2009 JCW Clubman with mostly stock drivetrain. Noisemaker deleted, muffler between turbo and IC deleted, WMW turbo blanket, BSH OCC and PCV plug already done. I’m thinking of upgrading to a Wagner (edit: Forge) performance IC. The Forge (edit: Warner performance) looks heavier than it needs to be, and I’m not thrilled with how the Helix one is just held on by the hoses. On the flip side, this is my daily driver and I rarely drive it hard for very long at a time and I don’t track it, so would I just be doing this for bragging rights and ego gratification, or will I notice a difference that I will appreciate?
My R58 has the Helix stepped-core. I thank it makes a difference but it has been on the car sense I bought it from Mark. I would say do it, especially if you live in a hotter climate. I put a de-cat down pipe on the car and that made a big difference! I can’t believe how much more torque it has. I put a spark plug extender on the post cat O2 sensor so I wouldn’t get a check engine light. Detroit Tuned sales a 90 deg one that works well also. On my Lotus I put an inline resistor to keep the light off. I will probably do the same on the R58.
Correction: I thought the Forge IC was significantly heavier than the Wagner performance, but actually it appears to be lighter, so would be thinking of the Forge one.
https://www.wagner-tuning.com/product/mini/mini-r55/performance-ladeluftkuehler-mini-cooper-s-2006-2010-200001026.html Listed as 26.45# on their site. https://www.forgemotorsport.com/Uprated_Intercooler_for_R58_Model_Mini_Coupe--product--723.html (says R58 but also R55/R56/etc.) Weight not listed here but shown as 14 lb, 15 lb and 20 lb on 3 vendors. http://store.helix13.com/helix-2nd-gen-mini-stepped-core-intercooler (Helix has recently updated by adding mounting tabs, putting this back in the running. Weight listed as slightly below the Forge on a few sites)
No restraint? Here let me help https://www.detroittuned.com/milltek-mini-cooper-catless-downpipe/ No need to thank me
I’ve thought of a higher flow catted downpipe but all of them say they may still throw a CEL code, which would pose a problem with PA emissions testing, which is done through the OBD port and a visual inspection. A catless downpipe would be more problematic, as well as unenvironmental.
Helix is out of stock on their 2nd gen intercoolers for a while (even though the site said 14 in stock), so ordered a Forge one from Way.
You could get a high flow cat and then put the inline resistor on it so it does not through a code. I am surprised the high flow through a code, thats too bad. I wonder why they put the cat on the down pipe. It seems to me if they had moved it down more the turbo could spool better.
Another change of plan. Shortage of Forge ICs that have the fittings in just the right spot, so now going with the Wagner Competition IC, which Way says fit great, are in stock, and are ready to ship at about the same price as Helix or Forge.
Actually, full circle and a half, since I’m now going for the Wagner Competition instead of the Performance model (due to availability and “go for it” factors). Agree that all 4 look like winners.
IC arrived today. Looks great! Nice black finish. Weighs only 10.4#. Will wait until after annual inspection early next week to install it. (Would hate to throw a code and have to get the readiness monitors set on short notice).
While on this subject, the EVAP system is usually the last one to ready itself, but I found that my LAUNCH x431 PROS scan tool can run a leak test at will, and if it passes, the EVAP monitor changes to ready. I think the tank still has to be between 1/4 and 3/4 for it to run.