Putting an 'S' engine in a base Cooper

[mbroderick]

I assume that you would need the complete long block, drive train and ECU but are there any other considerations? Has anyone done this or know of someone who has?

Also, what would this do to the warrantee (assuming that both the donor engine and transplant vehicle are still under their respective factory warrantees?)

Thanks!

[Prowse]

I've not heard of anyone doing this, the cost would be prohibitive. It's probably much easier to sell your Cooper and then buy an S. If you did go ahead with this, you'd of course need the exhaust system + cat, bodywork, uprated SS+ suspension, full engine, supercharger, associated pipes and cables, and then move stuff around battery into boot etc.

To be honest, it's a daft idea!

[obehave]

Quote: Originally Posted by mbroderick

I assume that you would need the complete long block, drive train and ECU but are there any other considerations? Has anyone done this or know of someone who has?

Also, what would this do to the warrantee (assuming that both the donor engine and transplant vehicle are still under their respective factory warrantees?)

Thanks!

Well you pretty much wouldn't have a warranty.
A question that springs to mind would be the battery.

[LuckyRVA]

Are the axles different in the Cooper? If so, you'd probably need to upgrade to Cooper S axles.


-Jason

[mbroderick]

Just a random thought really. I realize the work involved but nothing mentioned so far seems the least bit intimidating actually. For comparisson, I built a 93 Honda Civic hatchback to 2001 Integra Type R specs, Including a fully functional ABS system, all power accessories, etc. It had a 10 PSI jackson Racing supercharger, Quaife LSD, custom mapped ECU, water injection etc, etc. This was a complete build up from a bare frame. All work done by yours truely.

That car was just stolen though so I now need something else to keep me busy (and take my mind off the fact that my pride and joy was just stolen). I've done the Honda thing, I want a new chalenge

I just saw an MCS engine for sale on e-bay and it got the wheels turning.

Mike

[Prowse]

Well, if you want something to do that nobody has done before, you could sort out the 'low-end torque' issue by trialing a rebore of the MINI engine. Try a 1.8 ro 2.0 rebore of the existing engine. I'm sure that would give extra torque at the low end and more HP at high revs. Lots of work there for you mate!

[LuckyRVA]

Quote: Originally Posted by mbroderick

Just a random thought really. I realize the work involved but nothing mentioned so far seems the least bit intimidating actually. For comparisson, I built a 93 Honda Civic hatchback to 2001 Integra Type R specs, Including a fully functional ABS system, all power accessories, etc. It had a 10 PSI jackson Racing supercharger, Quaife LSD, custom mapped ECU, water injection etc, etc. This was a complete build up from a bare frame. All work done by yours truely.


I just saw an MCS engine for sale on e-bay and it got the wheels turning.

Mike

For this idea to be even remotely economical IMHO you'll need to wait until the Cooper chassis are 10 years old (much like your Civic hatch) and then swap in the engine of choice. B/c right now it just wouldn't make any sense to spend all that money and time on this project when you could spend a few grand more and have a Cooper S with a warranty. Not to mention I can't see the Cooper/S swap having any worthwhile advantage over the Cooper S now(as it wouldn't THAT much faster).


Edit: All this is assuming you're buying a new Cooper. Maybe if you find a Cooper with a blown engine for same or something it could be plausable. But, otherwise I stick to my statements above.


-Jason

[obehave]

Quote: Originally Posted by Prowse

Well, if you want something to do that nobody has done before, you could sort out the 'low-end torque' issue by trialing a rebore of the MINI engine. Try a 1.8 ro 2.0 rebore of the existing engine. I'm sure that would give extra torque at the low end and more HP at high revs. Lots of work there for you mate!

jlm has posted some info here on that subject. In a nutshell you won't get a 2.0l out of that block with a simple overbore. Not gonna happen, Even the 1.8 is a stretch. If a stroker was possible ( might be, don't know) maybe.
Build that 1.6 right and you could get 280 HP. Just look at what the BMP boys have done on this thread.
That's a good place to start

[Spy Car]

Let's not forget to mention you would also need to replace the transmission...as the Midlands 5 speed isn't up to the task.

Then there are smaller items like a new bonnet....let's face it...this is the hardest way to get a Cooper S-like car imaginable.

[Goonery]

It would be a challenge , I like a challenge, but not at any cost. You would be better off trading up to an 'S' and then spending some more on getting it 'supertuned' by a specialist.
Alternatively, it is just possible to fit the Civic 'R' lump with some clever engineering, which gives a big hike in performance and reduces front end weight, but its a big project. Done by one of the German tuners, can't remember who though, it was a very neat job though.

The problem with the existing MINI is that some is BMW 'overengineered' which is good, and some is ROVER engineered, which is not so good.
Still, lots of the latter are being designed out

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by goonery

Alternatively, it is just possible to fit the Civic 'R' lump with some clever engineering, which gives a big hike in performance and reduces front end weight, but its a big project. Done by one of the German tuners, can't remember who though, it was a very neat job though.

That should be pretty cool.

[Goonery]

Saw it at a show in Munich about a year ago, I'll ask over there to see if the show guide is in anyones desk drawer, there were pics and specs. Maybe you could get a test drive?