I have a base model R50. I am curious if the 1.6l engine & internals in the R53 are exactly the same (Plus the added Supercharger components), in other words, can I slap the OE supercharger on this engine without stressing it or making internal upgrades? If not, what internals should be upgraded?

Ultimately I'd aim for the JCW upgrade which I understand were add-ons to the R53 set up, so I must know - Do I need an entirely different engine or am I step ahead with this base engine?

 

They are not the same, engine compression is different, and are the exhaust valves in the head.

Base head and block are the same though.

 

So in theory I could buy a JCW head & adjust compression - if the block is the same as R53 (bore and stroke is same for R50 and R53) so compression adjustment should be feasible.

 

The R53 block is supposed to have a forged crank and rods, lower compression pistons, and oil squirters for piston cooling that the R50 does not have, plus the head difference with the valves as previously mentioned. Not sure if the oil squirters can be added to an R50 block, but even if they can it’s probably a lot easier and cost effective to go with a complete R53 engine or longblock.

 

So you go to the expense of buying a good used JCW engine to put into your R50, then you'll have to buy a used bonnet for the air scoop. You'll have to buy the ECM to go with it, plus the 6 speed trans conversion, with drive shafts (otherwise what's the point). Then will the battery still fit in the R50 location? If not, where are going to put it? And that's just what I can think of off the top of my head.

When I still lived in England, and was into the Mk1 Golf GTI's, I used buy parts and have work done at a tuners called C and R Enterprises in Nottingham (it was close to me). A favorite saying of Steve Cresswell, the "C" in the name, was "Never build what you can buy".

 

the engine wiring & sensors are completely different as well

 

I'd buy it complete it if came w/ JCW head, so that or a R53 longblock

Thank you, so a R53/JCW engine harness is added to the list

I can agree with Cresswell, I see a sweet sleeper in this R50 so I have to build it (I also have to yearning to build something), I want to keep it reliable - a Mini engine swap is the way to go, It'll help keep things balanced to a stock spec (size/weight of the engine, wiring would require minimal, mounts? etc.), even the battery wires could be sourced from a JCW donor car and move it to the trunk if necessary. I wont dispute it may be costly but I am trying to get a whole picture early on to see where I can save (buying R53 block+separate jcw head vs whole JCW engine)

I'm tired of the midlands trans so a tranny swap is inevitable.

 

If you're really gung ho about doing the swap, it's been done before. There should be some answers here.

 

If you're determined to build something, and you want reliability, put a Honda VTec in there.

 

I'm not being a smart-a#$ when I say this but you must be either a world-class mechanic or incredibly wealthy with a lot of time on your hands to take on such a project.

 

^^^^^^^^
This goes to the point that I was trying to make to the OP. He could buy a good JCW and still be $$$ ahead.

 

Def an option if it proves cheaper, wanted to get the supercharger feels (I wouldn't on a NA engine) How unreliable are these Mini engines, anyway 0.o ?

haha I appreciate it I am no Master Tech but I can get around an engine bay (formal training and some years in the 'Honda game',

I bought this R50 for $1000 - for the price I am seeing S's in this market (5000 +) , seems a swap will be about on par and give me something to do. For now I am mostly assessing feasibility and donor car prices to keep it a Mini sleeper.

I do appreciate the sound advice but I got this car for a steeeaall and the body is in amazing shape, whats a gearhead to do?

 

If you get a nice donor car with all the bits, it seems totally feasible. I'm not sure how much of a sleeper it would be though, unless you plan to relocate the intercooler.

 

I thank you guys for the info, otherwise I could've gone in blind to some details. Might just swap in a Getrag 5spd & short shifter and be patient for a good donor. Will otherwise focus on suspension and chassis for now. (sleeper since i'd keep it sans any S or fast decals, ill avoid center exhaust, and generally keep it stock R50 outside with 'basic' wheels.