At Kernowsport, we often see cars arrive that need a bit of preparation before any performance upgrades can be applied. This Mini Clubman Cooper S at our Pool workshop was a perfect example.
The owner had already fitted a larger aftermarket turbo, but the car was suffering badly with a blocked catalytic converter. With the exhaust system choked, the turbo and engine were never going to perform at their best.
Catalytic Converter Clean in Pool
The first job was to carry out a full catalytic converter clean. A blocked cat not only restricts power but can also cause long-term engine damage if ignored. Once this was resolved, we moved on to the performance tuning.
👉 If your car feels sluggish or keeps showing fault codes, our diagnostics service can quickly find the cause, whether it’s a DPF issue, blocked catalytic converter or other fault.
Stage 1 Remap for More Power
With the airflow sorted, we installed a Stage 1 performance remap to take full advantage of the upgraded turbo. The results were impressive, delivering significant extra power.
The owner took it for a drive and was blown away by the difference — but unfortunately, so was the Mini. On the way home to St Ives, the extra power revealed a weakness in the base engine, leading to a blown piston ring.
Lessons for Performance Upgrades
This story highlights an important lesson: before going for big performance gains, the base engine must be in top condition. Supporting components such as pistons, rods and cooling systems may also need to be upgraded to handle the extra stress from remapping and turbocharging.
That said, this Mini is far from finished. The owner has already started repairs and plans to bring it back for more tuning, along with his Ford Ranger.
At Kernowsport, we’re always happy to help enthusiasts push their vehicles further — but we’ll also give honest advice to make sure upgrades are safe and sustainable.
Why Choose Kernowsport in Cornwall?
- Expert ECU remapping for petrol and diesel engines
- Full solutions for AdBlue faults, DPF issues and EGR problems
- Based in Pool Cornwall, covering St Ives, Hayle, Redruth, Newquay and beyond
- Passionate about performance tuning and honest about what works
🚗 Book Your Remap or Engine Diagnostics in Cornwall
Whether it’s a Mini in St Ives, a Ford Ranger in Pool, or a camper van in Newquay, Kernowsport provide trusted performance tuning and fault-finding across Cornwall.
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📞 Contact Kernowsport today to discuss your remap, diagnostics or performance upgrade in Cornwall.













