GTech/Pro Competition

[Keith]

I spent some time today getting to know my new GTech/Pro Comp and these are my first observations...

The construction and operation is very good. I downloaded the 2.0 version of the firmware to get the newest features and really only spent time on the power/torque data. It collects data by measuring a run down a straight road. There is no alignment needed as it figures out what direction you are going in from the three accelerometers. Then it shows graphs on its display for general timing (0-60, etc), hp+torque against RPM, RPM against time, speed against time, braking distance and Gs against time. Once you have done a drag-strip run, it has callibrated its orientation so in normal driving, it shows continuous sideways and front/back acceleration values.

I started by doing several back-to-back runs to compare its consistency. I looked at the max torque to get a quick comparison and the max power was too dependent on when the measurements shut off at the top end. My first 7 runs gave max torque of 114, 120, 120, 110, 111, 114, 117, 109. That is about a +/- 5% variation. I expect their claim of 3% can be achieved by excluding the extremes – in this case I had 111 – 117 by excluding the top and bottom two. Averaging the results in the middle should be reasonably accurate.

One problem is that slipping the clutch on launch really confuses it giving massive measured torque at low revs! This requires looking at actual torque figures near the middle of the graph to see what is the real max. Luckily this is pretty easy.

I have the Rogue CAI installed so switched back to stock for a comparison. Surprise – my next four results were 122, 121, 114 and 120. Am I losing power with the Rogue CAI? When I installed it, it certainly felt like a significant increase. I went back to it and did two more runs: 120 and 114. Very strange!

One next feature is the ability to get at the detailed results. I entered every 4th data point in Excel and got charts like:


I am still getting the know the little box. So far I am impressed but it is clear that several runs are needed to get consistent results. Also variations of less than 3% will be hard to reliably see. I have only scratched the surface on what it can do and it also sounds as though new versions of the software will add many more features.

If I get time, I will try more tests to get a better handle on what the CAI is actually achieving. The results do not sound right but the data has sufficient consistency to be believable.

[Keith]

I cleaned the Rogue filter to see what it did to the results and it added 5hp! I did the same as before - taking several runs with each setup and picking one that came in the middle when comparing max torque.

This is how the new graphs look:

The results are generally higher than before as it is 20 degrees colder today. Comparing to the same stock setup makes the results meaningful.

I also noticed that the power dropped slighly each time after the first few runs. I warmed up the engine before each test but the back-to-back runs must have been making it hotter. It makes me question some of the dyno results that have been posted unless they are based on multiple runs - testing a modification first and then testing stock could increase the results.

Overall I am impressed with the GTech. True - it takes several runs to have confidence in the results; but the advantage is you really know when you have reliable consistent data. Going the next step and averaging a few runs would remove the bumps from my graphs. Being able to do these tests anytime at home is a real plus!

[Paul]

Thanks Keith, I know nobody has responded, but probably like me they were waiting for a bit more data.

I think I might have to get one of those toys.

[Keith]

The toy gives a new reason to drive ... the neighbors had just got used to seeing a MINI and now they see one that keeps doing short high-speed runs down the road, stops, does another run, etc. If they ask, I will tell them it's a MINI cult thing

By the way, this is how I installed the unit: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=21476

[Also Rich G]

Hi Keith!

I don't have a MCS yet, but I do have a 1st gen G-tech. I just wanted to chime in and say that at $100 less then the comp model it does a great job! So if cash is tight it's an option. That being said, if the comp model was out when I bought mine, Iwould have spent the extra hundred!

Btw- where in S.W. Florida do you live? I'd love to get some first hand experince of a MCS with an owner who's not afraid to romp on it...

[2minis]

Keith,
Any follow up on this?
I'd like to see the HP
#s with the torque???
Any new findings?
Thanks,
Mike

[Keith]

Quote:

Originally posted by 2minis
Keith,
Any follow up on this?
I'd like to see the HP #s with the torque???
Any new findings?
Thanks,
Mike

The scale gives the HP numbers - peaking around 136. It's convenient that the HP and torque can use the same scale! No new results yet but it will post them if I can think of something else to test.

[Also Rich G]

Keith,

What kind of numbers did you get 0-60? 60-0?

Thanks,
Rich

[2minis]

I used the gtech for the first time yesterday. My peak HP reading was 135.6 and torque 126.9. Low was 131.5 HP with torque at 124.5. My best 0-60 was 7.24 but I think the car can do better when I stop watching the gtech and just drive.
I am using the BMP intake BTW. I may put the car on a regular dyno soon and will post those numbers as well. I bought this thing to get an idea of HP increases with changes. Next is the Magnaflow exhaust and #s should be up in 2 weeks or so with that.

[99mini]

the gtech pro is measuring about 135 hp, yet another post shows dyno hp of about 160:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=10997

can anyone explain why the #s differ so much?

[Keith]

Quote:

Originally posted by 2minis
I used the gtech for the first time yesterday. My peak HP reading was 135.6 and torque 126.9. Low was 131.5 HP with torque at 124.5. My best 0-60 was 7.24 but I think the car can do better when I stop watching the gtech and just drive.
I am using the BMP intake BTW. I may put the car on a regular dyno soon and will post those numbers as well. I bought this thing to get an idea of HP increases with changes. Next is the Magnaflow exhaust and #s should be up in 2 weeks or so with that.

I have been getting 0-60 times in th 7.0 - 7.2 range until I turned off DSC. Then I started to see 6.5! I think DSC not only applies brakes to stop wheel spin but also reduces the engine power on wheel spin. So once the wheels slip, the engine acts as though you took your foot off the gas.

[jlm]

no news for us boys that have been going to the drags! I put a post it note on my tach to turn off DSC.

the gtech measures HP by a simple time/distance/weight formula, so your driving skills are part of the hp derivation. It is pretty difficult to first, be consistent, and second have consistently low et's.

For example, i was able to repeatedly get 15.8 et's, but a better driver in my car could get repeatable 15.3's.

wheelspin at launch is the issue, the rest is mostly shifting right and keeping the pedal down.

[Keith]

I separate measuring HP and performance when using the GTech. HP seems best measured by getting into 2nd as soon as possible and keeping the pedal to the floor up the to red line. That way my driving skill (or lack of it) has no impact on the power calculated throughout most of the rev range. It's not the fastest way to drive but should give the most consistent power curve.

[911ETR]

What weight are you using on your Mini for your gtech?

Take it to a truck scale and weigh it with you and 1/4 of a tank.

[Keith]

I just made a guess for the weight. I use 2750 with 1/4 tank and 2800 with 3/4 tank. Could someone who has weighed their car post the result less their own weight to give us an idea of what this should be?