Is it possible to retrofit a MCS supercharger onto a standard MC?

I've read on several forums that the MC can handle about 140-150hp before components would need to be changed. As such (as stupid as this may sound), would it be possible to de-tune the supercharger to this level?

A long time ago, I read the following: "you can ask a question and look stupid, or you can never know and be stupid!"

I know the easiest way to get the power of a MCS into a MC is to "sell the MC and buy a MCS" but I'm nowhere near ready to part with my baby just yet!

Any thoughts?

Thanks Everyone!


Tomas

 

Sell the MC and buy a S. Much simpler.

 

Ya. Buy the s. it will probably be cheeper.

 

That was really rude, he said he likes his Cooper and doesn't want to get rid of it yet.

Of course, that's what I would do though, considering I sprung for the MCS model to start with.....

 

tomasn82,
If you want to keep your MC then it would make more sense to add a good turbo kit than to try to add a supercharger. It won't be cheap to add the turbo.

Vendors that have some experience on turbo kits include Eric at Helix13.com and Peter at M7. Right now most of the attention is going towards a turbo for the MCS but talk to them anyway.

The MC engine is not really designed with a SC in mind so it would be ideal to do that upgrade. The MCS engine is not just an MC engine plus intercooler and supercharger- it was designed as a forced induction engine.

You can get up to about 140 HP with the MC but it's going to take alot of upgrades and $$$. Not sure if that would really be worth the effort but others have added:
Ported and polished cylinder heads
Schrick Cam
Larger throttlebody
Header
Cat-back exhaust
ECU upgrade software
Cold air intake
Plug wires
and balance that with
Full suspension upgrades
Big brake kit
lighter rims and sticky non runflat tires
Short shift kit and whalen shift ****

 

Thanks Mike!

I figured if I wrote it up front that I wasn't (yet) prepared to trade up to an "S," it would prevent the typical "trade up" response. I guess some people understand the language better than others...

As a student, when I bought my car I had a choice between a fully loaded MC or a bare bones MCS. At the time, I figured I'd rather go with the fully loaded MC, as it was quick enough (at the time), and hp would be more readily available for purchase than leather, a moonroof, climate control, etc...

Anyway, I've come across a MCS supercharger for sale (for low $$$) and was wondering if it would be possible.

 

That's what I figured. I've got the exhaust and CAI on order, and am currently looking for a good ECU upgrade. I was only asking about the Supercharger, though, because I came across one for a pretty good price. Was hoping (although not expecting) that it'd be easier...!

Thanks for the post!

 

I thought about the idea of Supercharging my Mini also. I think it would be neat as well as having the benefit of a sleeper Mini since it would not have the hoodscoop(the only feature I'm not a fan of).

 

Sadly, unless you come across one attached to an S engine, you're SOL. The SC drives the water pump, so the configuration is completely different. The coolant reservoir is pressurized, intake manifold is different, etc, etc.

Anything is possible. Is it possible to do cheaply? I don't think so.

 

Take everyone's advice and get an S. The S motor is actually designed to handle the extra load and higher heat range of the Supercharger with such things like Piston squirters, higher compression valve springs and so forth. In other words, it is blueprinted by the factory engineers to be a performance car from the get go. Good luck in your quest.

 

I feel your pain. I couldn't afford an Enzo so I bought an MCS.

You need to think resale as well, when you talk about modding your MC. I suspect adding a supercharger will kill your resale value, which adds to the cost of the car.

Dave
Sunny San Diego
2003 DS/B MCS, 15%, RO_JA's and AVS's...no mo runflats

 

I figured as much...oh well, at least now I know!

 

Eric_Rowland...

just out of curiosity...where did you get that information about the differences between the motors from...i have been wondering exactly what the differences were, but even the guys at the dealer have no clue.

I have spoke with the guy who works on my car about the prospect..and he either says to get my hands on a s motor, or build the one i have. And if you dont already have the supercharger, it would be much better to just go with a turbo. All of the new minis set to come out are fitted with turbos anyways.

They allow for a lot more flexibility, from boost, to size, etc. I was contemplating finding a s motor out of a wrecked car for cheap...swaping out pistons/rods...and feeding it a good deal of boost. Seeing Hubie at SPI do what he has done with the twincharged mini has given me a lot more confidence about spending the money on this project...but it will still be a year or so before anything happens.

The biggest struggle then will be putting it to the ground...

 

You can call me Eric.

Just picked it up over the last few years, and comparing my MCS with my friend's MC. Used to have a link to a great cutaway that showed the water pump driven by the SC - it's a funky setup.

I'm an SC guy (I've got an M45 on my '91 Miata), but short of an S engine, or most of the components from one, I think a turbo would be much easier to package - whenever the aftermarket gets there. That's the nice part of the S - for $3K you get the whole shebang from the factory. A good SC setup and a few extras costs the same for a Miata - without install labor!

Then again, once you have an MC, the transaction costs of switching (at least in CA - 8% sales tax) may make modding the MC a viable financial option.

 

FAQ: Where can engine, powertrain and supercharger details be found?

 

Since I was the first to reply, I want to assure you I was not being rude, just practical. Anything is possible, all it takes is alot of money and the desire to throw it at the problem to facilitate the solution. Heck, I've got an old 454 chevy engine and who knows, with enough money I could figure out a way to stick it into my MCS.

 

sure do it like they put the V8s into the beetles... in the back seat!

 

Oh no! Not another Midengine MINI discussion! I get so excited everytime this idea comes up and so heartbroken when I think about how impossible it is!

I think an S-charged MC is in the same category, sorry

 

I've seen a classic Mini with a 454 sitting in the back seat. It was road registered (in New Zealand, where if the wheels work, you can register it).
This thing sat with the engine facing backwards, driving the front wheels. Monster of a car.
Dan, when you gonna show up to some SCMC stuff?