So as my mods have slowly escalated from a simple roof wrap to now accepting the inevitable purchase of another daily so I can fully track build my Cooper, the reality of replacing my (07 MCS/100k) N14 turbo with an upgrade is on my mind more and more.

I have friends that take no issue with buying a used turbo off something else, but is that a good idea? Being as expensive as they are I'm wanting to know what some of you have done and what size you've upgraded to? I'm looking towards a Manic S2 tune next summer, but would like to go for at least the S3 tune eventually.

Thoughts, ideas, peeves???

*Current mechanical mods: upgraded diverter valve, DDM RIS intake, noisemaker delete, straight-piped, turbo muffler delete, Alta 22mm RSB & endlinks... (Coil-overs and rims Spring '18, pending widebody flares/kit)

 

Well you did ask. I would buy a good clean N18 but would not touch a N14. Yes there are N14s out there with over 200k, but for me the odds are too great.

 

On the other hand, I've had good luck with N14's.

However, if I didn't know the seller, or the history of the turbo, I would not buy a used one. It's too easy to abuse them and there isn't a good way to determine if a used one has been abused.

I'm still running the original turbo on my JCW, but when the time comes I intend to replace it with this one:

http://jmtcperformance.com/s42-turbo...ugeot-rcz-200/

It should be able handle any tune I throw at it.

 

+1 get the JMTC. Unless the turbo is from a very low mileage car or was a take off when new and upgraded, i would get a performance one or a stock borg warner from us. I would worry about used if there is something wrong with it.

 

I'm new to the mini world and still learning. But I'm an old fart and remember the old saying you only have to stand on the wrong side of a mule to know never stand there again.

I've only known one guy to buy a used turbo in my llfe. I'm not a professional mechanic, just an old weekend garage mechanic. But I watch him install it on a Dodge 5.9 Cummins rated about 700 horse power. He was tight on cash and figured why not, it looked good. When it was warm, he hit road for a test. About 30 minutes later I got a phone call asking me if I could hook up the trailer to my truck and go get him. Seems the turbo blew.

Later after a discussion, I found he thought it was good, the seller said it was good, but he didn't check to see if the blade shaft was in tolerance or not, if there were any cracks in the housing inside, not just outside. After pulling it, it seems like the blade shaft let loose and parts flew. Also found parts in the intake and throughout the engine compartment.

As stated as a non professional, but at the speeds it peaks at, consider new as a safer bet.

 

If a used turbo (likely low miles, car was hit) fits the bill, and checks out with no play ect...why not? I don't see buying a used piece, making it automatically ready to explode. Then again, if we are talking stock for stock, there is no point if yours is good. Is there actually a problem you are trying to fix. Bet you could gain more seconds/lap with suspension bits.

 

+1 on new. Yep we make our own turbos from new Borg Warner's, so feel free to take that recommendation with a large grain of salt if you like. However, the stock turbos hit the edge of their performance envelope at 160,000 RPM. Not a lot of margin for error at that speed. If performance is your goal the old axiom of having to pay to play is applicable. The JCW turbo is good to 260-270 horse with meth and the Owens is good for over 300. Can't go wrong with either one.

If money were tight and I knew for a FACT that a used turbo had less than 30,000 miles on it then I would consider purchasing it... and promptly send it out to a reputable shop for overhaul and balancing. Key word there being reputable.

 

This is pretty much what I've been thinking. I ask because a friend is all for it, but I don't see the sense in it. Here's the current issue: a few months ago I had to replace the valve cover due to PCV failure. At the time the mechanic told me it was holding 75 psi in the crankcase, before replacement. Recently I upgraded the diverter valve with the Way Motor Works upgraded version. TOTALLY worth the purchase btw. Anyway, within a week Cooper started to miss on startup (weak coil I figure), but also blowing more and more blue smoke out. I'm thinking turbo seals are gone, likely due to mileage (just hit 100k), the excess crankcase pressure, and diverter valve pushing it over the edge. Otherwise, I'm thinking head gasket.

I'm going to do a coolant pressure test to check for cylinder leakage, but will be getting into the turbo this weekend to check it out. I'm hoping turbo seals, but have to start there and find out what the issue is. No CEL thus far, but something is up and I wanna catch it before it gets worse.

 

Another vote for new... and don't consider a rebuilt... it is not new.... the extra expense is well worth it as it is an involved job to replace (twice). You can get a new OEM Borg Warner for about 950 (identical to the one in a Mini labeled box but 500 cheaper).