[tfisher]

Is there a solution to this nagging problem?

I love my MCS in every respect except the lack of torque at the low-end when I pull out from a standing start.

I currently have the version 38 software upgrade (which fixed all the other problems nicely). I can't afford the JCW package. I don't want to void my warranty.

Is there a warranty-legal solution for say, under $1,000??????

I apologize if this has been discussed a lot - I haven't been here in a while.

[JCIP]

The most direct solution is to go to an underdrive Super Charger pulley, like the JCW. The factory uses 15% for JCW, but those that have gone with the 19% pulley seem to feel the improvement.

The change to a 19% pulley was the only thing I did initially, and the improved low-end response was vastly improved. I like torque, I also have a Corvette, so I dearly missed the pulling from low revs. My wife was so uncomfortable taking off on hills, etc. that she avoided driving the Mini. With the 19%, there is still not gobs of torque, but the car is much easier to drive, especially around town, and you don't have to rev it like boy -racer at the stop lights.

I made no other changes, except the 19% pulley, no ECU, or other mods. I have just done the Hot Air Intake, which is a small $ air cleaner mod. The car runs fine, and has good gas mileage.

[obehave]

The above mentioned 19% along with an ECU mod should come in under a grand.
Even the 15% will show a definite improvement.

I'd love to see somebody design a cam and headers that emphasized the low end.

[tfisher]

JCIP and OBEHAVE - thank you both. So which should I do? the 15% pulley or the 19%? I've also seen a 17%. What are the pluses and minuses of the different sizes?

I also think I will put in an Alta CAI. Is that a good mix?

[kapps]

If you ever want to track your MINI or drive at high rpm's then the 15% is for you. High rpm's with a 19% bring the supercharger very close to it's rotational limit and the excess heat produced can't be displaced by the intercooler. There are also some problems with belts snapping with a 19% pulley. If it's a full street car that's not going to see much 5k+ rpm, then 19% is a possibility if you really want lots of torque. 15%, on the other hand, has virtually no problems even on the track.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by tfisher

Is there a warranty-legal solution for say, under $1,000??????

NO ... fitting an aftermarket reduction pulley voids the warranty on the supercharger.

An ECU remap is not required for a 19% pulley. GIAC makes a remap tuned specifically for the 19% pulley and larger (380cc) fuel injectors. Helix in Philly could fit this set-up for about $1,100.

[JCIP]

It's true, there may be a warranty problem with ANY aftermarket pulley, 15%-17%-19%. The only way to avoid that problem is to see if your dealer will install and warranty it.

Also true, that if you plan to track the car, 19% may be less relieable. However, that problem may also become moot with the installation of an improved belt tensioner, which some turners either have or are working on.

The nice thing about the 19% is that the boost develops lower in the rev range, making more torque sooner, and hence a nicer street drive. The 19% does not require a change in the ECU to work, and so as a standalone item, with new pulley and belt, installed probablly @ $400.
Air intake is optional, but will do nothing like the pulley for an immediate performance gain.

[Back2DTM]

19% pulley and fix that.

[xianqi]

My dealer told me that they would warranty any Dinan brand upgrades, since they warrant them for BMW's. I am assuming i'd have to have the upgrades done at the dealer. Unfortunately Dinan insists that with the pully, a new fuel pump is necessary as well as their intake and software. All told that route runs at least 2 grand. (and here i just wanted a $150 pully).

Most pully kits will void (at least part of) the warranty, unless the dealer specifically says they'll honor the brand.

Supposidly (I don't have it installed) [some] software helps quite a bit with low end torque and is a relatively inexpensive solution (around $200). While it does in theory void the warranty, suposidly, it is not readily detected by the dealership and it can be readily swapped out with the original programming.

[greatgro]

Quote: Originally Posted by JCIP

The change to a 19% pulley was the only thing I did initially, and the improved low-end response was vastly improved. ... My wife was so uncomfortable taking off on hills, etc. that she avoided driving the Mini. With the 19%, there is still not gobs of torque, but the car is much easier to drive, especially around town, and you don't have to rev it like boy -racer at the stop lights.

Adding the GIAC ECU to the 19%, the car takes off like never before off the line. And starting from a stop on the steepest of hills is not even a chore. You won't roll back more than an inch. The standing starts and hill starts are absolutely amazing with the 19% and GIAC. It's hard to believe a 1.6L has sooo much pull off the line. It amazes me every time!