$3K to Build a JCW Killer? - '23 Mini Cooper S, Pt.2 (Power Upgrades)

[@peachfuzz947]

You just got a new sub! I love how efficient and careful you are when working on your car. How much roughly have you spent on tools that you use to work on your car? I need this type of therapy in my life man.

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Thank you very much, really appreciate you. Haha I am not very efficient in reality - what gets condensed down to ~15 minutes is about 20 hours of garage time fiddling with things. As for the tools - man, too much. If I had to buy everything in my garage again, I'd estimate ~$20K or more. But if I were starting over again, I'd probably spend a quarter of that. Over the years you tend to just gather tools you only use once or twice, but buy only out of convenience.

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Alright guys, this is a new channel. Gimme some feedback. What did you like or dislike about this one?

[@808rida]

Really appreciate this series man! This is my first video comment in at least 12 years, lol. I have a F55 S LCI2 just like this and literally plan on doing identical upgrades, aside from a valved catback. Thanks for being extremely thorough with the install clips. It’s tough finding content like this because the “Aftermarket” Mini community is tiny compared to others.

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Hell yeah! If you're actually doing this yourself, look out for the extended cut - I'll post it in a week or two. It's even more detailed, and I actually talk about how the installation went.

[@NicDiChiara]

Hi I have the same car and have some friends who work at Dinan. I consulted with them and recently had them flash their stage 1 remap and HIGHLY recommend it. Something to consider. Totally unlocked the car, and even updated the factory displays to show the added hp and torque. Adds almost twice the power of the JB4 for the same price and imo is a better solution

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

interesting!! Do you mean flash the stock ECU? I'll have to look into that, although - I do really value being able to change between different modes on the fly. Are you able to share a link?

[@NicDiChiara]

@@MasterOfNoneMechanic Yeah you have to remove the ecu, mail it to them, and they return it unlocked. Then any local dinan distributor can switch you back to stock if you ever want. I happen to live relatively close so I just went up to Dinans hq with the car and they did it on the spot. If you want to turn it off you can just turn off sport mode to return to essentially stock but i’ve never felt the need to do that. Won’t let me share the link but search “DINAN STAGE 1 PERFORMANCE ENGINE SOFTWARE - MINI B46/B48 ENGINE”

[@jkrjvt922]

Ngl this is the most interesting built i ve seen in a while!! Congrats bro ❤

[@soodongcho]

if you were my local mechanic, I would definitely service my mini with you. I like the fact that your very careful and accurate with your replacements. Awesome video! One day I want to upgrade my intake and exhaust too.

[@spannersautoandcomputerser1649]

You won me as a sub with in minutes. Using proper safety gear and tools. A + work

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Thank you!

[@lawrenceflaws5615]

Loving this daily driver project! I like how you're making shorter vids along with the extended cuts. Will definitely reference your extended cuts for my '24 F56 S. That JB4 tuner is calling my name haha

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Yup, if I were to only do ONE "upgrade" it'd be that tuner. Glad you're enjoying the content!

[@chrishoareau974]

That exhaust mod is really something i planned to go ! Thanks for your video

[@williamshirley4649]

Well, i like your explanations, clear video, you reason out some of your choices. As an amateur, i think you're doing well.keep it up. Youll improve everything the more you do. I've been enjoying my '24 mini cooper S for about a month so far. Last year of the manuals.

[@Tony-ow3if]

Great video.. Like your attention to cleanliness and detail. Great to see another 'Petrolhead' in action.

[@barrackb0325]

You need to put your MINI in sport mode then push the shifter towards the driver. The factory Sport Plus tune with sport plus transmission will give you the sound you are looking for.

[@motaz1975]

cool video! i had a 2020 cooper s. it sounded much better stock for stock than yours. mine even did a little pop and burble. i read somewhere that mini tuned out all burble in 2021 and newer cars. i also saved a ton and just did a k&n drop in filter in the stock box, which actually flows real good. i also did a simple burger motorsports jb+ quick install tuner. 5 minute install and adds about 4 psi of boost. really woke the car up and felt quicker than a stock 2023 jcw i test drove.

[@justchilling9442]

Really great video, I recently did a similar tune for my Cooper Sport and made a massive difference. I used the BlueSpark tune box..uses 3 sensors to connect and also cheaper..£300. However, I had a 10% discount FB10 so £270

[@theoutsider6191]

How are you getting on with the tune box now? Was considering something like this but have read a few reports of damaged engines and drive train components following remaps owing to the extra power and or changes to fuelling.

