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R50 500hp. Transmission Swap questions?

Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:13 AM
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R50 500hp. Transmission Swap questions?

Hello I have a 2003 r50. I plan to fully build the car. I have already bought a 500hp turbo kit for it. Team Dynamic Wheels. Gutted the interior, rear seats, spare ect.. I already found a shop that will bore out my engine to a 2.0 sleeve it and turbo the car. It involves lots of custom work but they'll do it for under $5000 all together. I just bought a 2007 6speed Getrag with LSD and had a few questions. Since my car is a 2003, would I be a purchasing a 2007 Mini cooper s clutch but a 2003 Flywheel to connect the tranny and my engine? I have heard people have done transmission swaps and only lost cruise control. I was just wondering what the full details and list of parts needed would be? I only plan on running 300hp for daily driving, but should I get an aftermarket LSD and any advice on flywheels for high hp situations?
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:20 AM
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Wow!
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:37 AM
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Good luck getting those HP numbers.

As for your trans if it is from an R56 your going to have to do a lot more work to make it fit. That trans doesn't bolt right up. The 2007 MCS was an R56 unless you got it out of a convertible.

And YES you will need an aftermarket LSD to get anywhere close to those numbers to the ground.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:43 AM
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Quite a project there.
Better slow down and do some research first.
R50 motor is a W10 with 10.3 C/R
I don't believe that you can bore it out and sleve it to 2.0.
There are not many performance engine parts to a R50.
The W11 engine in a R53 has alot more parts available for modification.
You would have to get custom made pistons for the W10.
I don't believe you will ever get 500 hp out of any Mini engine.
Talk to some of the real good performance engine builders, RMW or Mynes,
about your plans. They can probally save you from making some expensive mistakes.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:44 AM
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500 hp does sound like a high number.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 10:34 AM
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There have been more then a few 500hp MINIs, so it is completely possible.

It is going to cost much more then $5k out the door, especially considering the need to upgrade the fuel system, and tuning. Tuning is not cheap.

x2 on what Way said. If the tranny didnt come out of the Vert '07, it wont work, and not worth the hassle trying to fit it.

IFF you get the proper 6spd, it will hold your planned power just fine. LSD And a clutch upgrade would 100% need to replaced.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 10:35 AM
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Very high number, talk to RMW or another mini performance shop before you really get into doing this
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 11:00 AM
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2007 (R56) have different engines than the R53/R50. That is the issue with the trans swap.

I love sleeper type cars. Please make it look as close to stock as possible for full effect..
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 11:01 AM
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I don't mean to rain on your plans.
Boring to 2.0L would make cylinder walls to thin.
Look at the cylinders on stock engine.
Most of the performance tuners involved with Mini's do a stroked engine.
See RMW's "Stroker" engine.
If you bore out, the head would have to be dished out also.
What pistons are you going to use?
What turbo are you going to use?
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 12:25 PM
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The hp power numbers are possible! I'm not going to go as high as 500 but they have done it before. I'm going for 300lbs of tq. Speedsport will take care of it. I'm using a T3T4 turbo kit. Custom exhaust headers ect custom internals blah blah blah I know this.... Whether I get 2.0liters out or not is up for debate but I'm going to sleeve and fortify. With the tq I want hp should be in the 300s very possible. I got the 2007 Getrag with stock LSD. Will the tranny fit with some custom fabrication? New clutch and LSD I'll invest in, but some mini techs said it was possible I just need to know details to prep for the shop and get the right parts for speedsport.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 12:46 PM
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Although Jan is great, I don't think he has experience with building a MINI up to 500 HP. I would talk to ABF/ABF Tech Division. They currently have the highest HP MINI race car in the world (650HP) and they know what it'll take to build it up properly.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 12:50 PM
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Ditch that trans, and get a late 04 to 05 R53 model. It will cost more to make the R56 trans work, and the internals (I believe) are the same. I just paid $1200 for a 50k 2005 6 speed with LSD and a 6mo warranty. I don't think that was too bad, but I NEEDED a trans (Midlands blowup), so I didn't take the time to shop around.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 06:41 PM
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Like it's been said if that is an R56 trans don't bother, it will be more expensive and harder to work than just getting a trans from the R53 S.

Also I hear what your saying about wanting 300hp, but it's not very cost effective. And if you do want to continue your going to need to ditch the stock ECU.

Also lets just add some more cost to get to reality.
Changing the trans your also going to need: Axles, clutch line, trans mount, shifter cables, new beefy clutch and flywheel.
Then you'll need some major headwork, with high quality valvetrain, and camshaft.
And your turbo and the custom work to make it work.
That all adds up to over 5k easily.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by WayMotorWorks
Like it's been said if that is an R56 trans don't bother, it will be more expensive and harder to work than just getting a trans from the R53 S.

Also I hear what your saying about wanting 300hp, but it's not very cost effective. And if you do want to continue your going to need to ditch the stock ECU.

Also lets just add some more cost to get to reality.
Changing the trans your also going to need: Axles, clutch line, trans mount, shifter cables, new beefy clutch and flywheel.
Then you'll need some major headwork, with high quality valvetrain, and camshaft.
And your turbo and the custom work to make it work.
That all adds up to over 5k easily.

But thats not what speedsport said, so you must be completely wrong. /sarcasm
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 07:03 PM
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A fool and his money will soon be parted!
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 07:06 PM
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To hit your power goal I would say sell your MINI and go buy a V8 like an old 5.0 Mustang! I DONT KNOW WHAT KIND OF SHOP IS SELLING YOU THIS CRAP BUT ITS GONA COST YOU WAY MORE THAN $5000.00. Also do they know, or for that matter DO YOU KNOW that even the R50 has a CAST IORN ENGINE BLOCK that has no sleves? How are they going to sleve it swap an aluminum engine in?

