Quote: Originally Posted by Perm (original)
Hi,
Yep, one and the same
Well, still not got to grips with it yet, but, that's more to do with working away from home and not having had real time to drive the car.
But, i can advise that i'm struggling to get the power down smoothly and effectively, which isn't a complaint, i just need to work on it a bit.
I can spin the wheels easily in 4th gear, which, is hard to control
The way the car is set up once traction is lost the TC actually remains in the off position until an engine restart, which, when you think about it is far more safer than having it cutting in all the time and continually cutting the engine power.
The engine light (Not the EML) is always on due to the boost being more than the 17psi warning level, so, if this annoys you then you are gonna have to live with this.
I did have it reset once, but, as soon as you hit the peak boost in either 18 or 21 psi then the light appears again.
As it slightly annoys me that the light is visible i'd appreciate any info on how to have the light extinguished, would prefer the non led removal route, any way to increase the setting might be useful. Again, this is not a complaint.
Roland explains it really well and why it can be a good thing to have it visible.
I have a 2 stage switchable boost setting, 18 and 21 psi, both settings give excellent driveability around town and i now leave it on the 21psi setting, i never need it in town anyway so it's not an issue for me.
Roland may have other opinions about that, but, i'm happy enough.
It is obvious that there is plenty of power there, not measured on a dyno, but the "feel" is different, i won't be going anywhere near a dyno so please don't ask me to quantify my "power" figures.
Motorway driving is also ok, it'll sit comfortably at the national limits and to the "allowed" motoway speeds, the only annoying thing here (and on A class roads) is that on slight uphill gradients the boost engages, obviously to give it more fuel, but, the induction noise can be irritating, but, this is easily overcome by a quick increase in speed to gain momentum and lifting off to maintain the speed sorts it out.
Initially the sound was welcomed for the obvious reasons and it still brings a wee smile, but, latterly i find it too intrusive, but, it's easily dealt with and doesn't bother me.
The exhaust note has diminished to the extent that even at my advanced years i will be seeking an alternative to increase the tone, this may actually help eliminate the boost noise
I've been advise that Milltek is the way to go, so, we'll see sometime in the future.
However, under spirited driving there is a significant back fire and i've had confirmed sparks flying out the back
Mileage was 21mpg but has increased to approx 25mpg and i'm hoping that i can educate the ecu a wee bit higher the more i drive it.
I don't hang about out of town (sticking to limits of course)
I'm still a bit reluctant to give it max in the current weather conditions, the roads have generally been slippy and i'd rather wait until the wintry stuff disappears before i do, however, i'm curious to know what other high performance owners have tyre wise on their cars?
I have Toyo Proxies and i must admit that the lack of straight line grip under hard accelration may be down to the wrong tyre choice.
Of course, with this engine conversion i thought it prudent to upgrade the braking and suspension, this was achieved with the Porsche brake kit, Bilstein suspesnion and all the strut braces ( i already had the front upper brace)
Again i've not really had a chance to examine the new levels of ride quality, but, you can definitely feel a difference and the stopping ability is far superior over the standard
JCW brakes.
All my comments above are aimed at a genuine write up of MY opinions and others may have other ideas, my opinions are not meant to be negative, more how i feel the car is.
I'm not looking for any criticism or questioning my reasons for having the mods done but i will happily answer genuine queries to assist others in their quest for a more powerful MINI.
I already know that for the money you can buy a blah blah car
but, i want a MINI
If you were to consider this turbo conversion i would advise that you start with a more basic model than a
JCW , mainly due to the fact that it makes no difference to the outcome, however, you will have spent more up front.
I honestly believe that you would be better adding the brakes at the same time and if you can stretch to it add in the suspension.
