Hello, I have a 02' MC. It is awfully slow starting out from a full stop. Would a 6-speed help or would that be to much trouble. My 02' is my first MC and is a very clean low milage unit that I would like to keep. I put on a cold air intake and I really don't notice any big difference. Any suggestions? Thanks, MD.

 

The early MC 5spd gearbox actually has a shorter ratio than same years' MCS 6speed. The conversion to 6spd is expensive, and IMO not worth the trouble. Check out the MC (non-S) forum, there are a couple of active threads about the 5spd transmission.

With the MC you'll have to go beyond intake and exhaust to feel performance gains. I'd recomend a chip if you're on a budget. If not, get a flow'd head for biggest bang-4-buck.

 

I think your best bet would be to get the newer MINI Cooper 5-speed transmission... It's a GeTrac unit that is much stronger!

A 6-speed conversion would cost a lot and wouldn't be that great...

 

A no cost option: Rev the crap out of the engine a couple times for more "oomph". I routinely toe-heal the gas and brake at stops for this purpose.

I doubt that a chip/ECU flash would help much at the low rpm range, but I'll tell you in a couple of weeks when I have the GIAC installed in my MC.

 

Its my understanding that the getrag 5spd is just as difficult to swap as the 6spd. The Midland and Getrag trannies share nothing, even the output shaft needs replacement, not to mention rearrangement of accessories in the engine bay.

Waylen of Way Motor Works researched the swap for some customers. Hes the person to talk to in detail about it.