does anybody have any knowledge of a possible bolt-in match for swapping out the final drive, via stock or aftermarket, if its even possible?

granted, i know very little regarding the inner workings of the Getrag unit, but after driving a stock R53 MCS and a stock R56 MCS, the Mini just feels incredibly sluggish compared to the fleet of stock to heavily modded Hondas i have owned. i'm 99% certain that my current DD, a '99 SI with just a simple GSR motor, would walk all over the R53/R56's i have driven. both cars weigh similar amounts, and make similar HP, but the Minis really stomp me on torque. like 30%+ more tq.

my theory is that the problem lies with the ridiculous 3.647:1 final drive of the Getrag G253 transmission. 1-5 ratios are similar between that and my Honda, but my 4.4 final drive really lets the maybe 175hp/135tq pull a LOT harder than either of the MCS i drove.

now for instance, if we could swap in the base Coopers Getrag G255 4.353:1 final, huge acceleration gains could be seen, while retaining the double overdrive and still seeing decent fuel economy.

does anyone know of anything worth mentioning? maybe the substantial gains of bolt-ons and tuning really make the car come alive. i hope so anyway...

 

 

Final drive is not why they have more tq. It is the fact that they have a longer stroke which makes for more tq but, reduces the amount of top end they have. You could play with the gearing but, you will lose what MINI is all about and that is low end tq to rocket you out of the turn.

 

i appreciate what your reply, but how or why the MCS has more torque is sort of a moot point. i'm familiar with engine dynamics and rod/stroke ratio, but what i'm saying is that a higher(numerically) final drive would allow us to both use and "feel" more torque by allowing the engine to rev quicker no matter which gear you happened to be in. [edit]: the problem here would be an inaccurate speedometer and potential DSC issues.

the only potential downside would be a slightly higher cruising rpm, causing a small drop in MPG, and having to shift a little more often. the only method i have found thus far is by using a shorter overall tire/wheel combo, which would make the effective final drive a tad higher. /edit: the problem here is an inaccurate speedometer and potential DSC issues /edit

in fairness, i AM comparing apples to oranges by basing my mentality off the fact that 90% of the vehicles i have owned have had close-ratio transmissions, short final drives, and higher engine speeds. the only exceptions to that rule were turbo cars, which still had close-ratio boxes & higher rpm, just slightly taller FD, but those were mostly sub 2200lb cars with 300+whp/tq.

i'm just the kind of person that is more than willing to sacrifice 1-3mpg and a little more shifting in exchange for quicker acceleration at any speed or in any gear

 

Add more power then you don't have to worry about the final drive

 

i really am hoping that's the solution. nobody has a modded Mini or JCW for sale nearby or id love to go for a ride in one.

i should have mentioned that in the two cars that i test drove i WAS accompanied by a 220-250lb sales guy. i'm sure that plays a pretty big role in the cars performance too

 

If you were around I'd take you out on a spin in the modded MINI. Happy modding!

 

Here is a possible solution; http://www.quaife.co.uk/shop/products/qke34z-0

Choose the ratios you want, closer ratios than stock, different final drives, fast road, race or rally gear sets.

You might as well install the Quaife LSD while you are inside the box.

 

could also have a ton to do with your honda is much lighter.

 

Come to NOVA, My mini is always around for runs. Mods plus less weight