MINI Cooper S F56 Stage 1 Tuning Box Review

Tuning Box Review MINI Cooper S LCI F56 Stage 1

by Nick | Mar 26, 2024

Torque Sport MINI Cooper S F56 Stage 1 Tuning Box Review 👌

We arrived at Hybrid Tune and were greeted by an impressive setup, with loads of cool Minis and other vehicles around.

After some initial checks on our Cooper S F56 LCI, we get down to business. In its stock form, our Cooper S LCI churns out 212 horsepower and 296-newton meters of torque on Hybrid Tune’s state-of-the-art MAHA Dyno. However, with the tuning box in place, we see significant gains, reaching 249 horsepower and 342 newton meters.

Sam elaborates on the tuning box, explaining its development for late-model BMWs and Minis with locked ECUs. This box offers a viable alternative to traditional tuning methods, ensuring easy installation and removal without compromising reliability or warranty concerns. With the Mini properly mapped, we hit 257 horsepower and 342 Newton meters, maintaining a balance between performance and reliability.

https://i.hybridtune.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Mini-Cooper-S-F56-LCI-Strat-2-Tuning-box-dyno-graph-stage-1-complete.webp?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=50&webp=50&sharp=1&ssl=1

So with Hybrid Tune’s Strat-2 tuning box fitted Stage One is a wrap on our MINI Cooper S F56 LCI what do we think and how was the road test?

Here’s the breakdown: we’ve boosted our horsepower from just under 210 to a respectable 260, and torque has jumped from roughly 292 to a solid 342 Newton meters. The tuning was kept conservative for safety reasons, but even so, the difference is remarkable.

Unlocking the ECU would have been pricier, and with newer models, like the LCI from 2019 onwards, it’s not even an option due to locked ECUs. So, opting for this Strat-2 tuning box was a cost-effective alternative.

The installation was a breeze, taking only about an hour and a half, and the team explained everything thoroughly. They’ve got a wide range of experience beyond just Minis, so definitely worth checking out.

As for the drive, it’s like night and day. The power delivery feels smooth and natural, and the acceleration is significantly improved. It’s now punching above its weight class, competing more closely with cars like the Golf GTI and Focus ST.

On the performance side, our Draggy run showed a remarkable improvement, shaving off over a second from our 30 to 70 time. That’s a significant gain considering the modest investment in tuning.

And the best part? The Strat-2 tuning box is removable, so if you ever decide to sell the car, returning it to stock is a breeze. It’s a practical and versatile solution and can be found by clicking HERE

Overall, we’re thrilled with the results. Thanks to Hybrid Tune for their expertise and support. If you’re considering tuning your car, they’re definitely worth reaching out to. We we’re thrilled to see you too guys…enjoy!