[@justchilling9442]

​@theoutsider6191 hi, so far, absolutely no issues. They are tuned to be within tolerances. Modest increases. I'm at approx 175_180hp and 280nm torque

[@theoutsider6191]

@@justchilling9442 Nice, so you've up'd from mini cooper to cooper S 🙂 I'm sure that was a nice uplift in performance. I've not tried the standard Coop, but i do like the Coop S performance.

[@justchilling9442]

@@theoutsider6191 plus it's lighter so probably slightly quicker

[@RhynoE28]

I know on my STI pushing 580whp. I have a Cobb 4inch stainless steel cat back exhaust that is pretty tame cruising around but getting on the throttle it's makes noise. Might look at a bigger diameter exhaust.

[@darniusterix5774]

Great video and explanations! Wished I could get you on my F57! 🙂

[@v1510nman]

its like stage 1 map and with 17" wheels you will have tire slipping..more flutter sound..awesome mate. and the car feel lighter..enjoy..hahhaa

[@davidadie9191]

Great video man! Loving the series so far! , as for visual upgrades, I rate you go for the JCW style spoiler! PS. maybe go for a more trap/hiphop instrumental type of music for the videos

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Haha I don't think there's enough left in the budget for that but stay tuned

[@DarkstarDarth]

If ya ain't head first in the hood of a beemer engine...it's not a beemer!👌

[@Fat_Jag]

Your editing, lighting, and sound is at levels far above a channel of your size. If you keep this up, I can see this channel exploding. I did want to note though, you definitely didn't need to pull the whole cowl to do the intake pipe, and you scared the hell out of me when you were swapping that PCV pipe over. What you were hitting with the mallet is the connector for a sensor. You should just be able to lube that o-ring then push and twist and it'll click into place. Other than that, loved the video. From a fellow Mini owner.

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Hey there, sincerely appreciate the support - still learning how to do this, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. For the intake pipe installation - maybe it's possible to replace it removing the cowl covers, but I just followed Dinan's official installation instructions. Haha also - working on cars while filming is a tricky thing - you kinda have to do a little bit more work to get clean visual shots so people can see what you're doing, and clearing the area out helped. And yes, it's never ideal when you have to break out the mallet for any job, but they were just gentle love taps =)

[@garysmith70]

How is this car running at the moment

[@Melodic-entity]

What’s up bro new fan here, hope you’re doing great. By chance can the jcw engine fit in a 2007-2009 mini cooper s?

[@v1510nman]

try on normal mode and try the paddle shifters..awesome

[@markcozzie]

Should've got a full exhaust system, then intercooler

[@abbateh]

I hope the afr showing on the logger isn’t accurate. 14.7 at wot with boost is melt some pistons territory. Should be mid to low 12’s at least.

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

You had me a little worried so I started paying attention to it and researching - apparently these newer BMW engines run pretty lean. Apparently it should be in the mid-14's up to 5000 RPM and richen after that. I think that's what I'm seeing as well.

[@abbateh]

@@MasterOfNoneMechanic that’s wild. Never heard of a boosted application that would want to run that lean. NA sure but with boost? I never say never just going off my experience so maybe your right. Would for sure see if you can find out definitively. Rebuilding motor would suck.

[@megagrizwald]

You need to get an ASD bypass harness so you can really hear the true sounds of the car .

[@andrewdrescher6389]

You can simply turn ASD off with coding in the F56. (Bimmercode or ESYS)

[@Drivingwithjames]

You just got a new sub 😁

[@darksideemt]

I will say this is a good video first but I am very curious as to why you chose this particular route over some different options using different parts? I ask due to the fact I'm not a fan of the intake not utilizing the factory air intake and it just sucking in hot engine bay air instead. I will say it looks good though. Also wonder if you really think that Dinan tube in back was worth due all the work it looked like it took to install it? Again not knocking ways other people go just asking for my knowledge as I potentially add some things to mine. I've decided to go Invidia cat back on exhaust and hopefully just do the Dinan JCW tune. Thanks

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

haha it's not a scientifically analyzed set of mods to maximize anything - For the intake, I'll trust, at least somewhat, Dinan's claims of HP gains. It's not like it's some no-name company without a good reputation. And as for the resonator delete - well, that's just for the noise and I think it was worth it. But hey, to each their own! It's just how I decided to do mine, but there's endless ways to do yours, the way you want to do it. Peace!

