so long as we are on the topic, I cant remember was the R50 crank material is made from, can someone tell me please? Thanks alot

Bix

 

Just noticed this, i am not in Greece the island I am in Greece, the country You can still come visit anytime

 

Any update on your project velopackrat? My new engine is running fine, has already done 3k miles, and now i am on the process of collecting parts for the new build. Already ordered a set of Cosworth valve springs, and already have in my hands larger Bosch EV6 injectors, along with custom made by me fuel rail spacers, because they are EV6 long. Did you receive your pistons from Jan?

 

Hi Nick,

This has taken longer than expected (big surprise) but I'm almost done. Jan at RMW has been quite helpful, always answers the phone and has been 100% patient w/ my questions. My motor now includes: MCS crank/rods/ported and polished MCS head, Schrick MC cam, Carillo pistons from Jan, a Jan oil pan baffle, and the OBX header pictured below. I did the header mods and welding and welded up some damage to the case of the Getrag 6 speed that's now in there. Aluminum flywheel and a JCW limited slip too.
This bastard better run good 'cause it's been a lot of work.
It's new name is FrankenMini, coined by my buddies. I'll keep you posted if it actually runs...

 

Best of luck to ya. Not to get off subject but does anyone know where to get higher (9.0:1) compression pistons for an R53-S

 

You'd better not do that with a 16% pulley!

Velopackrat, looking forward or the results!! What C/R did you chose? Also get a CAI :D

 

Nick,

Stock compression 10.6:1. Still want economy - when foot is not in the throttle. Yes on the CAI. What you see pictured came with it, so once I get it completed and de-bugged, I'll work on a proper airbox for CAI.
How's the weather in Greece?

cw

 

Weather here is great :D
About the C/R, just to mention, higher c/r gives better fuel economy except for performance, but increased stress in the internals because of higher temps

 

Yeah in theory, but uh...
Higher C/R needs better gas (timing aside)
which costs more $$$
which cuts into my Mexican food budget
which pisses off the wife
which makes for an unhappy life
which might then lead to divorce
which means more $$$

So, I'm staying w/ stock C/R.

 

Fair point of view

 

So, tell us about how the engine worked out. What is performance and economy like?

 

I've put about 3K miles on the little FrankenMini since it went back together. In short order, I went back to mostly stock stuff like the cam, the exhaust, the header and the intake filter. While the modded version ran like a spotted-assed ape, it was noisy and pipey. The bottom end was "soggy" feeling until 4,000-4,500rpm, then it went off like a WRC rally car. With it's early Getrag 6 speed (tall 1st & 2nd gear), plus an aluminum flywheel, the car is touchy from a stop - even in mostly stock form. Not bad, totally happy it has a 6 speed, but everybody is right when they say "get the late model 6 speed". Some days I think I'll sell it and find a super clean R53 JCW and other days I like the great gas mileage of my R50. All in all, I'm enjoying my Mini.

 

May i ask how's the oil cosumption after the rebuild? Did you perform honing before you threw in the new pistons?

 

Hi Nick!

Funny you should ask. It was a fresh, oversize bore and hone to match. CP pistons from Jan, if you recall. At first, the thing used too much oil. Maybe as much as a quart in 500 miles (of stop/start city driving). Lately, it's better - maybe a quart per 1,000 miles.
I attribute this oil use to the rings mating the bores, to large degree. But Nick, I also have a theory I'll bet you'll agree with: The forged pistons, irrespective of brand, need more clearance than cast pistons. When they reach operating temp, they are at their best. However, below temp they allow oil use. Let the flaming begin...

 

No flame, that is the truth! Forged pistons of any brand have less of a expansion/contraction to them because of temprature. Its not the pistons fault its actually the block. Honda's with forged pistons do the same thing. A set of total seal rings usualy helps a little.