Ever since I stepped into the R53 world I’ve seen talk of prefacelift and facelift difference and I had came to the conclusion the better years for the r53 was 05 and 06. Now that I’m getting into more power than bolt on options I’m hearing the prefacelift 6 spd manual is better for higher horsepower applications in lieu of the facelift with upgraded gear ratios. Could anyone explain why this is so?

 

No idea if that’s true, but here are the ratios: http://minimotoring.blogspot.com/200...peeds.html?m=1

 

I think it might start leaning more towards driver preference because the extra HP and torque allows the car to pull through the gears better, kind of like being able to pass on a highway without downshifting with a V8. I’ve seen a few posts where the owners preferred the longer gearing of the pre-FL because they didn’t have to shift out of 1st and 2nd so fast.

 

I’ve owned both. The spacing with the 2005-2006 feels a bit more consistent between gears, but overall it’s not enough difference to base a decision on alone.

 

I own both, an '04 & an '06.....I prefer the '04 gearing...my opinion......

Bryan

 

I like how in my 04 I hit like 70 in 2nd before having to shift at 7100rpm( imo helps for 0-60 times)..but yet doing 70mph on the freeway I'm running just over 3k rpm in 6th about 3200 . Is that normal? I always felt my highway rpm were high.
So the post face-lift cars run even higher rpms at highway speeds then ???

 

One big difference is the ECU. The facelift model ECUs (MS5150) have a more robust tuning capacity so if it's power you're looking for go for that version.

 

As mentioned, it's about the gear ratios rather than being able to handle more power.
And yes, it's a personal preference, a friend with an 04 tells me he likes the slightly quicker acceleration properties for coming out of corners, with the facelift ratios, over the extended speed/mph in gears, since he is more track oriented. So it's really about how you drive and want to use the car.

I'm wondering if the power handling capabilities you've read about was actually a comparison between the Getrag and the Midlands transmissions, that would then be correct. The Getrag will handle higher HP better.

 

i don’t have to worry about that. I already have a Link G4X ecu ready to install and have Jan from RMW tune it. I’m waiting for a new timing chain and sprocket set to get started. I’m installing a cam, 1k injectors, and TVS sc. some time next year I should be able to pick up his 1.8 strocker, and that’s why I’m looking at whether or not I should piick up a facelift transmission.

 

I've had an '05 S, an '06 S/JCW, and now an '04. The '06 JCW was clearly the best performer. If you're shopping for an R53, however, don't be that concerned and let a pre-facelift car be a deal-breaker for you. The updates aren't so significant that it makes a lot of difference in the car. Remember, the newest cars are now 15 years old. Let overall condition be your guide.

 

you can swap the ms5150 into older cars, just need an immo delete tune from adrian

 

Yep. Adrian provided me with a tuned MS5150 for my '04.

 

Just a question... are these numbers correct for R53?

Early Model Years (2002- 06/2004)

. 1st Gear: 3.923:1
. 2nd Gear: 2.136:1
. 3rd Gear: 1.393:1
. 4th Gear: 1.088:1
. 5th Gear: 0.892:1
. 6th Gear: 0.756:1
. Final Drive: 3.588:1



Later Model Years (07/2004-2006)

. 1st Gear: 4.167:1
. 2nd Gear: 2.620:1
. 3rd Gear: 1.970:1
. 4th Gear: 1.605:1
. 5th Gear: 1.335:1
. 6th Gear: 1.083:1
· Final Drive: 2.74:1

 

They don’t match, so no, they are not correct. Also, IIRC, the R53 has two final drive ratios because of the funky double layshaft design. I believe that’s why Mini normally quoted a total ratio like A383Wing posted.

edit: you can see it in this datasheet where third, fourth, and reverse have a different final drive than first, second, fifth, and sixth.

 

the Motoring File specs are neat how they do the superscript 1) 2) for layshaft

i have a French repair manual that does it similar with actual & effective



neat to see





also neat to see

the way they did the SVT diagram

a good handy layout which would be beneficial if we had similar for our versions



it's so cool that here on NAM we can jump back like 20 years +

circa 2005 on the SVT gearbox topic:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...drive-ofd.html

&

another from 2005 all about available gearset options

the R53 heyday was crazy with multiple players in the game

this person installed the MiniSport gearset from Helix

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nd-pinion.html



dunno if the Ultrik option was the same or different
but you'll come across it when looking,
or reading a book . . .



& also
there was the mighty Quaife ~