I was wondering if anyone has done a one-off turbo. I mean taking out the supercharger and just running a turbo. I know autoxguy305 is working on one, but is there anyone else? Also, is there a reason why none of the vendors have gone this route and they all keep the supercharger in place?

BTW, autoxguy305, what turbo are you going to be running? Are you going to keep the stock TMIC, upgrade to a more efficient TMIC, or go custom with a FMIC (that would be trick)

 

Part of the reason it hasn't been done is cause All the Twincharge kits are "bolt on" ...it can all be done IN the car...as apposed to having to take out the motor...

However, I am sure it will be done soon as more and more cars are out of warrenty and there will be a larger market for it...

 

Mini-madness has been experimenting with a turbo only car for a while. They just put the car together again after the Car & Driver event. George told me they're running over 300hp with it. He thinks its more stable than the twincharger kits. And is waiting to put a package together as soon as it works out for them.

Also, Eric at Helix is planning/putting together a turbo only track car.

The problem appears to be finding the right size turbo and programming it to span the appropiate range of the rpm band.

 

I'm confused...If you take the SC off of the S and just turbo it; isn't that like taking a MC and slapping a turbo on it? What's the point?

 

Different engine, transmission, etc

 

I'm sorry to kind of steer of topic but Tuls are you saying you can twincharge without removing the engine? I have heard that both SPI and the Helix kits need removal of the engine as well as modifications made to the engine bay (trimming plastic pieces and such). This would be the first Ive heard that the TC kits are truly bolt on...can anyone clarify???

 

For an MCS engine, they use:

the same block, but different pistons, piston shafts, and crank. The pistons are of a lower compression, too, thereby allowing them to see boost/a higher pressure in the cylinder without incidence.

 

Oh sorry btw, to answer your question, yes there are many ppl experimenting with turbo only MINIs. Coopers as well as Cooper S. I know there is a kit out there for the S but I dont remeber who makes it. Also, you should know that the reason ppl aren't making turbo only kits is because the super charger eliminates low end lag and the engine is only a 1.6 litre and so it is much more efficient with a twin setup. Another reason is the cost of removing an already exisiting supercharger which you paid good money for so might as well put it to use. Hopefully this clears some things up.

Luca

 

I can't speak for the HELIX kit.. Not sure why from their site and Randy's they require the install to be done at their location.. but for the SPI kit, it is not necessary to remove the motor...

A bit of a summary:
1. move coolant reservoir and brake reservoir to different location
2. remove OEM exhaust manifold and downpipe
3. trim plastic pieces (only part that needs modification)
4. install turbo manifold/turbo/downpipe/piping
5. install electronics and upgraded fuel injectors
6. T in coolant line to turbo and oil drain line from turbo to coolant reservoir and oil pressure sender location respectively
7. floor the gas and feel what 20 lbs of boost feel like :smile:

///Gilbert

 

Promini has a silver MCS with a Turbo kit instead of the supercharger setup.

It pumps 270hp and seems to be very fast!

 

I believe that happened several years ago. See this vendor announcement from 2003.