In late-August 2007, we tested a couple of M7 products
before they hit the market. They both have undergone the
basic dyno test, but we also subjected the two to real
world speed testing.
The first product was custom tuning software from Unichip.
Just as with the R53, the Unichip tune for the R56 is
programmed into a piggy-back module that connects to your
stock ECU. The advantage of this type of ECU upgrade is
that you can have multiple tuning maps and switch between
them by using a laptop or palm pilot type device. With
the Unichip being a piggy-back device and not an ECU flash
means that you can remove the Unichip and not have to
worry about re-flashing your ECU after a trip to the dealer.
The stock configuration numbers are shown in the orange
boxes while the ECU upgrade numbers are in the green.
Gains of 18.3 horsepower and 15.1 ft-lb of torque were
experienced at the wheels. These numbers were achieved
with the Unichip module installed with NO OTHER ENGINE
MODIFICATIONS!
The next product tested was the M7 Pre-Intercooler Charge
Pipe. This is a silicone hose that runs from the turbochargerÕs
outlet to the intercoolerÕs inlet, replacing the stock
piping between these two components. The OEM parts were
designed from the factory to silence any sound by breaking
up the air path with restrictive piping. With the M7 Pre-Intercooler
Charge Pipe, the charged air coming from the turbocharger
sees nothing but the smooth inner walls of the tubing
and smooth mandrel bends allowing uninterrupted airflow
to the intercooler. (image: picpipe.jpg, align left)On
the dyno, installation of the M7 Pre-Intercooler Charge
Pipe resulted in gains of 3.6 horsepower and 11.3 ft-lb
of torque AT THE WHEELS. This is an impressive amount
of torque gain made possible by freeing up the airflow
between the turbo and intercooler.
Numbers
are nice, but real world action is better! We all
know that you donÕt drive to work on a dynoÉ Numbers are
impressive, but what happens on the road or on the track
is whatÕs important to most people. Along with the dyno
testing, we took the car out and tested how the two new
products affected the carÕs ability to perform in real
world situations. For these tests, we wanted the conditions
to be near similar to cut down on any data-altering variables.
Both sessions were conducted on the same grounds with
85¼ ambient temperature. We had the same 2 people conducting
the tests with _ tank of gas each time so that the weight
during both tests was the same. No suspension changes
were made during testing and both were conducted on Falken
Azenis RT-615 (215/40/R17).
The first test was done with no engine modifications to
the vehicle and is represented by the blue bar in the
graph. The second test was done with the Unichip module
and M7 PIC Pipe installed and is represented by the maroon
bar in the graph.
As you can see, the two products installed had significant
effects on the acceleration of the vehicle throughout
all of the speed and gear situations. Behind the wheel,
the power band feels wider and thus power is more readily
available than before. If you were impressed with the
power numbers presented earlier in this post, you should
sit behind the controls of our test car! The torque is
absolutely amazing! Basically, slam your foot down and
youÕll be planted into the back of your seat. This really
affected our 0-60 MPH test from a dead stop and moving
through all necessary gears. There was so much torque
going to the wheels that we had some difficulty getting
the tires to hook up with the pavement. Of course, some
of you with more drag racing experience may be able to
experience better results (just make sure youÕre doing
it in the right place!).
These two modifications have not only shown what we MINI
owners want to see on paper (positive numbers!) but they
get approval from the butt dyno as well. Our changes so
far have put a permanent grin on anyone that experiences
the new power in our test car.
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