If we had too we would do it in 2 days, but it's nicer to spread the job over a week, as messing with the code can take some time, and hair pulling.
Unless I had someone wanting the old trans I'm not interested in resale of it.

 

you can keep the car for a week, not a problem. Just want an idea of total cost.

 

Didn't realize you were following me...in a limo though, right?! I saw a limo pull up to Way's as I was driving out.

Great meeting you too. Hope your repairs go well.

 

And that would be mine! Thanks Way!

The swap is absolutely the right thing to do if your CVT breaks and you want to keep your MINI. And unless you have loads of free time, having Way do it for you is completely worth it too.

A few things to be aware of:

I have no regrets about doing the swap. If you love your MINI, it's worth it!

 

Nice to be thought of that way, but heavens no! I saw it pull in the lot, though. My elite ride was the red pickup truck leaking radiator fluid that arrived right behind the limo.

 

Ha! The arrival of the limo couldn't have been better timed - certainly fooled me.

 

Well done, gknorr! Enjoy yourself! BTW, did you use a lightened flywheel, by any chance?

 

Way ended up using this clutch/flywheel setup:

http://www.waymotorworks.com/valeo-c...l-kit-r53.html

What did you use in yours?

 

I think your car drove the best out of them all.

Man I wish I knew your locks weren't right, it would have taken 5min to reset all those features. I did get a program for the DME that may make the cruise work so we'll have to try it next time I see you.

What kind of mileage did you get on the way back? I know you had a ton in the back with the CVT in there.

 

I figured the locks would be an easy fix. I wish I caught it earlier. I have SSS Progman working on a laptop and will give it a try when I get a chance. Not sure when I'll be back in GA next...

Just curious - what would the cruise control program require - SSS Progman, NCSexpert? If you have the code for the program, I'm willing to give it a try...at my own risk!

Not only did I have the 120 lb. CVT in the back, but also gallons and gallons of paint and paint thinner for recycling. Talk about loaded down. With an average speed of 75-80mph, I was getting about 31mpg. Not bad at all. The best I ever got with the CVT was about 34mpg, but usually it was around 30mpg.

BTW, there's a transmission shop in Norcross that is supposedly going to buy the old CVT from me. If it goes through, I'll forward their contact info. on to you. Could be a good way getting rid of the old CVTs. I can't imagine this will be your last swap.

 

I used a Fidenza flywheel, 3-puck racing clutch disc and pressure plate. I like it a lot!

 

Way, I know the entire Valeo kit weighs 35 lbs., but do you know the weight of the flywheel alone?

My guess would be around 20 lbs.

 

Got the back-up light hooked up today. Was really easy. You just need to remove the battery box and crimp a few connector bits to two wires and plug it in to the back-up light switch. Here are the connector bits:

2 - 12527511315 - PLUG CONNECTION FEMALE
2 - 12527511334 - GASKET
1 - 12527511347 - SOCKET HOUSING
1 - 12527511349 - LOCKING MECHANISM

The total cost is around $9-10. The wires you need come from a 4-pin square connector that used to plug in to the CVT. The two you want are green/violet and blue/yellow. The circuit is normally open and the back-up light switch closes the circuit when in reverse. I have the wiring diagram - PM me if you need it.

Also, everything worked out with selling the old tranny to shop in Cumming, GA. Got $500 for it! They even covered the shipping through Old Dominion.

It was a strange and satisfying feeling driving the old tranny to the drop off location in the now 6-speed MINI. Attached are a few pictures, including my thankful last view of that CVT!

 

anyone find any good deals on a getrag lately?

 

What is the cost of the cvt to manual swap I've been to your site couldn't find a price? 03 cvt just died at 139,000 miles

 

The price is dependent on how much the parts cost if you go new or used parts.

Also I completed another CVT-6spd swap this weekend, I still can't believe how well these drive when done.

 

Were you able to get the cruise control working?

There's a chance I'll be down your way in late May, and might stop by for an attempt at the cruise control coding.

 

Just finished a Midlands to Getrag 6 speed swap. Cruise control functions just fine. Now why the hell cant I have cruise on my 04 R53 with an 06 faclift Getrag :(

 

Crank speed to wheel speed issue is my guess. Wouldn't be surprised if a shop like Way Motor Works could get it working by re-coding the expected values.

With the CVT to 6-speed swaps, from my trip to Way's last week to try and get cruise control working, the issue seems to be mainly with the lack of a clutch switch...

 

i had way do my stuff out of car cause i was willing to take a chance and no one that i know on the west coast does the swap or any part of it. i still need to bleed the clutch and add trans fluid but everything seems to turn on and the car did crank which seems promising. once i get someone to give me hand with whats left then i will let you guys know if it works.

 

So you sent Way the computers and he programmed them remotely, but you did the mechanical stuff on your own?

 

that sounds way easier than bringing the whole car down. let us know how that goes in the long run.

 

still getting some of the bugs worked out on it. the hardest part was being able to source all the parts for the car that needed to be swapped along with the trans.

 

i still need to wire up the reverse lights and check on some things but i dont have any dash lights on which i guess would be a good thing right

 

So I'm bumping this thread in hopes of getting updates on this conversion after years of use.
Looking to do the Swap this summer, CVT has failed for the second time and I'm not willing to do this again.
Thanks and cheers to all