Any tips for a first time engine swap? Planning to get the thing going using all OEM stuff, then start doing some modding from there.

I know I'll need to swap out the MAP sensor from the MCS to the new motor to work.

All I've done so far is dump the fluids from the old engine. The old one is being swapped because it is leaking / burning oil and has a lot of miles (160k). Got a great deal on the minty fresh JCW.

 

I personally haven't done any engine swaps, but have read and followed many across many platforms. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to label everything! Label where all the wiring looms go, where the vacuum lines go, where any electrical connections go, etc. This will save some headache down the road when trying to make sure everything is going to work properly.

 

Provided it's an N14 to an N14 there shouldn't be anything different. The only real differences were internal to the engine (pistons). The rest of the stuff should be the same. I'm not sure if you'll need the ECU or not. Are you swapping just the motor or accessories and everything? You know the JCW turbo is different right?

 

Done an engine on my dad's Neon one time. Biggest advice is to just look at the job task by little task. It's when you look at the big picture that it can be daunting.

Take lots of pictures as you remove things you are unsure of.

Store all fasteners in ziplock bags with clear understandable labels. Tape fastener bags to part it came from.

Biggest thing is to take your time. If you rush, you WILL screw up.

My biggest question is if the base calibration is different between MCS and JCW. I am more inclined to think so based on the JCW having a lower compression ratio and different turbo.

 

Yes, I know that the ECU settings are definitely different. I am going to put my MCS turbo on for now and will be putting a JCW or Gpop on and tuning after I make sure everything else is working ok. I know that the MAP sensor does not fit the wire harness, so I will need to swap that out as well.

 

I'm not saying it won't run out of the box, but I would talk with an expert about what the biggest concern is. Maybe someone at the dealer could help.

 

I've been working about 2 hours at a time and just got her nose off!

I am thinking of going ahead and doing some mods while in there.... not sure I want to have to take the front clip off again!

As soon as I can get the turbo off, I think I'll send it to Gpop, and finish the buildup when I get it back. Any other suggestions while I'm in there?

 

indecent exposure

 

dodgyparker, please keep updating and taking pics.

What you're doing is really unique and IMO one of the most interesting posts I've seen in ages.

Loadsa luck

 

OK, update. Forgot to take pics, will do so tomorrow.

Old engine and transmission are OUT! Turbo, Alternator, and AC compressor are OFF!

All nuts and bolts accounted for. Hoping to have new motor put in before lunch tomorrow.

On consideration, I think I may reinstall everything and see what happens with a remap before I do anything with the turbo. Any suggestions on who to call in order to program my MCS to think it's a JCW?

 

Also, any idea of what to ask for a smooth and strong running 160k motor with an oil leak?

 

any hardware you pull off the engine (rad. bolts, engine mount hardware, etc) put in separate plastic ziplock bags and label with a sharpie. get a liquid chalk pen to mark hoses, ac lines, all that good stuff. get a bunch of heavy duty black zipties as those will come in handy on the freshly installed engine AND help keep lines held out of the when when removing/installing. good luck man! let us know then crank the boost!

 

I think you would require a the stock DME flash from a JCW car for it to run. The timing and fuel maps are all different from a regular cooper s. I imagine it would run, but your boost would never reach what it should with the stock tune.

 

Your local dealer can tune it up for you. Should be around a $125 charge, but without the JCW turbo, i think your computer is going to throw some boost pressure plausability faults. That is - it thinks its not generating enough boost (because its not) for the JCW tune. Good luck! BTW - I'm a SA at a MINI dealership, let me know if i can be of any assitance on the reassembly.

 

...this is why I'm so enthused to have access (thanks dodgyparker) to all the areas he "boldly goes". Also, how much interest, goodwill and support might be expected from the local dealer etc...

 

Hypothetically speaking, is it possible for one of the service guys to flash my car with a JCW or JCW Stage 1 tune "under the table." I am cool with several of the service guys at my dealer who could do this for me if its possible?

 

I don't think so. The JCW tunes are serialized and vin locked. They would need to have the serial number of a dealer installed kit or perhaps the original one form the car you got the engine from.

 

I thought only the tune from the JCW Tuning Kit was serialized and vin locked?

I could be wrong.

 

This is a very cool thread! I look forward to seeing the results! I am a technician at a local MINI dealer also let me know if you need any help!

 

That's what I thought. Thruxton said a dealer would slap a factory JCW tune on this guy's ecu for $125. I'd do this in a heartbeat if it's true...

 

A factory tune is different than the JCW upgrade as it had to be serialized. The dealer can flash cars with newer software and have possible issues and need to reload a tune in theory. They should be able to get a factory tune and run it on a factory car/motor. I doubt us MCS guys can just slap a JCW tune on a S without changing some stuff and really getting any benefit.

 

Sorry for the tardy update, my Dad's back in hospital (ongoing health issues) and that's occupied most of my mental space the past few days, but I did get back to work yesterday.

Anyway, here's where the swap is now:

New engine is in the car, old turbo and new (JCW) manifold have been sent off to JM Turbo Coopers in AZ for rebuild and manifold porting. Anyone else have a %^&*# of a time getting the nuts off of the manifold-to-turbo studs? I had to use a chisel to break them off!

Looking at different options as far as tuning and which turbo level to build to (here's the menu: http://www.jmturbocoopers.com/All-Mi...er-Turbos.html), as well as doing a different downpipe and water/meth injection while I'm in there.

Any suggestions?

 

Subscribed!


Super cool! Keep us update with your build notes.

Upgrade your FMIC, charged air pipes, and recirc (blow off) valve. Definitely put on the JCW air intake. =D

 

No it has to be qualified. If he has the motor and it has a valid JCW engine code on it then you might have a shot at it accepting the programming. Did not mean to mix words there

 

Call Jan at Revolution Motor Works. or buy an Accessport.