I am thinking about picking up a R50 hatch due to it being cheap and will be my daily driver. My only thing qualm about getting an R50 is due to the lack of performance parts. Despite it being a daily driver, I would like to have the opportunity to do some mods to it. I have been looking around and it it seems like there really isn't anything that cannot be done engine wise to it. I don't know if anybody has successfully done an engine swap (cooper s, n14, or even a k20 swap) into it, or just pieced together a turbo kit. Any advice on the power potential of the R50. Thank you in advance.

 

Put a stiffer rear sway bar and in some twisties the R50 being much lighter can hold its own quite well.

Engine swaps also entail ECUs so you must have a hole in your pocket from extra money. If the case why not just pick up a R53? The N14 route is a real crap shoot with the chain guide issues.

 

RMW can turn your (and my) R50 in to a monster... the right amount of money. The head and block of the R50 and R53 are essentially identical, the R53 block had oil squirters which is the only real difference. To my understanding the head and cams are the same. The exhaust valves are different as well.


The next challenge is the transmission. If you get at model year 2004 or older you will have the Midland/Rover 5 speed - which is made from the very best intentions and extraordinarily good glass. Some say that it can handle up to about 150hp others say that it's at it's limit at 115hp.


What I have done, so far, is upgrade the suspension, wheels, tires, brakes, and opened up the intake and exhaust. The last two make the car sound great - and if you believe the ads, they add a few hp as well.


here is a video from 2 years ago - aFe intake and Megan Racing Exhaust.

 

+1 on the RSB, THE best bang for the buck upgrade you can make. Engine performance is of little value if the body can't take the lateral force on a curve. As quoted many times on the forum: "If you can't go fast with 90 horse power, 900 won't help you." Those silly crooked arrow signs that say 45 can easily be taken in excess of 60 without leaving your lane or breaking traction. Just drop the gear box down for RPM and torque and you've got it made. Beats the hell out of just smoking your tires.