Lohen Performance Pack 2
Discussion
Picked it back up today with the Ohlins and another couple (of enforced) goodies - new Brembo drilled and slotted front discs and pads. Hmmm, these are rather nice!
Turns out the new pads that my main dealer had fitted last year were shot on the inside as the discs were complely knackered on the inside (though looked ok from the outside). Also, they had fitted the pads the wrong way round (incorrect leading edges). Not happy about that so will have a word with service department. The new discs certainly look the part and will hopefully provide a little more bite.
My TVR mechanic did the install and he is a perfectionist and totally trustworthy so I think I'll use him more often for the Mini once the TLC XL comes to an end.
The Ohlins? Well, first impressions on 15 clicks from soft (halfway) is that the crashiness of the standard suspension is largely gone but I'll need some time over broken surfaces and crap roads to really see what the score is. I want to dial up the firmness a bit more to see what it would be like. Have to say though, on 15 clicks as a starter it seems very good indeed and I don't want a really firm ride as that can be counter-productive on the road.
No issues with fouling / any need for spacers so happy with that. I think we dropped ride height by 13mm all round as I didn't want any compromises on clearance. Initially started at 18mm drop but this was wound back. The Ohlins for the R58 don't have separate height adjustment, it's just accomplished via preload on the springs and winding the collars up.
So another big bill then and a little more than expected due to the extras. That Performance Pack 2, clutch and Quaiffe diff will have to wait a bit now and it seems there is some work on the TVR to do too first too. First world problems though...
Turns out the new pads that my main dealer had fitted last year were shot on the inside as the discs were complely knackered on the inside (though looked ok from the outside). Also, they had fitted the pads the wrong way round (incorrect leading edges). Not happy about that so will have a word with service department. The new discs certainly look the part and will hopefully provide a little more bite.
My TVR mechanic did the install and he is a perfectionist and totally trustworthy so I think I'll use him more often for the Mini once the TLC XL comes to an end.
The Ohlins? Well, first impressions on 15 clicks from soft (halfway) is that the crashiness of the standard suspension is largely gone but I'll need some time over broken surfaces and crap roads to really see what the score is. I want to dial up the firmness a bit more to see what it would be like. Have to say though, on 15 clicks as a starter it seems very good indeed and I don't want a really firm ride as that can be counter-productive on the road.
No issues with fouling / any need for spacers so happy with that. I think we dropped ride height by 13mm all round as I didn't want any compromises on clearance. Initially started at 18mm drop but this was wound back. The Ohlins for the R58 don't have separate height adjustment, it's just accomplished via preload on the springs and winding the collars up.
So another big bill then and a little more than expected due to the extras. That Performance Pack 2, clutch and Quaiffe diff will have to wait a bit now and it seems there is some work on the TVR to do too first too. First world problems though...
I had a second drive tonight with the Ohlins nad a little more time to comprehend the difference....
"Nuggety with suppleness" just about sums it up. The handling is now also fantastic, but I'm keen to ratchet them up to 10 clicks from full hard as moonigan suggested and the setting that is also recommended in the Ohlins setup guide.
These are good, very good and I think I can justify the cost especially since my standard shocks were shot anyway.
In other news, Lohen must be reading this as they are now kindly offering the TTV clutch + Quaiffe diff + fitting as a pacakged offering :-
https://www.lohen.co.uk/shop/gen-2-mini/drivetrain...
Excellent, so Performance Pack 2 + this clutch and diff package will be next....
"Nuggety with suppleness" just about sums it up. The handling is now also fantastic, but I'm keen to ratchet them up to 10 clicks from full hard as moonigan suggested and the setting that is also recommended in the Ohlins setup guide.
These are good, very good and I think I can justify the cost especially since my standard shocks were shot anyway.
In other news, Lohen must be reading this as they are now kindly offering the TTV clutch + Quaiffe diff + fitting as a pacakged offering :-
https://www.lohen.co.uk/shop/gen-2-mini/drivetrain...
Excellent, so Performance Pack 2 + this clutch and diff package will be next....
