Hello all, I am a newbie as you can see. I am trying to find out if I could add the jcw turbo kit in the near future? I am on a budget right now and if I could just get the mini cooper with all the things i want on it without the turbo, i'll get the turbo later down the road. I haven't bought a mini cooper yet but I will once I do some homework. Oh, im getting a automatic. I am 6'8 I hate driving a standard.hehe

 

I'm sure you could turbo an older cooper but why not just buy a brand new R56 MCS which has a turbo from the factory? Probably way cheaper and way more reliable.

 

JCW doesn't make a turbo kit, but you can put a turbo on a coop. You'll have to do price checks, and see what fits in your budget...I could be wrong, but I believe every turbo'd MC is a custom.

There are turbo kits that "bolt on" for the MCS though, and you can either continue to use the SC or you can drop it and go straight turbo. Either way it will set you back at least ~$3,500. There are more things you need to change in the MC while doing a turbo setup, so be aware of that....the engine needs to be improved like the pistons, etc. so that will add cost. I'm pretty sure you can run the ALTA Twurbo kit on a stock MCS, but of course it's advised you upgrade the engine parts as well, along with the ECU if you want to run more boost.

Like Rastven said, if you are wanting to go turbo, and like the styling....look for the new R56 (07') MCS.

I hope that helps a little.
-Cody

 

The motor is different. The pistons and compression ratio are different. There are a lot of parts different between the turbo and non-turbo model (intercooler, intake, exhaust). Probably LOADS of other differences (things like gear ratio being different, front rotors, sway bars being different you could live with, but what if wiring harnesses, ECU, etc need changing too?)

While it may be theoretically possible, it would cost a LOT more than selling your current car and buying an MCS.

 

I don't think an MC auto tranny will stand up to a turbo...even a small one. It is a cvt. I wouldn't do it without a getrag manual tranny. You would be looking at well over 10k in total...is it worth it? I dunno...

You might need an S hood for the added clearance, you would have to get forged s pistons and rods, exhaust, clutch and flywheel, forged crankshaft, etc... then the turbo. I looked into it and decided that I would rather trade it in for an S and then go that route. It would be much cheaper that way.

 

If he has an R56-manual it's a 6sp Getrag-same as the MCS but different ratios. I'd be suprised if the R56 MC and MCS auto transmissions are different.

 

If you have the older 02-04 Cooper... Don't do it...

 

Shut your mouth Ranzo.....Don't discourage me...

 

Okay...if you haven't bought a Mini yet...Go for a MCS. Either model will do fine (R53 or R56). And get a manual. CVT's in any way just suck. They are known for not holding the power. I have an 03 Cooper and had visions of a turbo like you. But, in reality, the road is long and rough. I decided to fully build a MCS motor and then turbo only it. Coupled to a 6-speed my costs are going to almost be another Mini in itself. Added to the $15K club I already belong to. Have fun with whatever you do...just heed our advice.

 

Don't do it unless your name is UKSUV

Hows the big project going? Haven't really been on too much lately.

Did you read the newish thread about the getrag 6 speed swap? Freakin' sweet!!! Damn that's what I should have done. Just my luck that thread started after a replace my gearbox.

MiniQuin:

It's just a lot easier if you start with a Cooper S. You start with forged internals and a stronger gearbox. If you decide to do that to your Cooper expect to fork out some pretty good coin.

 

Okay nevermind I guess you did.

 

Yeah, the NA motor in the MC is 10.5:1 from the factory. Even with aluminum heads, big compression+boost=not good.

 

That's why you lower the compression and boost at 32 psi like I am planning on with a MCS block It's gonna be a long road ahead for me and I dont wanna see anyone else do it.

 

32 PSI!!!??? Thats a scary number. Thats getting into 1000 hp Supra numbers and diesel range there.