Helix13 has been BUSY all summer so far with new installs of their turbo kit for the MCS. They are getting valuable experience and know how on the installs, fine tuning and trouble shooting for turbos in MINI.

If and when a turbo kit becomes available for the MC from Helix13 it will be worth a serious look. I get asked about availability of a turbo kit for the MC all the time. Can't wait for one to arrive.

Something to think about in a turbo MC vs MCS-
The Turbo MC:
Definitely less weight-always a good thing
Power on demand with good mpg economy the rest of the time
MC body styling- some really like the scoopless design
Stealth appearance- power under the bonnet on demand
Lower insurance but still loads of fun
You can keep your beloved MC- just put it on steroids
Fairly good durability-just don't go nuts driving it- Helix13 is looking for a safe turbo kit- something that is reliable and won't blow things up.
You'll be unique- MCS are common, turbo MC is ???? Cool.

 

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Helix- any idea what psi you are aiming for? I'm looking for something low....nothing crazy. Just a moderate turbo honestly :smile: I will be in your area all summer if you want a test fit car

 

Just wanted to bump this thread to keep interest alive every day! I've explored the 2.0 swap thing all week and found it will be best left to professional fabrication shops...so the turbo is my last shot at some torque improvement.

If my $.02 is worth anything in development, it would be nice to see some flexibility regarding trim sizes in turbos (I'm assuming GT20) with a kit like this. I basically want something that will spool almost immediately, even if it runs out of breath up top. I'd imagine most owners will prefer a trade-off of "near instant boost" and "sick top end" so I'm sure I'm in the minority. Anyway, guess I'll just wait and see what comes out.

 

I'll join you in the minority i guess....i would love some power low down in the band

Since you are southeast PA (right?) you could easily go talk to helix who is in you area about the turbo they have in their sights....might be fun just to talk to them too :smile:

 

FYI, I've been working to return my turbo kit since I no longer have the MC and I've learned a few things. Apparently the shop I purchased the kit from in Fl has installed it on 3 MC's in their area with no problems. I haven't talked to any of the other companies that sell the kit, so it may not be as bad as I thought. I still suggest getting some sort of fuel management system, even if the kit only produces 6-7psi.

I'd be willing to sell my kit at a steal since the company wants to charge an arm and a leg in restocking fees.

 

what company was it? I really think the fuel management is necessary

 

Pir8 97 has the TSI kit, iirc. It really looks like a complete kit but not "comprehensive" as he mentioned. There's no reason why someone like Helix couldn't hook you up with fuel management and tune the car to make it work and the price is right! I just picked up another project or I would have already jumped on this kit...if it's still around next month (assuming I can get rid of some other stuff in the meantime to get my wife off of my back), it's mine! For some reason she thinks a 2 and 1/2 car garage means 2 "driveable" cars should actually fit in there!

Planning to make a pit stop in Philly at Helix on the way back from my next trip to see family in NJ...maybe they'll utter a few good words and get me encouraged again.

 

I will be out in NJ from mid-june to august so i may stop in too...let me know how it goes

 

2 1/2 car garage is just enough room for 1 project car, work space, parts, and tools. Set her straight

 

I'll forward that to her, Pir8!

 

so what ever happened to the helix one?

 

That project has been tabled for now. We are working on a straight turbo for the MCS with FMIC, custom oil cooling, and MC or electric water pump. We are sending our Cooper back to Sweden so the likelyhood of a MC kit is small, unless there is a willing mule in the vicinity...

 

Let's not forget something here, guys... the MC has a much higher compression ratio than the MCS. It is really too high to run in anything but possibly really low-pressure aftermarket boosted application. Just look up the average compression ratio on a VW 1.8T, if you don't believe me. To run reliably, and with any real power, you are best to purchase and install lower-compression pistons [MCS ones or aftermarket]. Then, of course, the MC has a cast crank, and that will fail at some yet-reached [to my knowledge] power output. Many say around 200 hp.

IF I was gonna put a turbo on an MC, I'd definately not do it without at least new pistons. I would probably put an mcs crank in, too. Fact is, it may run fine for a while, but I wouldn't risk it in the long run.

Of course, by the time you add in the price of new pistons [at least 400] and the MCS crank [700 or more if my memory serves] AND the labor necessary to install all of it [at least 10 hours], you're looking at nearly 2000 besides the price of the kit.

Here is where economics made the best of M7, I would be very willing to guess. They could sell the kit, maybe even enough to break even or profit, but then they might have cars blow up and unhappy customers [I spoke to M7 personally about this situation]. It wasn't worth the risk. I really respect that they were less motivated by the potential bottomline and more motivated with being responsible.

 

i want a turbo oh, so bad.

*maybe i should put that dream towards another car.

 

I would be interested in a low power turbo that will bring it to 140-150hp

 

Perhaps a better idea would not be to focus on raw horsepower, but on flattening out that wretched torque curve. Imagine, if you will, putting a teeny-tiny turbo on there, just large enough to generate *some* power, but only effectively at low RPM.

The goal would be to generate peak torque at 2500RPM and keep it there to just past our current peak of 4000RPM, while not really raising over-all horsepower. The effect would be monstrous, though: we could dramatically reduce 0 - 60 times, get better launches, and keep up with *some* modified S drivers in acceleration.

Over-all wear & tear on the pistons, tranny, crank, and the rest of the drive-line would be relatively unaffected, as you're not adding a lot of power, you're just delivering it sooner.

I figure a 10 - 15% gain on peak torque would be quite reasonable in this configuration.

 

Good points ahamos, I would actually rather have that low end power.

 

For anyone TRULY interested in a turbo for the MC it has already been done...Hubie made one a long time ago....if you really want one...I would just contact the DR.

Hubie @ fireballtim.com

there you go...no more exuses....no more blathering....

what kinda power? well that all depends on your budget....contact Dr. Fuh and work it out

 

Tuls is right. In fact, I believe Hubie made his own pistons...(!!!). It is certainly possible, just make sure you do it right, by talking to the right people.

 

Then a One diesel might be the right choice. My opinion is that a Cooper should rev as high as possible though.

 

Hubie Does infact have Pistons available for MC and MCS...they are good for 800 hp...which is over kill no doubt but I have them and it's nice to know unless I am just an idiot that my motor is safe.

and yes "doing it right is the key" especially if you are not one who understands who to motor works on a mathimatical and tuning level...I.E. boost vs fuel vs timing....etc....

Hubie will always take the time to explain to you what it is you are doing and why it will or will not work...from any aspect. He doesn't have to guess and that's why I like..he's been engineering/building alot more difficult cars for a long long time...with alot more HP

again his Email is Hubie @ fireballtim.com

please do not email him unless you are serious

 

We had two prototype turbo Minis, a turbo only S and a turbo Cooper. We shelved the projects for many reasons not the least of which were the twin charged Minis in my area that were nightmares for their owners that we had to un twin charge. The performance of the car with 300 plus horsepower is awesome in a straight line( if you can hold the steering wheel straight) but it's a double edged sword in that it changes the charachter of the car in a negative way. It's also very expensive since it requires the upgrading of the entire driveline as well as the brakes.