I've now had the Lohen Performance Pack 2 fitted comprising :-
- Manic Motorsport stage 2 ECU tune
- Akrapovic 100 cell downpipe
- Airtec intercooler
- NGK spark plugs
- Engine health check
NB. Already had the AEM induction kit, so no ITG air filter repacement.
Whist in, I also had the Quaife diff and TTV organic clutch fitted, an engine decoke, new belts, Powerflex bushes (whilst the sub frame was down) and a new rocker cover gasket + one (free) air freshener. An expensive little enterpise.
So what's it all like then?...
Well, power and torque are pretty impressive. The dyno shows:
269.7 HP
380.9 Nm (280.9 ft-lb) with peak at 3864 RPM
It goes like stink now and that toque figure really makes it pull hard through all the gears. Sounds pretty good too with the Akrapovic - nice deep note with cracks and pops (not offensive unless Sport mode selected which unleashes Armageddon).
Traction is good, with the diff pulling you nicely into apexes. Have not explored what this all means in the wet, but I suspect there will be traction issues even with the diff and Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Torque steer doesn't seem too bad, though you do tend to hold onto the wheel a little harder
Clutch weight is a little heavier than standard but no issue. Biting point is now right down close to the floor but have adapted to that.
Any downsides? Well, there are a few aspects that I'm not so happy about :-
- Steering weight is increased by the Manic map. This is ok in normal mode and I've got used to it now, but Sport mode is as stodgey as steering an oil tanker through treacle. Annoying as I'd agreed with Manic in advance on a custom map not to increase steering weight. No real reason was given why this wasn't done and Manic have not responded to subsequent comms - poor. Releasing the throttle (even very slowly and smoothly) can be a little on/off with new map - i.e. a slight little jerk, whereas the OEM map smoothes this out. Just an obervation, but I think there is no need for that to be present in the new map (I'm talking about Map C - the quick one, don't know about the others as did not buy the SPS switch).
Lohen are respected in their field and noted as Mini specialists but this was the first time I have had them work on my car and I spent a very substantial sum of money with them. Sadly I have come away with a number of issues - I suggested some discount on some other stuff that I subsequently bought as recompence, but no response - poor. I did say I would post a review on here both postive and negative. Here's what I have discovered thus far :-
- Front bumper not refitted straight (almost touching bonnet at one side and large gap at the other). One torx bolt underneath not screwed into receiving hole (missed to one side). Three plastic push rivets missing and not replaced along underside front.
- Front grille trim not clipped in fully on one side.
- Exhaust gas leak from new downpipe / manifold area at front of engine
- Broken clip on lambda sensor cable and cable left lying directly on hot heat shield above exhaust manifold
- Cable tie left snipped / not replaced on ECU harnesses entering ECU
- Clutch sometimes a little noisey (clicky) in operation - may be the nature of the beast though. You can only hear this if the engine isn't running.
If I was closer I'd take the car back to get these niggles sorted but that is not an option due to distance so I've sorted the bumper myself and will look into the exhaust gas leak next. The above items are silly things, but it does call into question how meticulous the important bits have been done and I am accustomed to higher standards.
So there is a short worts and all review. I'll add further updates as I have them.
- Manic Motorsport stage 2 ECU tune
- Akrapovic 100 cell downpipe
- Airtec intercooler
- NGK spark plugs
- Engine health check
NB. Already had the AEM induction kit, so no ITG air filter repacement.
Whist in, I also had the Quaife diff and TTV organic clutch fitted, an engine decoke, new belts, Powerflex bushes (whilst the sub frame was down) and a new rocker cover gasket + one (free) air freshener. An expensive little enterpise.
So what's it all like then?...
Well, power and torque are pretty impressive. The dyno shows:
269.7 HP
380.9 Nm (280.9 ft-lb) with peak at 3864 RPM
It goes like stink now and that toque figure really makes it pull hard through all the gears. Sounds pretty good too with the Akrapovic - nice deep note with cracks and pops (not offensive unless Sport mode selected which unleashes Armageddon).
