i just got my gf a used 02 mini with 30k miles and it's AT, but now she wants more power, and after i drove mcs, i am thinking if it's possible that i can get a SC kit for it ? if so wat are the parts i need ? and whats the price range it would be with parts + installation and tunning for stable daily drive? i can't afford another mcs cuz i have 05 STI with a 06 B9 already =\ thankx for help guys.

 

TURBO

 

A 02 MC AT (CVT) with a supercharger or a Turbo maybe to much for the tranny to handle. Anyone else have any thoughts?

But for more power on the MC definetly do a Intake, Exhaust and ECU remap.

 

The limiting factor for power on a MCa is the CVT... It cant handle too much power.

 

I believe the smart thing to do would be sell the MC and buy an MCS. It would probably be cheaper and a whole lot easier.

Earl

 

Are those trannys that weak you couldnt put a gentle 40-60hp to it?

 

You can't bolt on a supercharger to the base engine because there are a lot of internal part modifications that also need to be done, which would make a conversion more expensive than just buying an MCS. A turbo might be a possibility, but as others have mentioned the CVT isn't a very strong transmission. I'd probably suggest an intake/exhaust/ECU upgrade for another 15 HP or so, but that's about it. Have you considered selling the CVT and upgrading to a 5-speed? Wouldn't be quite as expensive as the MCS and would give better performance than the CVT. I've got a 5-speed MC and don't miss the HP of the MCS, even though that's what I originally test drove and ordered.

 

When upgrading an MC you can do several things:

Increase Power- Yes a SC can help but will cost a fair amount and will stress other weak points in the MC. The MINI engine built and designed for the extra SC power is the MCS engine.

A better way to increase power is a turbo kit for the MC. There are some vendors out there that are looking into this but it's always good to call and talk to Eric and Helix13.com, Randy Webb at Webbmotorsports.com and Peter/Randy at M7.

Otherwise limited power gains can be had with upgrades to the intake, ECU, Cat-back exhaust.

Improved suspension- You can do all the MCS suspension upgrades in an MC.

Decreased weight- You can lighten your MC like others have.

Lighter rims and non runflat tires- Without adding any power your MC will feel faster off the line and stick better in corners with a simple wheel upgrade.

For those with manual transmission- Quaife differential helps to maximize traction to the two front wheels but it is expensive about $1100 for the part and another $1000+ for labor.

Cosmetic upgrades- aero kit and paint jobs- why not at least look fast?

Brake upgrades- Similar to the MCS brake upgrades you can do quite a bit but make sure that the big brake kit will fit with the wheels you plan to use.
Simple upgrades to the brake pads, stock sized rotors, brake stiffeners, brake lines and brake fluid are all fine and don't result in clearance problems as long as you keep the stock calipers.

 

Nava wanted to know...Not me.......I dont think that tranny is weak enough to break with an added 50hp or so.

 

man just sell it and get an S.

 

depends who you talk to. The manufacturer of the CVT says it cant handle it. But there is a CVT (in GOmini a few months back) that has had a turbo and other upgrades on it for quite some time now. I Really dont believe that its as weak as they say it is. I wouldnt put 300 HP into it....but i bet it can handle 180 or something.