hi guys, new here, names jorge. i just recently bought my gf a 2005 mini cooper s convertible automatic. i've already started buying things for it. 15% pulley, spark plugs, new belt, tentioner stop, raggtop cleaner and sealer. im gonna take it to my mechanic to install all this stuff soon. im no stranger to modding cars but i have a few mini specific questions. for mustangs and most other cars ive owned, there has been information on modding/tunning/reprogramming the automatic transmission to shift faster and at different rpm/speeds. so my question is this:

i want to know if there is any tunner out there, or tune available, or kit available to a) quicken the shifting on the auto b) make the paddles more responsive (quicker shifting) c) force the tranny to stay in the gear i choose (like a higher performance car does, meaning if i put it in 1st gear, i wanna bounce off the rev limiter like a dummy because i forgot to shift. or if i wanna ride 1st gear at redline for extended period of time, i want it not to shift on its own).

im not saying i will do any of these things, just making a point that other cars with manual shifting automatics perform more like manuals than automatics.

thanks for any help or insight anyone can provide, <3 jorge.

 

Sport button does some of that and iirc JCW tuning kit ecu upgrade also, so I suspect the answer is yes but I don't know how many options you have. Check out the alta tune I think they say it does that too.

 

We have a 2005 MCSa as well. No sport button in the R53s, but kicking the shifter over into 'sport drive' makes things work a bit better. After having a 2006 MCS at the same time as the MCSa we have now, I recommend accepting the trans it has and learning to work within it's strengths and limitations (it's ALWAYS going to shift when it hits the limiter....)

Enjoy!

 

oh well. maybe tuning the engine to have a higher rev limit will make the tranny shift higher, at the new rev limit? im assuming the transmission is electronically controlled. its weird that no one has tuned it yet, unless they just cant. maybe theres a difference between the automatics in domestic cars than in imports . i guess ill keep my fingers crossed till someone figures something out. thanks for the info guys

 

Look into getting that transmission oil changed. Check the long thread on tired trannies at 80k.

 

PenelopeG3:
Agreed on trans oil change.

Jorge Lopez:
I've wondered this myself. I have a JCW with RMW tune (see sig) and the shifting with DSC turned off it better/faster, but could certainly be better.

Has anyone considered a stall converter?

 

it sould be nice for the acceleration from a stand still to have a higher stall torque converter but sadly wont do much for the shifting speed. if the mini trans is anything like that of a mustang, all that would be needed is a new valve body with larger chanels and higher pressure solenoids to chamge gears more quickly. ive emailed a few tuners out there and got a couple interesting replies. one tuner said " no software can alter the time needed for the gear to change. there are ways to alter the responsiveness, how easy it will upshft and downshift" also ,they " have managed to increase the shift point in 1-2 gear to 6900-7000 rpm and on 3-4 to 6700 from 6500" so thats a start. maybe ghere are physicall limitations to what tuning these transmissions can receive. thanks for your help guys. this isnt over though, still have a co upke tuners that havent responded. ill post anything they send me.