Traction is good, with the diff pulling you nicely into apexes. Have not explored what this all means in the wet, but I suspect there will be traction issues even with the diff and Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Torque steer doesn't seem too bad, though you do tend to hold onto the wheel a little harder
Clutch weight is a little heavier than standard but no issue. Biting point is now right down close to the floor but have adapted to that.Any downsides? Well, there are a few aspects that I'm not so happy about :-
- Steering weight is increased by the Manic map. This is ok in normal mode and I've got used to it now, but Sport mode is as stodgey as steering an oil tanker through treacle. Annoying as I'd agreed with Manic in advance on a custom map not to increase steering weight. No real reason was given why this wasn't done and Manic have not responded to subsequent comms - poor. Releasing the throttle (even very slowly and smoothly) can be a little on/off with new map - i.e. a slight little jerk, whereas the OEM map smoothes this out. Just an obervation, but I think there is no need for that to be present in the new map (I'm talking about Map C - the quick one, don't know about the others as did not buy the SPS switch).
Lohen are respected in their field and noted as Mini specialists but this was the first time I have had them work on my car and I spent a very substantial sum of money with them. Sadly I have come away with a number of issues - I suggested some discount on some other stuff that I subsequently bought as recompence, but no response - poor. I did say I would post a review on here both postive and negative. Here's what I have discovered thus far :-
- Front bumper not refitted straight (almost touching bonnet at one side and large gap at the other). One torx bolt underneath not screwed into receiving hole (missed to one side). Three plastic push rivets missing and not replaced along underside front.
- Front grille trim not clipped in fully on one side.
- Exhaust gas leak from new downpipe / manifold area at front of engine
- Broken clip on lambda sensor cable and cable left lying directly on hot heat shield above exhaust manifold
- Cable tie left snipped / not replaced on ECU harnesses entering ECU
- Clutch sometimes a little noisey (clicky) in operation - may be the nature of the beast though. You can only hear this if the engine isn't running.
If I was closer I'd take the car back to get these niggles sorted but that is not an option due to distance so I've sorted the bumper myself and will look into the exhaust gas leak next. The above items are silly things, but it does call into question how meticulous the important bits have been done and I am accustomed to higher standards.
So there is a short worts and all review. I'll add further updates as I have them.
Thanks for sharing, thats a shame on the issues. The long distance to them already makes it a mission that would need an overnight stay, and having to go back to rectify anything would be a major PITA.
Maybe you should have said you were a youtuber and filmed it all? (Have you seen Petrol Peds vid on the Performance Pack 2?)
So I will look to a closer tuner when I go for a remap.
Also the steering is already super heavy/gloopy with the sport button on, so don't understand why Manic would make it heavier still. That alone would put me off.
Maybe you should have said you were a youtuber and filmed it all? (Have you seen Petrol Peds vid on the Performance Pack 2?)
So I will look to a closer tuner when I go for a remap.
Also the steering is already super heavy/gloopy with the sport button on, so don't understand why Manic would make it heavier still. That alone would put me off.
Just saw this on the Lohen site - bless them. Some nice shots of the old girl working out on the dyno :-
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzs8ZRSFW-4/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzs8ZRSFW-4/
Hi, the stock figure is with the intercooler and the Akrapovic DP in place, but prior to the tune going on - I was quite impressed with that too.
I also had a decoke done which may have helped, though they said it wasn't too bad - still had it done whilst there.
I'm pleased with the power and it's more than we were expecting. Lohen were recoconing on ~260bhp with the map in Map C, but I came away with just shy of 270bhp so very pleased indeed.
With the Ohlins and the manual box, and now the additional grunt and diff, the prospect of an auto GPi$$3 doesn't really appeal. Content for now that I've shelled out on improving what I have.
I also had a decoke done which may have helped, though they said it wasn't too bad - still had it done whilst there.
I'm pleased with the power and it's more than we were expecting. Lohen were recoconing on ~260bhp with the map in Map C, but I came away with just shy of 270bhp so very pleased indeed.
With the Ohlins and the manual box, and now the additional grunt and diff, the prospect of an auto GPi$$3 doesn't really appeal. Content for now that I've shelled out on improving what I have.
