Mastering Mini R53 Tuning: Expert Insights from 1320 Mini

[@spyder5571]

Awesome advice. Wish there was a 1320 here in the states. I just called Jan at RMW and bought just about everything. Just waiting for the 500 mile break in and Jan's road tune. Then to a dyno. Its an investment in my happiness. Well worth it.

[@DamoDrives]

@@spyder5571 sounds like you are going to be having a lot of fun very soon. What is the mini scene like in the US ?

[@spyder5571]

@DamoDrives sorry for the late response. It's not that great on the east coast. I mean I see a lot, but mostly r50's. I tell you that every chance I get to take it out in the spring and fall, it puts a smile on my face. Especially after RMW's parts.

[@Wartorment]

Awesome, this was super helpful to someone with a bone stock R53

[@DamoDrives]

Glad you enjoyed it , are you thinking of making some Changes ?

[@Wartorment]

Yes sir, was thinking of doing a 17%, AirTec, and suspension and tires for now.@@DamoDrives

[@retrojb101]

Thanks for this. As a new modified R53 owner I’ve found the advice super useful. Keep them coming Damo!

[@DamoDrives]

I am glad you enjoyed it 🤜, I have learnt a lot going through this with the amazing team at 1320 Mini.

[@iamburko]

Took my R53 to 1320 for years, from stock to around about 220bhp. Doesn't take much to get it there and it's still reliable as a daily at that level of tuning.

[@darrencottrell5541]

You can't beat a trusted garage, worth their weight in gold and the journey time. Pleased you're happy with the output. You might not have started the modifications, but you are making this one your own - great job so far mate. I know it was for practical reasons, but I'd love you to find some compromise aftermarket seats that look the business but provide the comfort and practicality you need. I think she is crying out for them to complete the look. 😁

[@DamoDrives]

The plan is too try and work with 1 of the seat manufacturers like corbeau and go through the process of making seats and fitting. I don’t need back seats any more as I purchased a family car 😂

[@benbirch2393]

​@DamoDrives get the right seats, not blagged / discounted seats. Ditch the corbeau idea, go for tillett b5 and swallow the bill knowing you've done the right thing in the long run

[@darrencottrell5541]

@@DamoDrives rear seat delete it is then, lighter car, equates to improved acceleration and road manners. 😁

[@amrikmanku6569]

Thanks, this is such a helpful conversation for those new to the modification scene.

[@DamoDrives]

I had never owned a modified car before my Mini and there is so much. Its very different to a stock car where the manufacturer might have 2 types of suspension a tune on the engine so easier to learn but this car (epsecially as i purcahsed it modified) is really difficult. Glad you enjoyed it though

[@minioner5080]

My r50 is booked in in a couple of weeks for tune after extensive work on the top end 👍🏻

[@DamoDrives]

Be great to hear how you got on

[@minioner5080]

@@DamoDrives it was Wednesday just gone that I went,was a mega place to go,and great to be able to watch it in action on the dyno,I think it gained about 15 bhp over the last remap with the current engine parts on,so happy in all 👍🏻

[@minioner5080]

I uploaded a video to my channel of it on the dyno too

[@tperry88]

Did you solve your soft pedal ?

[@DamoDrives]

Think it’s just feel of these Brembo brakes or pads, 1320 said it was fine and a couple of friends have driven it and it’s fine (it stops really Really well) 🤨

[@tperry88]

I haven’t solved it either, despite going with a bigger master cylinder

[@DamoDrives]

The guys at 1320 Mini said brake compounds can make a difference

[@Danny-js8ex]

I would love to know what 1320's opinions are on charge coolers - do they provide a temperature benefit over a great intercooler for a road car?

[@MCS4FUN]

See my comments related to your tuning session at 1320 Mini. Well done!

[@DamoDrives]

Seen the other comment , thank you 🙏

[@georgebrown697]

What do you need to change for a 17% compared to 15%?

[@iamburko]

Intercooler. That's all.

[@jakeparker8175]

Hi I have this rev hang job on my r53 can it be turned off then with a map

[@DamoDrives]

Oh yes, so much better , think with mine it’s the CatCam making it worse but don’t hold me too it

[@jakeparker8175]

@@DamoDrives thx for the reply.I'm really not sure what mods mine has in know it's got 17% pulley ,intercooler ,intake full exhaust. buts it's that rev is so annoying just trying to get rid of it

[@DamoDrives]

@jakeparker8175 1320 is 1 of the best places in the country so if you have the time worth the time and money but appreciate it’s more money. I have no experience with other tuners who might be able to do the same thing.

[@benbirch2393]

1) why would anyone want/need 240 atw? 2) 95% of the cars claiming north of 260bhp-270bhp crank are talking rubbish I reckon. Mine makes 262 crank on e50 fuel, bvh, 469, aftermarket ecu. Its more, yes more than enough unless you like dual carriageway 40-120mph pulls. In which case buy a tuned m140i instead. A friends race car makes a "mere, pitiful" 240 crank and is faster than 99% of the customers cars (and race cars for that matter) he drives who claim 260-280.

[@DamoDrives]

No one needs 240whp but wanting most defiantly lol. If I see someone who has been to 1320 and says they make 270whp I would believe it (well dyno read out is helpful) mine is 200whp which is about 220-225 at the crank. It feels quick but certainly would not be unhappy with another 30-40

[@benbirch2393]

@DamoDrives I presume you've driven a 240bhp atw r53, in order to want one? If not, I'll add my two pence worth: My 262 crank / 225ish atw R53 is perfect... it needs 0bhp more. And I'm coming from 450bhp, 800kg (550bhp/tonne) rwd cars, tonnes of track days and 20+ years of motoring journalism and testing cars. Get those wheels off, get some proper suspension and geo, seats, lighten it up a bit and you'll scare yourself even "lacking" 30odd bhp.

[@Jonathan-qz9kd]

It’s all dyno depend 1320 dyno always gives low readings

[@DamoDrives]

@benbirch2393 220whp on a very stripped out R53 used on track with a good setup and lovely AST 5300, stripped out , bucket seats and the main difference is higher up making more power. All of your suggestions are good but depends on having the finances to do so. It’s had a full Geo setup (although the suspension does not allow for a large amount of adjustment as 2 way coilovers) . Bucket seats are on the list next year. Driven a few other generations of mini that have been modified from 290whp to 320whp) maybe I have not got the driving experience you have but still driven a few quick cars arial Atom, M5 comp, 750bhp M6

[@Jonathan-qz9kd]

@@benbirch2393totally agree I run around 220 but I have a proper setup light wheels proper brakes and kw suspension full p bushed bigger rear arb etc and the car is a weapon on track