Hey guys,
Was just wondering if anybody had done a full cooper s engine conversion including turbo etc. If so what was the biggest challenge and any advice? Would love to hear peoples thoughts. This is just hypothetical at this point, and I understand it would probably be cheaper to sell and just buy a cooper s.
I have seen the thread putting a turbo on an NA engine, but I can't see the issue with a full engine swap except the price and time?
Thanks

 

It wouldn't be worth it. You're right that you'd be better off selling what you have and buying a Turbo.

 

I have toyed around with the idea. find a donor wrecked S and strip out the harness, engine, and whatever is needed... NA engine runs too good... no carbon build up... would rather swap out for something that could also put power to all four wheels. now that would be a blast!

 

This was one of my first thoughts after buying my cooper. The nearest dealer is hundreds of miles away and I had to get rid of my old car so I settled for the non s. its too slow though.

I'm still convinced that a whole engine swap wouldn't be out of the question. The engines are relatively cheap on eBay, and I'm sure if you live near a big city you could find a mostly complete donor car for a good deal. I'm really considering buying an engine to rebuild and drop in in the future. Everyone says just buy the S. Personally I think I overpayed for mine and I just got it last week so theres no way I could just go get an S. I don't mind dumping money and time into my cars.. Any true car enthusiast will tell you they've spent much more money than they should've building their car, but they don't regret it.

 

Cool.
I just dynamated mine by myself and it was worth it!
I too think the non-s is a little bit slow, but still fun to drive.
I think the S has more sporty suspension and probably an improved chassis.