FAQS

The best upgrades depend on your goals, but popular options include:

ECU remapping/tuning – Improves power and throttle response.

Air intake upgrades – Enhances airflow for better performance.

Exhaust system upgrades – Reduces back pressure for increased power.

Suspension upgrades – Improves handling and ride comfort.

Larger intercooler – Reduces intake temperatures for more consistent power delivery.

Yes, if done correctly by a reputable tuner. A good tune optimises power without compromising reliability. Avoid generic or untested maps that can cause engine issues. Lohen have fine tuned and tested tuning since the release of the MINI and delivered 1000s of tunes over 2 decades of business. 

Modifications can impact your warranty, especially ECU tuning. Some dealers may still honour warranties on non-related components, but always check with your dealer before making modifications.

Some basic upgrades like intakes and exhausts can be done at home, but ECU tuning requires professional knowledge and software. DIY tuning without experience can lead to engine damage.

Gains depend on the model and hardware modifications:

Stock ECU remap: +15-50hp - depending on what is installed and the model of MINI

Intake kit & exhausts: +5-15hp - These tend to deliver a modest increase in performance but help deliver power with ECU tuning and support other modifications that require additional gas flow. They also add to the sound and the enjoyment of the MINI.

Larger turbo & supporting modifications: +50-100hp+ This depends on the specification of the turbo and performance and quality of items such as the intercooler. Try our Performance Packs that bring together great value and performing products. 

Items must be returned within 30 days after receiving your order. Items must be returned in the same condition in which they were received, be unworn/unused, have any tags still attached, and include all the original packaging.

Please return items to:

Lohen, Unit 11 Raleigh Hall, Eccelshall, Staffordshire, ST21 6JL, UK

Items are shipped with DHL. Tracking information is provided via email and SMS when these details are provided to us. Deliver times are indicated at check out.

Lohen ship on the Incoterm DAP.

In the context of international trade, DAP, or "Delivered at Place," means the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to a specified location, ready for unloading, but the buyer handles import clearance, duties, and taxes.

Refunds are processed within 7 days from when we receive the item(s) via the original payment method.

Gains depend on the model and hardware modifications:

Stock ECU remap: +15-50hp - depending on what is installed and the model of MINI

Intake kit & exhausts: +5-15hp - These tend to deliver a modest increase in performance but help deliver power with ECU tuning and support other modifications that require additional gas flow. They also add to the sound and the enjoyment of the MINI.

Larger turbo & supporting modifications: +50-100hp+ This depends on the specification of the turbo and performance and quality of items such as the intercooler. Try our Performance Packs that bring together great value and performing products. 

For Turbo cars the following applies:

Stage 1 Tune (ECU remap only) – Best for stock cars. It’s best to consider a spark plug upgrade and a performance air filter. 

Stage 2 Tune (ECU + intake + exhaust + intercooler) – More power and responsiveness.

Stage 3 Tune (Turbo upgrade + fuelling modifications) – Maximum performance but requires supporting mods.

Adding a performance intercooler to your MINI is always beneficial, even on a standard car.

When tuning, an upgraded intercooler is essential and helps reduce heat soak and maintain consistent power.

It depends on your goals:

Hybrid turbo – Retains stock fitment but offers more power (~+50hp). For the MINI R56 N14 and N18 engines the Owen Developments turbo offers a reliable and powerful solution. 

Larger turbo (e.g., Big Turbo Kits) – Offers significant gains but packaging can sometime be problematic. Look for kits like the Lohen 330 Big Turbo Kit that offers a complete packaging solution 

For Stage 1 & 2, the stock fuel system is usually sufficient.

For Stage 3+, you may need:

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) – Ensures enough fuel supply.

Larger injectors – Required for extreme power levels.

Supporting fuel - either use of a methanol systems or port injection 

Fuel problems are particularly common place with the N14 and N18 platforms when trying to achieve power outputs greater the 320 BHP.

A catch can collects oil vapour from the crankcase to prevent carbon build-up in direct-injection engines (like the MINI, particularly the N14 engine). It's a good upgrade for long-term engine health. Try the Mishimoto catch can

Some MINI engines can run E85 with proper tuning and fuel system upgrades. Race fuel (higher octane) can increase performance but requires an ECU remap to take full advantage of it.

Lowering springs or coilovers – Improves cornering and reduces body roll.

Anti-roll bars (sway bars) – Reduces understeer and improves stability.

Polyurethane bushings – Reduces flex in suspension components.

Yes, but it depends on the setup. Lowering springs maintain some comfort but ultimately reduce the range of travel the damper has. while coilovers offer better handling with some models offering adjustable damping and more control over the height setting. Some damper models, such as the Koni Special Active, offer variable damping technology as well so there are products available that can reduce the impact on comfort that decreasing damper travel can have.  Try our Lohen lowering springs for the popular MINI models 

Lowering springs – Affordable, slight drop in ride height usually by around 20 - 30 mm.

Coilovers – have adjustable ride height allowing the user or fittiing centre to set a custom ride height front and rear.

Some models of coilovers feature adjustable damping and rebound control allowing for a custom feel and set up.

Generally if the car is going on circuit a coilover is a must and choosing something solid is important, consider that the car will be driven hard and while circuits are generally smooth, curbs are not and using them at speed puts considerable strain on the suspension system.

For those want to use the car on road and circuit Lohen suggest the Ohlins Track & Road range that is available for the MINI, check them out here

Yes, wider tyres (e.g., 215/225 instead of 205) can improve grip, but be mindful of clearance issues.

