I don't see a return on the development. With the '06 engine change (reportedly no longer going to be the Brazilian-built Chrysler), the kit would only be valid for '02-'05 models. And with the relatively inexpensive pulley swap, the limited number of MCS owners who will want more power will be cut to an even smaller number.

The time for development of such a kit worthy of your brand would take a significant length of time, especially when factoring in the idea of new castings and sourcing multiple parts from reputiable companies. If you produced it before the '06's hit the showroom, it would be quite the feat.

Target the '06 and beyond for the big ticket items. Request a preproduction model and get to work verifying the existing parts and working up new ones.

You've got a very good following with your existing line of parts and development. Put together a true big-brake kit (including a properly size master cylinder.) Begin working on some style pieces, or work on importing european tuner parts (like body kits.)

The turbo market isn't there yet. If the MCS becomes an MCT, there will be plenty of people willing to swap turbos, install silicone hoses and relocate the IC to beneath the bumper. Until then expand your current market instead of trying to create a new one.

 

I'm skeptical of the $2,000 esimate. seems like a minimal kit reaching 220hp has to include larger injectors (that alone is almost $400) a fairly tricky 4-1 manifold (got to be around $500), wastegate and turbo $1,000?) intake and manifold plumbing, turbo oiling lines and connectors (another $500), chip modding, intercooling, etc as well.

 

I have some concerns about the heat problems with putting a turbo in such a small space.

I say leave it as is. After all turobcharging is nice but I would rather be blown.

Cheers,
Jack

 

How about that M3 motor transplant kit with the rear wheel drive conversion?
That'll cure those doubters!

 

Randy,

I'd rather not give up my Supercharger to put in a turbo.

Optimizing the supercharger by-
Figuring the best combination - configuration of upgrades to max out power and provide for best performance in lower through high rpms- i.e. which % reduction pulley matched with which ECU and which larger injectors, larger intercooler and larger throttlebody. Make it all a package and bring it in at a decent price.

Or cheaper upgrades on the larger intercooler or heads/cam.

Or a set up upgrades for MC or MCS based on classes for autocross.
So for Street Mod- offer this package or for STS offer that package.
That would give people an idea of what options that have for different classes of Solo II.

Offer a good light but cheap competition wheel setup for 15", 16" or 17"
Maybe Avon, Kumho or Toyo competition tires. e.g. 15x7 rim with 225/45-15 tire.

I think $4000 for a big turbo upgrade would be less attractive to most MCS buyers.

 

my guess is a full blown turbo kit, with everything (from chip and intake to start of cat-back) for $4k could easily put out 250whp and not be over-stressing any single component. No one has that much power with the blower, but to achieve 220+whp you have to spend $4k, stress your blower to the max (wasting 40hp on it):

head with cam and valves $1900
header: $600
pulley: $400
throttle body: $400
intake: $300
Unichip: $750

 

And Cat-back exhaust $600-800+
Larger Injectors $400+
And more.

 

It is my observation over the last couple of weeks from this sight and the Webb Motorsports sight, plus my own experience in dealing with Webb Motorsports, that your time would be much better spent organizing your business and updating the products you currently offer on your website than developing a turbo kit that may appeal to 1% of the MINI community. I believe, in the long run, that you would improve your business much more by this than developing iffy concepts. I may be wrong but several months ago you promised two additional technical representatives to help you handle the volume of phone calls and orders. To date I haven't reached any other representative than your self and this is hit and miss at best. Randy, you are the only one I have trusted to supply performance parts for my MINI, and I have done quite a bit of business with you, because you thoroughly test your products and you don't try to sell me something I don't need. I also consider you a friend. But it's time for tough love and I'm just trying to be honest with you. There will come a time when the customer's patience wears out.

 

Randy,

Thanks for asking.

While there's a definite turbo following out there its not for this car. A very large portion of the MCS' appeal was it being supercharged - as opposed to turbo.

Forget turbo development and or Twin-charging altogether. Leave that to other folks - M7, SPI & co.

Although twin-charging promises to dramatically improve power (without completely changing the character of the car) its going to be a .001% item.

A turbo alone could improve power & fuel milage, but at the expense low end power and responsiveness - BOO! As you welll know, in its current form the car epitomizes FUN real-world driving. ...And reliably on a daily basis. IMHO a turbo'd MCS would have no soul.

Give me a more efficient SC and or colder charge and I'll be a happy guy.

 

Guess I too prefer the MCS over an MCT. The supercharger just seems a bit more British than a turbo. I'll also echo the comments regarding the need to get the currently available power to the ground, rather than chasing more when our problem seems to be traction rather than hp at present.


Maybe just offer a "turbo blow-off valve" sound kit.

 

I agree with LJAJr. I know people and heard of people going other routes than Webb Motorsports, and the move away from your company is happening in droves. Granted you are the only one out there doing pulley parties, so that is successful, but as the competition continues and the fact that you currently don't carry any parts except for the Unichip, that you can't get anywhere else, people are going elsewhere, because they can contact someone. I know you would receive a ton more money improving customer support as well as long term money flow than going for a turbo that will appeal to very, very small segment of the Mini market.

 

count me in on this sentiment.Randy, having made you three pulley pullers and sent you numerous emails and PM's to see if you got them allright,I have recieved nothing....no thank you, ...no acknowledgement of any kind.Skip the research into questionable products and focus on customer service and communication.That from here.

 

Thanks for the input - it is very helpful and actually helps to bolster the parallel development I was speaking of.

As for the business, take a look at the new vendor announcement that explains just where the hell I've been for the last month! It has been a pain in the, well, you know.

I want the business, and need it back. I am sitting by the phone waiting for it to ring - really. I offer several products you can't get elsewhere, that we are updating the catalog with as I write. There is the Webb Motorsports head and cam that gives 215CFM plus and close to a 20hp gain, and each head comes with its own flowbench numbers. There is the Webb Motorsports Throttle Body which is the only one on the market with some special tricks no one else employs. There is the Unichip with the Webb Motorsports mapping, and the Webb Motorsports flash programming for the ECU. There are new Webb Motorsports Camber Plates that we are finishing up this week. In addition, several products were designed in conjunction with Webb Motorsports -the Milltek Quick Fit, the Alta Intake, and the Leda Coiolovers for example.

Things have been rough from a time management point of view, and it hasn't been new - the model has grown too fast. I would hope that folks understand when a life changing event throws a wrench in the mix and then give me another shot. It will take time to get the organization in place I need to run the business without flaw - but as most can attest, I work hard to fix any flaws that come up along the way.

I am working with Mark Ferguson to get the e-cart and website updates finished, and I'm in the process of working with d-miniero (Dennis) to get the phone under control. I also need to hire two more employees, so if you live in Denver...

I am committed to serving the MINI community, and to date am one of the ONLY dedicated MINI tuners in the country. I will not sell out, and I will not give up. This is my passion, and the MINI community is the only outlet for it. I have several fixes in the works, but don't give up if it is currently tough to get a hold of me. I really do appreciate all of you, and want to provide the best service as well as the best product, possible.

Thanks for your support!
Randy