I did a quick search on the subject, but kinda came up empty...meh. I also posted a question in the Twincharge thread, not much of a response either.

Anyways, I'm wondering if the MCSa would be able to handle a twincharge kit. If it isn't is there anything that could be replaced for it to work?

Now, before anyone says that a manual would be better, we all know a manual can handle it...reason I'm asking is because I may be getting an MCSa in the near future. And just as much as I would like to drive a manual, my daily commute consists of 10 stoplights in a 15 mile span... and i do get kind of lazy in the morning.

If the twincharge kit can't be a practical mod, I did come to the conclusion that I can mod an MCSa as i would a manual MCS by reading various threads. Mods pretty much consist of pulley, intake, exhaust, injectors, chip. That would be the correct way to go right?!?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.
-Chris

 

I too was watching your post on the twincharge kits, and like you are also eager to find out any information at all regarding twincharging and the MCSa. I currently have an 05 MCSa thats bone stock and probably will be for a while (warranty issues), but just the idea of a twincharge makes my brain get all excited.

-Drew

 

Historically, slushboxes [automatics] can handle way more power than manual boxes. Look at: bracket [drag] racers, AMG Mercedes' like the SL65 with their 712lb-ft of torque....all autos with no sticks in sight. So based on that, I'd say it's a safe bet that the auto will manage the power.

In terms of installation, as long as the twincharges piping and fittings don't interfere with the tranny then you'll be fine. I can't say I've looked at the particulars of the auto MCS's layout, but I'm sure it can be made to work.

If you didn't want to twincharge, then the usual compliment of mods is appropriate; the engine is still the same.

Good luck!
Ryan

 

I think the answer is probably - you can do the mods, but if you kill the transmission it'll be all your own problem.

There's of course no indication on the maximum possible safe power for the transmission from MINI, but IF EVER the JCW is released for the MCSa, it's de-rated a few hp from the manual version, to supposedly 203hp.
You might interpret that as a hint that the auto box can't take the power that the manual can.

But really it's irrelevant anyway - if you boost the engine power more than a few hp (say 200 or more) and the transmission dies, I think MINI will have every opportunity to walk away from your warranty.

 

I believe Alta mentioned their kit will fit a MCSa but it hasn't happened yet.

Same thing with every mod out there. Don't mod unless you are willing to take risks...and are worried about a warranty. If you have $ and don't care about warranty then mod away.

 

I've always wondered what exactly makes a auto tranny different from a manual in great techie detail. I've from from others that increased power on a manual does not matter that much because your the one controlling the tranny, but in an auto the increased power will mess up the "automaticness" inside the tranny. Does anyone know where to find some information regarding the real details of a manual tranny vs a auto tranny?

 

How Stuff Works: as a matter of fact there are links off of this great article on how dual-clutch-transmissions work (see links in first paragraph).

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/dual-c...ansmission.htm

Interesting about the on-off power delivery in the manual, etc. Made me want to try DSG - sounds better then the SMG too (which was fun)

 

I think the important thing to remember here is that there are MANY modded manual transmission MCS's out there with lots of feedback confirming the minimal risk involved.
There are very few modded MCSa's out there (your cars one of the exceptions, Mark! But you did have (?)unrelated(?) issues) - so there is no "warrm and fuzzy" feel to make you comfortable; instead MCSa owners today have to be the guinea-pigs to see if the transmission will accept the mods.

 

With the presumption that there is no conflict with the twin charge plumbing and the transmission, two other considerations occur:

1. Ability of the transaxle in the MCSa to handle the increased output of the twincharge. This really depends on the driving style - if you are going to do alot of 0-60 or 1/4 mile pedal to the metal runs, plan on replacing the transaxle (on your dime, since MINI will laugh until they hyperventillate if you even ask about warranty coverage on a twin charge install). The weak point in the driveline is the transaxle - engine output north of 300 ft/lbs. at the crankshaft is the general threshold for a transverse transaxle. But, it really depends on driving style.

2. The transmission fluid will need to be completely replaced on a cycle of around 12K - 15K miles. Note my comment about completely replaced. The current implementation of the Aisin-Warner transmission in the MINI does not provide for easy replacement of the fluid. Just doing a simple drain and refill does not replace the fluid that remains in the torque converter and the body of the transmission. If you do not replace the transmission fluid with a twincharge unit, you are going to have a failure of the transmission before probably the 60K mile point.

 

Right. Thats just it, we are the guinea-pigs and we have to test and see how it handles the power. My tranny hasn't had a problem...just my cylinder head did but that was proven to be a defect.

 

This tranny has been used in other cars (I know VW at least), so that should help. Also, people can try contacting AISIN for the specs and to ask about limits.

 

This is exactly what I was talking about thanks a lot! I've read a lot about auto trannys, but thanks to eVal for that great link for even more info. Now I know what would be an inherent weakness.

 

thanks for the info everyone...if i do get an MCSa..ill have to wait and see about the twincharge i guess..

 

I don't know about twincharge, but I've got an MCSa with pulley, intake, exhaust, suspension, and MTH. Next to the pulley, the MTH made a huge difference not only in engine characteristics, but most notably the shifting characteristics as well. As far as I know, MTH is the only ECU mod that has specific maps for the MCSa vs. the MCS - I could be wrong but I did my research when I was shopping for ECU mods and MTH was the only one that had an answer tailored to the MCSa (or even asked when you ordered).

Let us know how that twincharge works out! (Do it do it do it!)

 

I love that website.