Hello Mini Cooper S fans. I'm considering purchasing the ability to offer
the Hartge Cooper S ECU/Pulley upgrade and am looking to gauge the interest
of those willing to drive to Ottawa, Ontario to have the work done. Ottawa
is between Toronto (4 hrs) and Montreal (2 hrs). I have already made
arrangements with Hartge and am investigating the demand for this product.
Price would likely fall close to $1750 US plus tax and installation.
It's an option but the only thing I would be interested in would be Hartage's ECU programming. It really is expensive for what ammounts to an ECU and Pulley swap.
Feel free to get feedback from other Southern Ontario MINI owners at the SOMC website. http://www.somc.on.ca/
I've been in touch with Hartge personally and was quoted their kit price of $1250 EUR plus shipping at $95 EUR for FedEx. I would have to send them my ECU to be re-programmed, but that's included in the price. This equates to $1988.55 CAD which falls under $1400 US.
I could see myself forking over two grand for the parts and ECU flash, as long as the pulley install cost wasn't too outrageous. Any idea on the cost for labour?
I'm certainly interested, but am looking to do the upgrade for as little $$$$ as possible.
Hartge's process recommends 6 hours. However there are some time saving short cuts that can be implemented potentially saving 2-3 hours.
We are waiting for our first kit to arrive along with the cables required to do the ECU reprogramming. When they arrive we'll be able to do Hartge's recommended procedure as well as experiment with some of the other options such as 1. cutting the old pulley off rather than carefully removing it and keeping it whole; 2. jacking only part of the motor up rather than removing the whole intercooler etc; 3. others?
The difference in price you pointed out depends on the currency conversion at any particular time plus the shipping, duty on the total amount and brokerage fees for inbound parts.
Sending your ECU to Hartge will not be quick. Overnight delivery takes 3 days minimum due to customs and more likely 7 days in my experience importing gear and parts. Pus there is also the brokerage fees with add up to $45 for the returning package.
You would pay 1250 EUR x 1.66 x 1.15 taxes (yes you will be charged for PST and GST) x 1.06 (duty) plus $95 S&H + 95EUR*1.66 S&H return + $45 (brokerage) = $2500 before taxes.
Basically our price includes all that plus a little overhead to stock parts allowing for a quicker turn around. Thus our enquiry as to interest so we can stock the parts volume necessary for which we have to pay in advance. We are also set up to import parts streamlining the duty process. For US customers there would be no duty and no taxes. For customers located outside Ontario (vehicle registration proof required) there would be no PST.
Once we get the first kit in the next week or so, we'll be experimenting with the procedure in order to make is as quick and efficient as possible.
Kevin Sodhi from the Southern Ontario Mini Club has approached us to do a comparison and we have agreed to support him fully: he's getting a straight pulley done this week; is indiscussions with his dealer about the JCW solution; and will come up to Ottawa for the Hartge.
We've got the complete Hartge procedure and it does not mention anything else other than the Pulley. It does suggest that the water pump seal be replaced, however we have detemrined that to be optional.
May I just take a moment of your time over the pond to wish you the very best of luck with your Hartge upgrades, this car is such a dream to drive with the extra 40 or so horses im sure you will all be impressed with the outcome, I have had mine now for just over five months and it never stops to amaze me just how good it really is!
As another option, Randy has found that the new RennTek ECU map really improves the hp/torque output especially when combined with a good intake, pulley and exhaust. Please see http://www.minicooperonline.com/modu...&topic=9200&55 for full specifics.
Regards,
Jim
2002 PS/B MCS
Alta 15% pulley, Evotech ECU, Madness sway bar, Rogue Intake, Ferodo 2500 pads
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