I just baught a 2006 Mini Cooper with 33,000 miles on it. It's not a S, but I would like to supercharge it in the near future, is this possible? Is so, can someone please help me get some information about it?

 

I think the best advice youll get is to sell it and buy an S. Unless, of course, youre a mechanically-ept type that just wants the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

 

Congrats on your new Mini! You're gonna love it.

I'm an owner of a 2004 MC and have been searching for the same thing my friend.

Unfortunately you're going to get a lot of comments like Ericks. Although, somewhat helpful they never answer the underlying question of whether or not it can be done.

I've read a lot of forum threads and articles saying it can't be done and I've read quite a few telling me it could be done. I've been torn about this and have decided to head on over to a garage that specializes in Mini's and see what they have to say.

 

Of course it can be done, the question is, should you?

If you're thinking that adding the supercharger is all you need to do to get S performance, you'd be wrong. There are a whole host of differences between the Justa and S engines, some of them internal such as stronger internal parts....

So, you can add a supercharger to the engine you have now, but you'll also need to lower the compression ratio (usually done by adding a spacer under the head gasket), add the intercooler and then the real tough part - reprogramming the computer - which you can't do, so you're talking about using a mega squirt or other after market FI and ignition system.

I think you can see my point, it's simply not cost effective.....which is why the previous poster said sell your car and buy an S - it's far less expensive and all the parts are already made to work together.

Cars are not computers, it's not plug and play.....

As for Wayfare's comments, I think it's pretty egotistical to think you can ask a simple question about a very complicated subject (that you obviously know nothing about) and then get upset with a simplistic answer.

I could explain it further, but I don't think you have the technical background to appreciate the difficulty of the project, otherwise you wouldn't have asked the question in the first place. Bottom line, anything can be done if you throw enough money at it......

 

I am sure that you can get it done or do it yourself. But to me I would have to look at the financial aspects of it.

To do so I went on to Ebay motors and looked up 2003 models. Now I know they don't have the same features as yours but I found a couple of 2003 MC for around $7000, the Supercharger and all the other parts you will need for this addition will cost about another $3000. If you complete the labor yourself you will save a ton, but I am guessing labor would be at least $1000.

So your looking at $11000 invested in this car. In the same search I found many 40K MCS for around that same figure. It would save you time and effort to buy a MCS over converting your car, but with that said, if you can do it yourself and you like to do things like this. Let us know I am sure you would have many followers out here!

 

@Dave: I agree with you completely. After doing my research on the project myself I found it was going to end up costing me a whole lot of money out of pocket with all the changes that would need to be done.

I found your post and even Mini4CY's post more helpful than the original response. At least they gave the OP some insight on the complexities of supercharging an r50.

As for me, when I found out the cost I decided that I could do a couple things:

1. save and find a MCS that I loved.
2. spend some of that money on other mods: springs, sway bar, etc.

I've started to go with number 2 and I've got to tell you that the sway bar and springs alone have made my Mini even more hungry for twisty New England roads. I loved driving my car before and it's even more fun now. I'll literally go out for a pack of gum just to drive it.

 

Enjoy your Cooper for what it is. Good fuel economy and even better handling. I will still say that my old R50 handled better than my current R53. If you really want more power, look into an R53.

 

I have the "S" from my debadged R53 if you want to do a low budget conversion.

 

Remember, an Cooper driven well can kick an "S" driven just slightly worse....so practice...and you might be surprised at how fast it is in the twisties!!

If doing the swaybar install or any other stuff is beyond your skill-set, about an hours drive up the road is Worcester MA, and perhaps the regions best MINI mechanic....letting Greasy's take a look at your car might be a good idea...he catches tons of stuff you might not think look at...My bushings were worn...he popped in a new set, and my car handled better than new!! He has pretty darn good prices too boot!! I drive an hour to get mine worked on when I can't DIY it!!

 

Finding and patronizing a good competent MINI mechanic is very good advice.

Some things can be done in the driveway, but you'll get a better finished job letting a pro do it with the right tools. Sometimes it costs less to do it right.

It's interesting to me how many people buy a Justa and the first thing they want to do is get more power. The car has plenty of power and plenty of chassis just as it is, I think the best way to get more "performance" is to learn to drive the car properly.

I also find it interesting how many folks buy spring kits and then sell them a few months later.

All that said, the extra go in the S model is intoxicating!

 

Wow! Thank you all for the valuable information! You all just saved me a ton of time researching. Which is awesome because I have very little time on my hands because I'm in college and working to pay for this car and my schooling. I wasnt looking to get the "S" performance, just a little something extra to compete with my good friends Subaru STI. I am a geer head and could manage installing it my self and then have my friends who is a BMW mechanic program it, but once again, very little time on my hands.

 

One more thing real quick. I would be in the same boat even with a turbo kit? I'm thinking so just because of the high compression ratio.
Thanks again!

 

Upgrading to any form of forced induction, be that supercharged or turbo, you are going to encounter a lot of problems you would not think of, nor have the budget to throw at the issues.

Forget the whole idea of forced induction, simply instal a free flowing air filter, have a look at spark plug technology, the information is out there (I wrote it) and run the best fuel grade you can find/afford, and happy cheap motoring.

 

Hahah yeah I know what you mean czar. I think I'm just going to get a cold air intake (k&n), and a full exhaust (header - back exhaust). I'm running 93 octane right now, thats the highest that the Shell Gas stations go up to.

 

Since I am new at this platform of vehicle, what is a good cold intake system?

 

Do a quick search....there are many, both cold and Hot.
Not as many as on the S, but still a few. They are different...so be sure to check to see they fit the r50 (cooper).
DDM makes some great kits for the S, So I bet the Cooper ones are nice too!!

 

Thanks NippyNH, I will be sure to look into them.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...e-for-r50.html

 

Its called getting the ball rolling, Mr. Critical. I didnt do a detailed breakdown because there are plenty of others around here who would, and did. But then, you havent been around here long enough to know it.