Just wondering...Would it make any significant difference (power to weight ratio) if there was an aluminum block version of the motor in a MCS, or would it be negligible. It matters with big V-8s, I just wonder if it makes a difference with our little four-bangers. Anyone?

 

Yes, aluminum would make the block lighter. Unfortunately, aluminum is not as good at handling boost as cast iron is. It can be (and has been) done, but manufacturers tend to steer away from aluminum for forced induction applications.

 

Any numbers showing this?

J/K...

 

Heh... only numbers I know of are from Ford... naturally aspirated '01 Cobra rated at 320hp with aluminum block, Eaton supercharged '03 rated at 390hp with cast iron block. Stated reason? Strength. Unstated reason? Cheaper.

Though our blocks are so mini that weight savings would not be extreme, so I'd rather have the higher strength of the cast block to whisper dreams of 19% pulleys into my subconcious...

 

I commend your post-mortem questioning of my claims.

 

I think the weight savings of a 1.6L engine would be small. When I was researching Ford 351 windsor engines for my Cobra I only saved 60lbs between a Iron block V8 and Aluminum V8. Cost was x3. So maybe in the MINI you would save 20-25 lbs at most, I would guess. Still significant, but I think for the price it wouldn't be worth it. Also, you have to think about balance of the car. FWD needs weight in the front so if you remove weight from the front of the car you need to balance that offset and remove some weight from the boot also. I think your money is better spent removing weight from wheels and suspension as the weight savings there will give you more performance return.