12 replies to this topic

[C.44]

Hi all,

 

i currently have the engine out for a rebuild due to massive oilconsumption. I'm ordering a few parts left and right and i was wondering how much sense it'd make to swap the current stock MPi camshaft out for a Minisport Fast Road (link) or maybe even a Swiftune SW5-07?

 

Our Mini is near bone stock otherwise except for the exhaust (LCB->cat->first silencer->second silencer... still plenty loud...). I've read a bunch of topics on the subject but the partsguys at my local partscenter are a little divided about whether or not it's a complete waste of money because of the MPi ECU.

 

Any insight? Will a cam bring me any (measurable and noticeable) extra power? What else could i do to an MPi short of switching ECU's or rechipping it? Keep in mind i still have to pass an emissions test.

[brivinci]

I have an SPi so might be slightly different but...
If you have the engine out and ever plan to add some go-fast products, now is the time to do the cam. The horsepower gain will not be much if any but the drivability is what will change. Again, nothing outrageous but I can tell you that my mini now revs much cleaner through its rev range. Pulls all the way to redline where before it seemed to really hit a dead spot around 4700.
My car was similar. Cat back with k&n drop in and valve springs. I added an lcb, adjustable timing gears, cat delete, and an x-diff. Still need a head though. That is where the real power lies.

[C.44]

I have an SPi so might be slightly different but...
If you have the engine out and ever plan to add some go-fast products, now is the time to do the cam. The horsepower gain will not be much if any but the drivability is what will change. Again, nothing outrageous but I can tell you that my mini now revs much cleaner through its rev range. Pulls all the way to redline where before it seemed to really hit a dead spot around 4700.
My car was similar. Cat back with k&n drop in and valve springs. I added an lcb, adjustable timing gears, cat delete, and an x-diff. Still need a head though. That is where the real power lies.

 

I've still got the stock MPi airfilter and valvesprings (can't see those doing much without a seriously sharp / high cam and a higher revlimit?). The X diff is something i already have but don't directly consider a go-fast part.

 

Would there be a huge difference between the Minisport fast road cam and the Swiftune SW5-07 to justify the extra cost of the SW5?

[Ethel]

I can't really comment on the cams, other than pointing out it will still need to pass a MPI emissions test. I'm sure you know head modifications would make more sense, but you don't need to take the engine out to do those, if you're prioritising where to spend your pennies.

[Gr4h4m]

I think sprocket had a project where he took an injection mini and with a careful selection of parts produced 100bhp. Iirc this included swapping the rover ecu for another rover ecu... But you will have to search/ask him

[Fast Ivan]

I'm rebuilding an Mpi at the moment with AC, I will be going with the standard cam based on AC'a advice. I would recommend changing the final drive though, I will be going for a 3.1, and balance the flywheel. Do a good job on the rebuild, make sure everything is measured right and you'll have a reliable engine that will drive great.

[jagman.2003]

On a general note. A camshaft on it's own won't make much difference. But with other mods, e.g. head & exhaust it all adds up. If you are thinking of going down that route then when the engine is out would be a good time to change.

[C.44]

As previously mentioned i have already replaced the exhaust so that could be considered a "supporting mod". I really don't see myself replacing the head any time soon, especially because it's a german Mini that still has to pass the TüV test which outlaws most non-stock engine parts (i'm glad to have gotten away with the non-standard exhaust and manifold to be honest).

 

Does anyone know if there's enough of a difference between the minisport reground cam and the Swiftune cam to warrant the Swiftune's cam higher pricetag?

[brivinci]

I think sprocket had a project where he took an injection mini and with a careful selection of parts produced 100bhp. Iirc this included swapping the rover ecu for another rover ecu... But you will have to search/ask him

Could anyone find that link?

[Fast Ivan]

 

I think sprocket had a project where he took an injection mini and with a careful selection of parts produced 100bhp. Iirc this included swapping the rover ecu for another rover ecu... But you will have to search/ask him

Could anyone find that link?

 

 

That was an SPI

[brivinci]

Even better (for me. hehe). Sorry to highjack the thread but anyone have that link?

[welshdan]

Change the cam whilst the engine is out. Uprated cylinder head et can then be added at a later date

[Ethel]

A modified head will be one of the most undetectable tuning mods you can do, just tapering the valve guides and cutting triple angle valve seats will do more for a Mini then pretty much anything else. I suspect the Swifty cams might be cut on new blanks where the Minsport ones could be regrinds  on old ones. Regrinds are more compromised profiles, as you have to cut the base radius smaller in order to create more lift on the lobe side. The result can be increased wear rates - Swiftune will also spend more on R&D, supporting Miglias 'n 7vens....