I have a 2005 R53 with 29K miles that I use for track and solo. Had my mechanic change the SC oil while he was in adding some upgrades in preparation for a track event this weekend.

When he drained the SC, there was only 2 oz of oil, not the normal 8 oz. So there appears to be a leak.

My mechanic and I agreed it would probably not be wise to change the SC oil and go to the track (and address the problem later). If anyone disagrees, speak up!

So my mechanic recommends replacing the SC since he's not comfortable replacing the seals himself.

Never wanting to miss an upgrade opportunity, I looked the the Sprintex SC, but the discussion on these boards are pretty mixed. The fact that Way Motor Works doesn't carry them speaks for itself (they apparently had one for evaluation at some point I believe).

My goal is a quick and *reliable* track car, so I'll probably go with a WMW rebuilt OEM unit. But is porting and polishing worth it? Seems like this might be of little value?

Also, is it worth replacing the water pump too? WMW suggest doing so at the same time.

I'd like feedback on the above and appreciate any alternatives.

 

Get the leak checked, check those seals. I would run it low. Refilling it is just a band aid till it runs low again.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ge-how-to.html

Do the water pump and SC at the same time , less work. Change all the main seals also.

 

Yup...
Get a GOOD rebuilt unit...
And due yo the labor involved, do the water pump...if it goes...you basicly have to remove the sc again...
And new gaskets as needed with the sc change...
If you don't mind paying your guy for 5 hours and having the downtime....guess you could do it over and over again...
Like refill the oil...$600-800 (5 hrs at $120+, oil, gaskets)...
Replace sc...so $800 for a rebuilt unit, then another $600+ install...
Then water pump leaks....
Another 5 hrs, gaskets and a $100-350 pump........
Or do it once...
Lots cheaper, less downtime....

 

As for polishing....
Stegimier (sorry about the spelling) offers it for a few more $$.....bet waymotorworks has a similar deal...and remember...your sc is a WEAR ITEM...you should have more boost with a Tighter SC...
Guess it depends on how competive you are...
It is $$ HP... But if you need it....
The sprintex.....I'd run...and it might put you in a different class...
I'd run methonol with a tune first....

 

I think the Sprintex just adds a new layer of complexity that is just not worth it to me ... the tuning, the methanol, the warning lights, etc., not to mention the 3x cost (which could pay for a lot of other things). I need reliability as I drive 350-600 miles round trip to get to a track, so I don't want to push things too far.

Thanks for confirming everything else

 

Any other input?

 

Your sc with less 30k miles on it was low, but is now full of oil, I don't see what the problem is.

Unless the sc was visibly leaking, I would just drive it another 30k miles and check it again. It wasn't driven while empty so you didn't grind the gears in it.

 

I'll throw into this...

First if you are building a dependable trackday car, check this forum on the SC MOD where a SC Oil Dip Stick is added. (quick and easy way to check and fill SC oil level) You might want to add this to your list of great MODs to do.

Porting and polishing can give you a small performance increase, but at what cost... a F1 Team will spend $100K for a tenth of a second. It has been said since the first time two guys pulled alongside each other and started to race, speed is a matter of money... how fast do you want to go and how much money can you invest in it?

As for doing the water pump the same time you do the SC... Yes, for the first time...by all means and switch to a cast metal WP and not the ABS plastic housing one... but if you are going to be pulling the SC every month or so...

I'm assuming you are doing a lot of the wrench turning yourself...

Anyway, best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Motor on!

 

I would echo the advice given above: If your supercharger is now properly topped off and not leaking, just roll with it. Take the car to somebody who has experience listening to the supercharger as your car idles. Put a stethoscope at the nose and tail of supercharger and listen for unusual gear or bearing noise. If you've never done this on a healthy charger, don't be alarmed, these blowers are very noisy--you have to know what sounds you are listening for.

 

I just had mine rebuilt by PSE in Oklahoma City. He knows a lot about our superchargers. I had everything apart (for engine swap), and I was just going to change the oil. I contacted him about the oil. He said the seal was defective, and that MINI hired him to redesign the seal for the cabrios built after a certain date (can't remember exact date). He also said that MINI is out of superchargers. There are no new ones. He said I should have the SC rebuilt.

I called the dealer and confirmed this. It's true. MINI is out of superchargers!

He also said that MINI contacted him to see if he'd design an aftermarket SC for our cars, since they're out of the original eaton SC. (However, his price was too high. At least MINI is trying to do something to get more superchargers.) He also said that MINI sends him SCs from all over the world. I thought this all sounded crazy, since he's in OKC.

Anyway, I went to him for the rebuild and a new seal. He took me back into his shop. It was nice! Not a small operation at all. Lots of high end cars, and he had around 10-15 MINI superchargers setting there. He pulled mine apart and showed everything to me. He's a great guy, and I really trust him. I was there for a good hour or two. He knows his stuff. I would recommend a rebuild eventually. Like I said, there are no SCs left, so if yours works, you should try to keep it.

 

I thought I would add that PSE charges $800 for the rebuild. They took the SC to the dealer where I was having the engine swapped. The mechanic actually called me and told me that he was impressed with the job they did.

PSE explained their process to me...treating the SC in order to clean out tiny pores in the metal...stuff like that. Anyway, I'll stop being a commercial for PSE. You can call the guy if you're interested. Their website is easy to find.

 

There a new SC right now , the rebuilts are out of stock or NLA short term. Just wanted to let you know. Must have just landed.

11657526657 Cooper S NEW

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11657526657/




And the JCW Version: For the JCW Tuning Kit and GP

11657556981 JCW Supercharger - New

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11657556981/



Thanks

 

$1600.00!! Wow.

 

I spoke with PSE this morning. They don't stock rebuilt SC's, you have to send yours in to be rebuilt. Also if your water pump gear gear is shot, they can't help you as they can't get replacement parts.