GaryF said:
Just saw this on the Lohen site - bless them. Some nice shots of the old girl working out on the dyno :-
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzs8ZRSFW-4/
How about commenting on the picture? As it's public, they may be quicker to respond? https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzs8ZRSFW-4/
GaryF said:
Lohen are respected in their field and noted as Mini specialists but this was the first time I have had them work on my car and I spent a very substantial sum of money with them. Sadly I have come away with a number of issues - I suggested some discount on some other stuff that I subsequently bought as recompence, but no response - poor
If you shout loud enough, ie begin to question their reputation, things get escalated pretty quickly 
This thread was started by me after i had all my work done there, i didnt mention any names, but everyone on the forum knew who had done the work, so they had to act on it really: https://www.minitorque.com/forum/f18/r56-fjcw-oil-... the thread is quite tame/calm, but in reality, i had to hit them with the big shouty stick to get them to do anything.
My experience of Lohen vs 1320 Mini was a bit like using a BMW main dealer vs. using your local trusted specialist and/or doing it yourself.
Over-filling with oil on an engine where it can do serious damage (according to the owner's manual) is not good. Filling the intercooler with oil and blowing it out the exhaust through the turbo and into the cat / over the lamda sensor isn't good...
I'm sure if I'd been closer they would have sorted my issues too, but based on my experience and the one you have just shared does make you wonder how good they are.
I found another undone wiring clip underneath and a missing turbo heat shield bolt during the course of my remedy work to add to the little list of issues I'd shared previously. I can't confirm if the bolt was missing before it went in, but I do know that the wire was clipped in place. In fact looking at this pic I can see it hanging down whilst disconnected during the work: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzs8ZRSFW-4/
Anway, I'm happy with how the car is now performing but attention to detail and delighting the customer is key, Most people may not have spotted all these things but that is not an excuse. You certainly spotted your oil problem though - hard to miss!
I'm sure if I'd been closer they would have sorted my issues too, but based on my experience and the one you have just shared does make you wonder how good they are.
I found another undone wiring clip underneath and a missing turbo heat shield bolt during the course of my remedy work to add to the little list of issues I'd shared previously. I can't confirm if the bolt was missing before it went in, but I do know that the wire was clipped in place. In fact looking at this pic I can see it hanging down whilst disconnected during the work: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzs8ZRSFW-4/
Anway, I'm happy with how the car is now performing but attention to detail and delighting the customer is key, Most people may not have spotted all these things but that is not an excuse. You certainly spotted your oil problem though - hard to miss!
Edited by GaryF on Wednesday 24th July 23:32
DuckSauce said:
(I don't need a dyno)
My opinion on that would be don't kid yourself that you don't need a dyno.When places that do it properly do the mapping on a dyno they use a wide band lambda sensor in the exhaust & all of the setting up is "on-load" on the dyno with respect to the AFR reading from the exhaust gasses.
It is the only way to get a proper set up that won't do harm to the engine long term.
It is the reason why places that do it properly on the dyno charge more & it will likely take all day & cost around £5/600, but you get the job done right.
DuckSauce said:
So who is recommended for maps in the South? I'm on the Surrey/Hants border.
I was looking at a Stage 1 tune and Celtic tuning have come up after a few searches, they come to you (I don't need a dyno)
What model have you got? I was looking at a Stage 1 tune and Celtic tuning have come up after a few searches, they come to you (I don't need a dyno)
I've now had my Cooper S stage 1 mapped by Celtic Tuning and pleased with it, but that was with before and after rolling road sessions at their HQ near Newquay. Quite a way from you admittedly. They seem like a decent outfit anyway.
Personally I didn't want a third party agent/reseller to just flash some software on without knowing how it was running before or after on the rollers.
Considered Manic, but quite a trek for me to Lohen, or even Sussex Road and Race who are also MINI specialists. The latter would be close for you, and the Manic remap costs a bit more but probably gives the biggest power gains from what I can gather from various sources.
Drekly said:
What model have you got?
Considered Manic, but quite a trek for me to Lohen, or even Sussex Road and Race who are also MINI specialists. The latter would be close for you, and the Manic remap costs a bit more but probably gives the biggest power gains from what I can gather from various sources.
Manic are now no more.Considered Manic, but quite a trek for me to Lohen, or even Sussex Road and Race who are also MINI specialists. The latter would be close for you, and the Manic remap costs a bit more but probably gives the biggest power gains from what I can gather from various sources.
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