[@dannyl7035]

put some nice 3 pc wheels next!

[@ISR403]

I also have a F56 and a NA miata

[@Holyface79]

Do all the equipment you bought also include ones for the R50 One 2004?

[@K03sport]

I applaud you for staying w/in-house tuner bits, but there have to be other, better performing alternatives outside the "house of BMW". Or is staying w/Dinan just the easiest route?

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

It's a really fair question - There's actually not a huge set of aftermarket choices for the F55/56/57 Mini's, it's not a big market. I just decided to stick with Dinan/ECS/Burger Tuning for the most part because they're very reputable brands in the BMW/Mini world, and I wasn't trying to do anything too extreme. They're certainly not the cheapest, but I also don't have to worry too much about warranty, fitment, build quality, or customer support issues with these brands.

[@K03sport]

@@MasterOfNoneMechanic no worries. I'm a big ECS fan too. I get that the newest gen minis aren't a tuner go-to...the "regular" mini buyer usually isn't about upping the game, but that's a weird since mini is all for personalization and uniqueness

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Indeed. Usually the "modding scene" gets heavily into a platform after the factory warranties expire on these things, so maybe it'll gain a bigger following and aftermarket support after a few years.

[@JerryTam]

Really enjoying the content and please keep posting! I have pretty much the same car as well. My main concern is the DCT not being able to handle the power. Do you know how much power/torque the stock transmission can handle?

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

That's a great question - I didn't really talk about it in this episode (I cover it a bit in the extended cut) - but along with the DCT, I'm actually MORE worried about the charge pipes blowing off with much more boost. I don't have a great answer for you (no one on the internet seems to have one either). Just don't goose it on map 3+ all the time, and you're probably going to be fine. Worst case, it's still under warranty :) I just have never heard of transmission problems with basically only a tune. But mod at your own risk/research.

[@NicDiChiara]

From some forum searching it appears the transmission is rated to 480 torque

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

You sure you're not confusing the DCT/auto with the manual transmission? The DCT isn't known to leave that much headroom in terms of rated power.

[@NicDiChiara]

@@MasterOfNoneMechanic Maybe so, the forums have mixed results. Looks like for the DCT it’s 300nm or 220ft lb (also from forums so do your own research)

[@JerryTam]

@@NicDiChiara with the limited info found I’ve come across, that’s what I’ve been seeing also. Basically the stock power is already at the limits of the transmission. I wanna get the JB4 as well and I’ve seen people with the DCT with it without problems but it’s hard to take the risk because I don’t know how often they’re in the high output maps.

[@gregorywunder6174]

So I have a 2017 JCW. I am looking to getting the JB4. How are you liking it so far and any check engine light.

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

No issues, everything is all good! No check engine lights or abnormalities.

[@JSpool1]

Why not use mhd or bm3? I find jb4 lacking and got irritated on how wonky the BT device is 😒

[@theoutsider6191]

How are you getting on with the tune box now? Was considering something like to put on a stock Cooper S 2018 LCI and not doing intake or exhaust changes as these can cause problems with insurance in the UK, but have read a few reports of damaged engines and drive train components following remaps owing to the extra power and or changes to fuelling.

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

I love it. I use it when I'm the one driving the car with zero problems, but then again, it's a car with 10K miles on the odometer, so I can't speak to its impact on reliability yet. If I do have any issues, you can be sure I'll be on KZbin next day talking about it, but until then... all is good.

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Just one more thought - you can use different maps, so if you're really worried about longevity, you can just use the less aggressive max boost settings.

[@vqRob]

i like he idea of the series but i honestly hate people who use exhaust clamps, just have it welded will save u time having to fix a leak down the road

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Haha thanks for watching anyway - I have a welder but decided to just use the included clamp that came with the exhaust.

[@adham1]

It's not comparable to a JCW, which sounds way sportier, especially on high RPM blasting fantastic sounds. Also, if u want a sports car, at least get a manual man😅

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Ahh, finally, a manual snob. I've been expecting you. Lol I bought this car for my fiance as a daily driver and she doesn't drive a manual. This series is just about making simple upgrades to the car to spice it up a little, but still have it function as a daily driver. I have a MT Miata myself for when I have fun, but even I don't enjoy being stuck in traffic with a stick shift. I bet you're right though on the JCW comment - Power should be the same, but yeah, I'm sure the JCWs feel much more raw and sportier. But again... emphasis on the DD part.

