you every time you add a mod and need a new map?
Can you afford to be without a car while your ECU is out of the vehicle.
Do you have to go somewhere to have it reprogramed or do you want to do it all from the comfort of your own garage.

As for mods I would recommend to go with all this power. Better brakes, stickier tires, and driving school. You can have all the power in the world, but if you cannot control it, then it is of no value.

 

IMO if you already have the MTH version V don't spend the money to upgrade to the tuner file. If not the same as v5 it is almost the same.

 

The older MTH V5 is the equivalent to the Standard MTH file. There were a few that Franz made with more hp/tq that are closer to the Tuner file, but not many.

 

To answer your questions -

1) I intend to stop here with engine mods.
2) yes, I can afford to be without the car for a week.
3) since the engine mods stop here - i am willing to drive to get it done or do it at home - either way I want to set it and forget it.

yr other mod recomendations - noted, thanks.

so having said all ofthe above you suggest - choice #1, choice #2?

 

I have MTH and would highly recommend it. It also does a few things that I dont think some of the others do. Increases redline, removes speed governor, and modifies the DSC/ASCT parameters to be less intrusive (and dangerous if you've ever had it kick in while pulling into traffic).

 

Anyone have MTH (or any other ECU mod) on an MCSa?

 

I couldn't agree more. There's nothing like being in a modded MCS and getting passed by a stock MC because the driver knows what he/she's doing

I highly suggest Phil Wicks' school, www.minidriving.com. He'll also tell you the weak point in the MINI is its breaks... and we all know about the run flat tires.

 

Thanks for the many responses!! I was SURE that I'd missed this thread previously!

Based off of the replys, I am willing to pay for the whole shabang up front then again for reprogramming for new mods but would rather keep the car and do this myself. I plan on buying the car now and then adding various and sundry mods over time to keep the car "new" with each addition. I have no intentions of getting extreme with this car; it's good enough as is. However, I am intrigued with the fuel savings potential mentioned below.

With that, what would the consensus be? Again, not trying to start any fights or flames, just asking for experienced opinions.

Cheers!

 

Your best bet is to go to the Performance Modifications :: Drivetrain forum, https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=16. Searching that forum will give you more performance oriented hits than Beneath the Bonnet, which tends to get more into the trouble shooting aspects.

 

PRODUCT REVIEWS would be helful as well.

So if you git it POST it!

 

A very helpful post by Andy@ross-tech.com explaining the difference between Flashes and Piggybacks.


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