Not saying that what you are doing is not possible but, you have a lot to learn and evedently some pretty deep pockets if you plan on making this work!
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 07:25 PM
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Plus, 500 hp in a FWD is overkill. It would be hard to keep it on the road. 350hp is still alot and managable. If you want a 0-60 car with lots of HP do like Dicks Garage suggested and get something else.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 07:37 PM
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Akai,
You need to read these posts.
There are people here who are trying to help you.
I don't know about this shop that you are talking too.
If they advised you to get a 07 transmission then they have already cost you money for nothing.
Read the posts on this forum about how to modify a Mini engine for performance, which parts are compatable, etc.

"Proper Planning Prevents **** Poor Performance"
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:06 PM
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500hp for $5k is hard enough with cars that are CHEAP to modify... like Foxbody Mustangs, for instance... let alone an R50.

If you make 500hp with an R50 for $5k, I'll eat a turbo.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Blainestang
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If you make 500hp with an R50 for $5k, I'll eat a turbo.

I would like to see that.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by DICKS GARAGE R53
I would like to see that.
I second that.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by DICKS GARAGE R53
I would like to see that.
Originally Posted by ballandchain
I second that.
Well, the OP has to make 500hp first
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:44 PM
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Okay okay. I appreciate all the words of wisdom. I wasn't trying to be rude, I was just trying to get some educated answers. Most shops will say anything and pocket some cash and thats why i'm on here. SO with that being said. I already purchased the transmission for $980, from a wrecked car. To be clear about my goals for my car I'll break it down for you guys.
-Carbon Fiber Doors, Hatch, Hood, Fenders
-Sway & Strut bars, Roll Cage and Speedglass replacements to drop weight
-Wilwood Brakes, accompanied with pro race 1.2s 215/40/17 not too wide
-Megan Racing coilovers with a subtle drop of only 1inch. Adj Control arms
-Short shifter & recaro seats
-Mini cooper s bumper with ground effects, Halo on lights Halo Fog lights and Halo headlights. All HID.
-Battery relocation to behind Passenger seat. AC removal.
I want to weigh under 2000lbs and be putting down 300lbs of tq. So anywhere between 300-350hp based on the quality of tuning. I already have a turbo kit with a HUGE turbo that bolts right on. The only engine bay issue would be the battery due to the kit size but thats solved. So the problem would be simple! My engine haha. Okay then, how's this sound! r50 to r56 engine swap? I pick up a r56tubro engine and send it to a shop and have the engine and transmission built and tuned, then all in one big swoop swap it into my r50. Repaint the carbon fiber and look fairly stock and walk around with a big grin =D I tend to favor the sleepers
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:15 PM
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R56 and R53 engines are totally different and non interchangeable. You would still be farther ahead to sell your 07 trans and find an 05-06 to use. THEN I WOULD REALY RE-EVALUATE YOUR GOALS. Being realistic (EVEN THOUGH I WANT TO SEE BLANESTANG CHOKE DOWN AN IMPELLER) 250 HP to the ground would be more reasonable, if you could get the electronics straitened out.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Akai
Okay okay. I appreciate all the words of wisdom. I wasn't trying to be rude, I was just trying to get some educated answers. Most shops will say anything and pocket some cash and thats why i'm on here. SO with that being said. I already purchased the transmission for $980, from a wrecked car. To be clear about my goals for my car I'll break it down for you guys.
-Carbon Fiber Doors, Hatch, Hood, Fenders
-Sway & Strut bars, Roll Cage and Speedglass replacements to drop weight
-Wilwood Brakes, accompanied with pro race 1.2s 215/40/17 not too wide
-Megan Racing coilovers with a subtle drop of only 1inch. Adj Control arms
-Short shifter & recaro seats
-Mini cooper s bumper with ground effects, Halo on lights Halo Fog lights and Halo headlights. All HID.
-Battery relocation to behind Passenger seat. AC removal.
I want to weigh under 2000lbs and be putting down 300lbs of tq. So anywhere between 300-350hp based on the quality of tuning. I already have a turbo kit with a HUGE turbo that bolts right on. The only engine bay issue would be the battery due to the kit size but thats solved. So the problem would be simple! My engine haha. Okay then, how's this sound! r50 to r56 engine swap? I pick up a r56tubro engine and send it to a shop and have the engine and transmission built and tuned, then all in one big swoop swap it into my r50. Repaint the carbon fiber and look fairly stock and walk around with a big grin =D I tend to favor the sleepers

YOU need to do A LOT more research on the MINI, rather then thumbing through pages on eBay and picking whats cool to have.

1) We dont have fenders...well in the rear we do, but there are no CF replacements.
2)CF Door replacements are $2400..
3)The r56 engine is not near as capable as the r53 at this point, especially being an AL block.
4) You are not even going to come close to 2000lbs, even with all the weight savings.
5) A sleeper does not involve giant race seats and roll cages.
6) Spend allll that money on random things, and then cheap out of the coilovers ? That makes no sense.
7) With a 1.6L you will not come close to 300lb w/ 350whp...you just do not have the displacement to reach those torque levels w/o going on up the ladder in HP.
8) "HUGE TURBO" is a VERY relative term.... What is the ACTUAL size of it, b/c i think thats what most people are looking for, not "a t3/t4, b/c guess what, thats what MOST turbos are now-a-days...
9) where did you buy this bolt on turbo kit ?
10) Why all this work to go fast, and ricer it out with stupid "Halo" lights, a fad that faded years and years ago.
11) Do more research of your own, before wasting so many peoples time here.

/soapbox
 
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