I get tested on occasion, mostly by the Subaru guys. My MINI hangs in pretty good, enough to surprise them and make them wonder what's in it, but it just doesn't have enough up top.

 

TwinCharge

 

Or, a quick shot of NO2....

 

I have thought about both of the above suggestions.
The TC makes good power, but at the same time you're taking away some of that power to drive the SC. I believe the M45 is somewhat of a bottle neck on those cars.
The only way I think I would do nitrous would be to link it with throttle position, which would require electronics that I don't think is even available for the MINI.

I am seriously thinking about a Vortech SC.

 

Throttle Position Sensor...yup available. What I would recomend is a Wide open throttle switch linked to an RPM window switch. -- Johan

 

Thanks Johan, sounds like you've done a little research.

Honestly, I'm not really a nitrous guy, back in the day I had a pretty stout small-block '69 Camaro and refused to "juice" it. I was brought up to make the power with the motor and that bottles are for babies.(no offense to anyone using it)
Until my MINI came along, all the cars i've owned have been naturally aspirated.

 

I would like to know more. Where can I get more info?

 

I second the nitrous for those "special times".

If you don't need the everyday 250+whp a TC offers for $6000; the M7 Venom computer controlled nitrous, larger injectors, installation and a tune will run you around $1200.

A properly tuned 50/75 shot should be safe enough to use occasionally without any worries...

 

You guys are a bunch of nitrous bullies.
It definitely would be nice to have while testing.
You know, I've been on the M7 site tons of times and never actually checked out the nitrous kit. It sounds pretty good.
I'll have to talk to Peter or Randy about it.

Setting up a Vortech SC is still in the thought process.

 

Why not put forth the extra effort and toss the blower. A turbo works much better.

 

You're right it does. I like the SC whine. It would be easier/cheaper for me to set up a Vortech, as opposed to a turbo.
Plus, I don't want my MINI sounding like the car i'm testing with.

 

Well you are already talking about a car with a larger motor. And if you are planning on keeping up that will be a lot harder with a supercharger. But I would love to see that though. Much more efficient then a Roots style. IE:M62

 

Your sig says you run Webspokes, why not swap to lighter wheels and tires to help your acceleration?

Besides what you have more power = alot more $.

 

You could always do something like this...

 

I tested with an STi not that long ago, and it took him a while to get around me. After the test, we stopped and he asked me, "What the hell you got in that thing?" I said, "Just an airbox, a pulley, and exhaust." He says, "I've got a ton of money in this car, and that thing was pullin' pretty good." That guy is a friend of mine now.

 

Hmm. Sounds like someone had a lot of turbo lag. They make about 240whp stock.

 

Lighter wheels would certaintly help, but I would hate to spend the cash for them to get the snot beat out of them on the roads around here.
I have a set of BSA 335s sitting right here, I haven't weighed them yet, but they're not super light.

 

Maybe. Could also have something to do with the driver.

 

STi=very fast. But, if he's got a bigger turbo, he may get bigger lag. His lag is your gain... Really though, I think about it this way: Mini is an economy car first. The fact that these little buggers even hang with the likes of STi's is very impressive.

From all the "stuff" I've read on these boards, I think the most gains would be from a pulley, software, new exhaust and cam shaft. From there, it seems weight reduction (sprung and unsprung) is the way to go. Mind you, I am not an expert.

And, I see you have some experience in this arena already...

That'll be $.02. I take paypal,
dan

 

I don't see a head with cam in your sig or am I missing something here?

 

You're not missing anything, Larry. I have been looking for a head to do. I would feel better knowing what I have in it, rather than just buying one already done. I know there is power in the head, maybe i'll just concentrate more on finding one to do, and hold off on the testing...for now.

You don't happen to have one kickin' around?
I think I may start kicking myself for not buying your gearbox.

 

An STI with 300 BHP works out to about 210 at the wheels . The full time wheel system works out to about a 30% drive train loss in comparison to the mini's 12% for example. There are a ton of worked subbies out here and we mess with them all the time . You can usually tell the age of the driver by the voulume of his blow off valve LOL . The louder the noise the younger the kid. Get one to play with you in the CT twisties and you should do better than hold your own Patrsman.

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

PARTSMAN, shed some weight, and do the usual stuff, and you'll have a MINI that can play very competitvely. The Subarus are like 500+ lbs heavier, so I'd try to work that angle even more to your advantage. Losing 200 pounds is very doable. I have 10.75 lb wheels, and that made a heck of a difference along with a slightly smaller diameter tire...

 

On the freeway at least, the STi isnt any real competition. A friend of mine has an 05 STi and on the freeway its a joke. I keep with him or pull on him.

Anyways, bring your car out to me man, maybe we can get a discount on the TC parts f we build 2, lol.

 

... I drove a 05 with the Cosworth head yesterday and one last week (06)they were both very impressive...... the 05/06 gearbox makes a huge difference ... ask Sid (MSFITOY)

I am with you on nitrous..... it is just not for me

Spillman has a point..... big numbers from a turbo only conversion.....

and of course the M62 while not being as effiecient (roots and all) does deliver a nice power curve

IMO things like cams etc while they give nice little increases do not change the car like pulley, head, gearbox, and some form of induction either TC, Turbo or improved SC.....(62,"V" etc....)

it's only money......