I've looked through several threads about tuning a Justa. Several are a bit old and many are specialized in nature. I have a more general question. I'm considering getting a Justa as a daily driver and might also use it in Autox in the STF class. I have a general plan for the suspension, brakes, etc. I'm looking for a discussion of things to do with the non-turbo'd engine. Assume money was not a big object. What would you do to beef up performance (without going forced air, of course.) For example, are their ECU tunes for the cooper that help a little if you had a good exhaust, header changes,etc? Is a CAI worth it? Are there any out there for the base cooper? I'm starting from scratch here.
:cornut: Make sure that you check out the rules of the STF class first before making changes. They are very specific about what can and cannot be done. Jason
Absolutely. Basically, air intakes, exhaust manifolds, headers and downpipes are free, relocate oxygen sensor, high flow cats, ECU tune, accessory pulley's and belts, crankshaft damper, shifter changes, engine and transmission mounts,...and no LSD. So, I'm just looking for input on what might payoff the most in a Justa and what things not to bother with for awhile. With the JCW the payoff for certain things were clear. I could push further later to go to H Street Prepared if I wanted to do more...but not likely.
I'd think most gains would come from prudent suspension modifications. Other than that a low restriction intake & exhaust, I'm not aware of any mods to the R56 engine. Although I really have never looked into things like ECU tunes for the justa.
What he said^^. As for the ECU, I am sure there are canned tunes available, or you could even get a custom Dyno tune but the gains will be very small compared to an S and so the ROI will be relatively low as the cost will be the same as for an S. Start with suspension and tires.
So, still doing lots of track time these days? GeneR is thinking of selling his yellow JCW (new engine and driven hard but otherwise well taken care of)...thinking about buying it.
On my 1st Gen justa, I only gained 7 HP and 7 ft lbs. With my RMW tune BUT there were areas within, that I gain 12 ft lbs or so.. so might be worth it to you if trying to get the most you can.. Don't expect much but every little bit helps if money no object.
Get very light rims, good sticky tires, and some driving lessons from a pro andthey will make you faster than any HP mod. Since you are taking about auto crossing a JUSTA you will need to look at brakes or least better pads when you know what the weakness of the car is for your driving style.
I had a UniChip on my '03 Cooper until MOTD this year, took it off, and had Waylen [Way Motor Works] put an ecu tune on it. The car has a cai and a Helix catback, too. I feel it has more power than the UniChip had and am pleased with it, mostly because it is also a permanent fix. It is NOT an MCS, or even close, but it is not really a stock Cooper anymore, either. The mods have made a lightweight, but underpowered MINI a more nimble and quick delight to drive. Gone are the runflats, as well as the stock rear swaybar and oem brake pads. I am using EBC Green Stuff pads with s/s lines and have an aftermarket 3-hole rear swaybar. I also replaced the oem springs with ones from an '06 MCS.
