Big changes to my Mini will make her AWESOME 🔥 _ 4K

The Art of Tuning: A Conversation with Pete

When it comes to tuning engines, many enthusiasts focus on the outright number that's achieved through modifications such as turbochargers and engine internals. However, it's not just about the numbers; it's also about how power is delivered to the wheels. For many tuners, including ourselves at Bill Stein, the goal is to create a linear power delivery curve that makes the car feel lively and responsive over a wide range of speeds.

I've had the pleasure of working with numerous engines over the years, from the N14 to the N18, each with its unique characteristics and potential. I recall one particular engine that we undertuned before applying a custom tune. The result was a car that produced 238 horsepower stock, but after tweaking the electronics and making some minor adjustments to the internals, it was able to deliver power in excess of 280 horsepower. This experience has taught me that even without significant internal modifications, a well-tuned engine can still produce impressive numbers.

The key to creating a responsive driving experience is to refine the delivery of power rather than relying on brute force. A good tune should aim to get the car out of the twisties and onto the straights quickly, where it can truly shine. This means finding that sweet spot where the engine delivers its maximum torque in a linear curve, making the car feel quick and responsive over a wide range of speeds.

One of the most common misconceptions about tuning is that it's all about raw power. While it's true that more power always feels good, especially when you're pushing the limits on a track or down a twisty road, there's an art to delivering that power in a way that makes sense for everyday driving. I've found that engines with well-tuned delivery curves are much more enjoyable to drive than those that rely solely on raw horsepower.

When it comes to refinement, some tuners tend to focus too much on the top-end performance, neglecting the bottom-end grunt and tractability of the engine. This is where a good tune can make all the difference. By carefully tweaking the electronics and mapping, we're able to bring out the best in the engine, making it feel more responsive and engaging at lower speeds.

In fact, I've found that engines with well-tuned delivery curves are often more enjoyable to drive than those that rely solely on raw horsepower. When you have an engine that delivers power in a linear curve, it's like having a sledgehammer in a very narrow band – it feels quick and responsive over a specific range of speeds, but outside of that range, it's nothing more than noise. However, by refining the delivery of power, we can create an engine that feels relentless and never seems to run out of steam.

For me, the ultimate goal is to create a car that's both fun to drive on the road and quick enough for track days. It's a delicate balance, but one that's achievable with the right tune. I've found that engines like the N18 can deliver impressive numbers when properly tuned, but it's not just about the horsepower; it's also about creating an engaging driving experience.

One of my favorite things to do is to take an engine and refine its delivery curve. This might involve tweaking the electronics, mapping, or even making some minor adjustments to the internals. The goal is always to create a smooth, linear power delivery curve that makes the car feel lively and responsive over a wide range of speeds.

In recent months, I've been working on a project with Darren at Bill Stein, where we're taking an engine and refining its performance. We've already made some progress, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes us. With a little bit of tweaking and refinement, I'm confident that we can create an engine that delivers impressive numbers while still being enjoyable to drive on the road.

Of course, there's always room for improvement, and I have my fair share of OCD tendencies when it comes to engines. But with Darren's expertise and my own attention to detail, I know that we'll be able to create something truly special. And as always, I want to thank Aaron at Bill Stein for the support on this project – it means a lot to me!