[@v1510nman]

LCI2 sound lower then the older model.

[@SinCityAMG]

Unbelievable that they make you purchase the app after buying the tuning box.

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

I know, right?

[@thatguy1119]

My personal experience with these cars is amazing. The only downside is something BMW calls ASD (Active Sound Design). It's the sound generated trough the speaker system inside the car. It's great seeing you spend time and money into making it sound better but in the end all your modifications are being overwhelmed by this awful fake sound. If you put it in green mode it fades a little but it's still there. You can find tutorials on YT that require minimal effort and money to deactivate it. My advice is to look into removing it, as it will result in you being able to enjoy your modifications more. And the drone you were talking about probably has to do with this as well. here is a link of a great video that'll show you the difference asd on/off: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIDSm4iJeMZ4ntk

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Didn't know that, learned something new today. I thought I'd be able to pick up on fake sounds like that but I guess I was wrong - I'm really not used to working on newer cars like this, I usually work on stuff that don't come with speakers still working!

[@andrewdrescher6389]

It's very easy to turn off ASD using Bimmercode. I agree it's intrusive when you want to hear the real sounds you unlock with exhaust/intake mods!

[@zerocochrane1713]

hey, this comparison of acceleration with and without a muffler doesn't make much sense because most of the sound you hear comes from the speakers, go to a workshop to turn off this sound and you will be surprised how quiet this car is, I write based on my own experience

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Didn't know that, learned something new today. I thought I'd be able to pick up on fake sounds like that but I guess I was wrong - I'm really not used to working on newer cars like this, I usually work on stuff that don't come with speakers still working!

[@zerocochrane1713]

@@MasterOfNoneMechanic Recently, my mechanic turned of this sound for me and I practically can't hear the exhaust at all, the situation was improved by full JCW exhaust system and removal gpf

[@markcozzie]

600+ for just a backbox?,

[@savagetone]

first and foremost congrats on your channel preferably you should have went with an AEM cold air intake it makes your scoop actually work or a open air crave speed Cold Air and everything's bolt on you actually got to get air into that cold air intake The one you have presently does not get enough air therefore not giving you enough power second and foremost a tune out of tuner shop would have been a better buy The JBL doesn't give you the performance it's supposed to it fools you to think you're getting that power and you're not as far as you're exhaust you should have went with a borla exhaust which would have also gave you a performance boost but these are small things you learn as you own Mini coopers like I said before with a tune at a tuner and knows what he's doing would have gave you high performance boost definitely noticeable and definitely a power increase you don't get much gains from those JBLs and remember always more air to the engine means more power. consider a downpipe also to get more power change your pipe to a larger diameter pipe More air more power. and also better sound. 💯👍

[@MasterOfNoneMechanic]

Thank you for watching, sincerely - But I'm not sure if I agree with your suggestions. 1. Intake - AEM doesn't make intakes for Cooper S newer than 2013 (mine is 2023), and I didn't want to risk incompatibility. It's also $600, which is $240 more expensive than the Dinan. And even though I have some questions, I'll trust Dyno's engineering reputation in the BMW/Mini world, as far as the HP claims go. 2. Exhaust - I explained this in part 1, but this isn't a track car - it's a daily driver and I'm prioritizing comfort and quietness in commutes/highway cruising over negligeable gains in HP. 3. Tuner - What you mentioned is probably true that you could get more power from a proper flash tune - but again, personal preference here. I value the JB4 tuner's ability to be uninstalled in minutes without a trace if warranty issues arise, or if I'm going to sell the car. I can resell the JB4 tuner also. It also allows me to turn it on/off with a phone or switch between maps. I'm not sure why you think JB4 is "faking" the gains. I can see from the readings on my phone, and the slippage of the wheels that the HP and Torque gains are very real. You seem to be under the impression that I was trying to get as much power from the engine as possible - I'm not. It's a daily driver with not a ton of reliable headroom in power before it gets very unreliable or expensive (charge pipes, transmission, etc.). I want to enjoy it just as much when I'm coasting on the highway for 8 hours as much as bombing around mountain roads.