Intercooler upgrade?

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by cristo, May 30, 2021.

  1. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    #1 cristo, May 30, 2021
    Last edited: May 31, 2021
    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?
     
  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    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.
     
  3. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  4. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    You got links to these?
     
  5. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    #5 cristo, Jun 1, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2021
    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)
     
  6. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    I have no self restraint.
    I ordered the Helix intercooler today.
     
  7. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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  8. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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  9. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
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  10. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    #10 cristo, Jun 2, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2021
    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.
     
  11. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    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.
     
  12. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  13. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Glad you found something in stock. Everything is in short supply
     
  14. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    You went full circle but all three choices were good ones so you come out a winner.
     
  15. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    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.
     
  16. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    #16 cristo, Jun 4, 2021
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2021
    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).
     
  17. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    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.
     

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