12 replies to this topic

[leepol83]

Hi I’m a little confused about fitting a turbo to my 1.3 MPi Mini it’s a 1998 cooper, can this be done or not ? I’ve done a lot of reserch into this and still have no idea how to do it if it can be done that is, I’m after advice not opinions on this thank you so much ?
Lee

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

I'd say yes it can be done but you'd need a different engine management setup on it.

[alex-95]

Yep can be done, Have a look at steve220's top build here  http://www.theminifo...50#entry3601392

[Turbo Phil]

In short, yes it can be done. But not on the factory ECU.

Phil.

[leepol83]

Right ok it can be done ?? Time to do some reserch then thank you all appreciate it
Assuming there’s not a kit out there for the mpi ?

[Ethel]

It's still an A Series. There aren't really any kits for any Mini, but the manifolds will fit the same.

 

Differences that might matter:

 

You have a cam sensor in the place that's commonly used for an oil drain.

 

Your head has alternator mounting points that would complicate buying a replacement as a way to reduce the compression and upgrade the valves.

 

The location of the alternator and radiator will impinge on installing an intercooler.

 

Catalytic converter and emissions. 

[IronmanG]

Do you have to go turbo? Specialist comp do the supercharger conversion kit for the mpi

[Steve220]

It's still an A Series. There aren't really any kits for any Mini, but the manifolds will fit the same.

 

Differences that might matter:

 

You have a cam sensor in the place that's commonly used for an oil drain.

 

Your head has alternator mounting points that would complicate buying a replacement as a way to reduce the compression and upgrade the valves.

 

The location of the alternator and radiator will impinge on installing an intercooler.

 

Catalytic converter and emissions. 

 

 

Ethel - not all entirely correct ref cam sensor.  You cannot use the hole as an oil drain. a) it is too small and b) it is almost parallel with a GT1752 oil outlet.

 

As there aren't many turbo specific heads, it is best to get your current casting worked to take the boost and fit Stainless valves.

 

Alternator and radiator are indeed a PITA on the MPi.  I went chargecooler route, however I would suggest a side mounted radiator for anyone doing this project. If I was to do it all again, it is something I would be definitely do.

 

Cat and Emissions aren't a problem for MOT, mine passed them with ease.  You just have to make sure the system provides a stoic mixture at idle to 2k rpm on the ECU's map.

[leepol83]

Blimey it’s involved ? maybe super charger would be an option ? any thought on the supercharger and things to consider ?
Thank you

[mk1leg]

Speak to crafted classic tuning ltd 

[Ethel]

 

It's still an A Series. There aren't really any kits for any Mini, but the manifolds will fit the same.

 

Differences that might matter:

 

You have a cam sensor in the place that's commonly used for an oil drain.

 

Your head has alternator mounting points that would complicate buying a replacement as a way to reduce the compression and upgrade the valves.

 

The location of the alternator and radiator will impinge on installing an intercooler.

 

Catalytic converter and emissions. 

 

 

Ethel - not all entirely correct ref cam sensor.  You cannot use the hole as an oil drain. a) it is too small and b) it is almost parallel with a GT1752 oil outlet.

 

As there aren't many turbo specific heads, it is best to get your current casting worked to take the boost and fit Stainless valves.

 

Alternator and radiator are indeed a PITA on the MPi.  I went chargecooler route, however I would suggest a side mounted radiator for anyone doing this project. If I was to do it all again, it is something I would be definitely do.

 

Cat and Emissions aren't a problem for MOT, mine passed them with ease.  You just have to make sure the system provides a stoic mixture at idle to 2k rpm on the ECU's map.

 

Won't the turbo's oil outlet position depend on the manifold and be the same whatever A it's bolted to? Are you using the Metro manifold?

 

Agree on the head, but a point to note if you find one offered on exchange. The MPI head will have the casting improvements introduced for the Turbo, same as all the late 12g940 castings with raised gasket profiles on the top.

 

for the emissions, did you keep the MPI injectors? I was more minded of anyone thinking they could just fit an SU carb Metty Turbo style. Turboing injection ought to be easier as far as installing the hardware.

[Steve220]

 

 

It's still an A Series. There aren't really any kits for any Mini, but the manifolds will fit the same.

 

Differences that might matter:

 

You have a cam sensor in the place that's commonly used for an oil drain.

 

Your head has alternator mounting points that would complicate buying a replacement as a way to reduce the compression and upgrade the valves.

 

The location of the alternator and radiator will impinge on installing an intercooler.

 

Catalytic converter and emissions. 

 

 

Ethel - not all entirely correct ref cam sensor.  You cannot use the hole as an oil drain. a) it is too small and b) it is almost parallel with a GT1752 oil outlet.

 

As there aren't many turbo specific heads, it is best to get your current casting worked to take the boost and fit Stainless valves.

 

Alternator and radiator are indeed a PITA on the MPi.  I went chargecooler route, however I would suggest a side mounted radiator for anyone doing this project. If I was to do it all again, it is something I would be definitely do.

 

Cat and Emissions aren't a problem for MOT, mine passed them with ease.  You just have to make sure the system provides a stoic mixture at idle to 2k rpm on the ECU's map.

 

Won't the turbo's oil outlet position depend on the manifold and be the same whatever A it's bolted to? Are you using the Metro manifold?

 

Agree on the head, but a point to note if you find one offered on exchange. The MPI head will have the casting improvements introduced for the Turbo, same as all the late 12g940 castings with raised gasket profiles on the top.

 

for the emissions, did you keep the MPI injectors? I was more minded of anyone thinking they could just fit an SU carb Metty Turbo style. Turboing injection ought to be easier as far as installing the hardware.

 

 

With the fusion fabrications manifold and a GT1752 turbo, the hole is way too high. If you had a metro turbo manifold and T3, it would be just above the turbo's outlet.. It just isn't an ideal spot at all. Mine is a -10 adapter tig welded to the gearbox housing. It works well!

 

I have the SC inlet system with 2x 660cc injectors - it's rough on idle due to their size and spray pattern, but the SXtune software keeps the idle at stoic reasonably well! (which I was surprised at). If you fit a carb, I don't think you'd stand a chance passing the emissions for an MPi, unless you changed the engine for one fitted with a carb, it'd make the MOT more friendly, that's for sure!

[Ethel]

Yep, mot's go by whichever is older: engine or car. Not sure how the cat rules are applied though.