For better handling:

Front camber: -1.5° to -2.5° (for aggressive driving).

Toe: 0 to slight toe-out (for sharper turn-in).

Rear camber: -1.5° to -2.0° (for stability).

To aid set up to these points adjustable geometry components will be required such as adjustable front top mount and rear adjustable control arms. Check out our Geometry section under the Chassis  categories. 

Do I need a brake upgrade for tuning?

For high performance setups, yes. Upgrades include:

Performance brake pads – Improve stopping power and heat resistance. It’s important to select the correct brake pad for the application - for the road brake pads should be E marked, try compounds such as Mintex M1144 or its newer version FR, EBC Yellowstuff, Ferodo DS2500 or the Tarox Strada for a good quality road pad, which retain bite from cold and improved durability and stopping power over the standard pad. For track there are many options and selecting the correct one is a little down to personal preference as much as it is selecting for the correct circuit and event type. For example spring circuits that are short and hard on braking need something that performs well from low temperatures, this maybe referred to as “switching on quickly” with a good bite but don’t necessarily need to perform through a higher heat conditions where speeds may be higher, in these instances consider a pad like the Mintex M1166. Or for rally / gravel circuits the same applies although the requirement for such a strong bit is less in this case the Mintex M1155 is a nice option. For longer and more traditional circuits likes of the Mintex F2R, or the Pagid RSL / RST series pads offer excellent performance as do the Ferodo DS1.11 pads.  

Big brake kits – Better for track use or high horsepower builds. Use a kit with 2 piece discs to really maximise heat dissipation, essential for track work. Even if the MINI is only tracked a few times a year, this is an essential area to maximise enjoyment of the day. Try our 2 piece Big Brake Kit for dedicated track work or a Tarox or Brembo kit for the road. 

Braided brake lines – Provide a firmer brake pedal feel. Using Goodridge braided hoses is a great way to add performance to the brake system at a relatively low cost. Complete a brake fluid flush when installing these using a temperature fluid like the Motul 600 for track and regularly maintained systems or the AP Racing DOT 5.1 for the road and more general driving applications. 

Drilled discs – Better heat dissipation than but can crack under extreme use.

Slotted discs – Better for performance and track use, prevents brake fade.

Slotted discs – Good for use on the road and general use. Do not introduce noises like their textured surface courter parts.

Lightweight alloy wheels – Reduce unsprung weight and improve handling. There is alway a trade off of weight and strength but keep an eye out for Forged wheels or technologies such HLT from OZ Racing that help to provide a great balance of weight vs strength. 

High performance tyres – Provide better grip and responsiveness. Keep in mind application and conditions, tyres such as the Nankang AR-1 are super sticky and Eem to work really well with the MINI or for the road try Kuhmo PS-71 or the Michelin Pilot Sport 

Proper tuning should not cause reliability issues, but aggressive tunes, poor maintenance, or excessive boost can lead to engine wear. Regular servicing is crucial.

More frequent servicing is recommended, especially:

Oil changes every 5,000-7,000 miles (using high-quality oil such as the Motul 8100 for performance cars or the Motul 300V for track and circuit cars).

Spark plugs & coil packs – Upgrade to a cooler heat range if running higher boost, search for our High Performance Spark Plugs. 

Larger intercooler – Reduces intake temperatures.

Upgraded radiator – Helps prevent overheating in extreme conditions.

Oil cooler – Keeps oil temps stable under hard driving. 

Yes, if the modifications are sensible and well-maintained. Stage 1-2 tuning is generally fine for daily use, but aggressive Stage 3 setups may require more maintenance.

Increased wear on engine & drivetrain components. 

Potential clutch slipping (manual) or transmission stress (auto).

Higher fuel consumption with aggressive driving.

Heat soak if cooling isn’t upgraded.

Cat-back exhaust – Enhances exhaust tone without removing emissions controls.

Downpipe upgrade – Increases sound and performance (may require a remap when adding these) 

Induction Resonator delete – Louder sound with minimal cost. Check out our range of Pipercross, Samco and Forge Motorsport hoses. 

It can. Decat downpipes will fail emissions tests. For road applications check our our range of ECE Marked high-flow sports cats which provide a road legal alternative while retaining strong power delivery. 

Resonated – closer to a factory noise level but generally benefit from a sportier tone. Resonated exhausts are also generally type approved so carrier ECE marking and homologation allowing them to be used on the road

Non resonated – Generally these are louder than stock may cause excessive drone. They’re not ECE marked and instead aimed at track users.

Excessive overrun tuning (pops & bangs) can cause excessive heat, wear on the turbo, and potential catalytic converter damage. A mild tune is safer.

Yes! We have great tuning solutions for Gen 2, Gen 3 automatic models including the latest 8 speed auto box found in models like the F56 GP

We even offer differentials for the automatic gearboxes, check out our exclusive Quaife ATB for the 7DCT300 gearbox

MINIs with high power benefit from the installation of a performance differential such as the Quaife or 3J Driveline products allowing for better traction, especially in corners or on track. There are different types of differentials available to suit differing uses, learn more about these in our blog here. For road and occasional track day use Lohen suggest the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing (ATB) differential but for dedicated track use the more traditional Limited Slip Differential (LSD) such as the 3J Driveline product. 

Stronger lower control arm bushings – Improves stability.

Wider tyres & differential  – Help distribute power more evenly.