I have a 2005 base with a 5-speed, Getrag I believe . I thought that was the good one but mine is not going to last much longer. I've found a little info on a 6-speed conversion but not a lot. Is this a common conversion . Used 5-speed's are crazy money. If I buy used parts for the 6-speed it seems to make more sense.

 

Depends on where you want to spend your money. A used 6 speed swap is going to be more costly vs a used 5 speed, but will be more durable.

6 speed swaps aren't too terribly common, but they are done. If you are looking to keep down time to a minimum I'd suggest a replacement 5 speed, but if you've got the time and resources to do a 6 speed swap it is well worth the time and money invested.

You'll need; the trans, clutch, flywheel, cables, shift box, slave cylinder, slave cylinder hydro lines, trans mount, trans mount brackets, convert the reverse switch to work with your original harness, axles, other misc odds and ends to button everything up.

 

I found someone parting out a 05-S. For $1000 I can have everything I need to do the swap. I have not been able to find a used 5-speed for less than that.

 

I've done it. I don't think it's worth it, unless you are doing it for the challenge and the sense of accomplishment. Every time this comes up I post a still from Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo. Keep in mind that the 6 speed is geared higher in 1st , which makes drivability a problem, for everyone but me. I can start on hills fine. Obviously the clutch life is shorter. And losing resale value due to poor drivability isn't a problem, because after you do a conversion, no used car buyer wants to touch a Frankenmini anyway. It will be yours, and yours alone, forever.

If your car has a lot of miles, I'd part it out. Or just sell it and buy some other Mini (hint: you want an R53). If you really want to fix this car, a used 5-speed or a rebuilt one is a much smarter choice.

If you absolutely must be like Klaus Kinski and try to do this big crazy thing you've never done before, rebuild your 5 speed. You'll end up with a more drivable car that somebody will actually want to buy, and the skill you gain from rebuilding a transmission is something you can use in the future. There is no more demand for experienced Mini 6-speed conversion experts than there is for guys who have experience moving a ship over a mountain.

Don't get me wrong. It's fun and kind of cool, but pointless.

 

Dennis, Thank you for the input .

I'm just trying to figure out what made more sense, It sounds like the 6-speed is probably not the rite choice.