Turbo/Engine Help

Ok I am looking to get over 300hp(but the more the better) out of a 1.8L, 4 Cylinder, its in a Mini Cooper. I would like input on what I need to do to the engine and what products to get so that I achieve this HP in a daily driver. Money is not too much of an issue. All input is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Welcome to the forum!

If money is not much of a factor, why not trade in your non-S for a Cooper S, then get an aftermarket chip for it. Or check with the Cooper enthusiast groups to see what they are doing. Since you're asking questions specific to a particular car and not "how does a turbo charger work," you should likewise be posting these questions on the forum specific to your car.

-Rod

A T25 will be too small for starters. Even with a T3-60 trim compressor wheel (the biggest you can fit on a T25 center section), they max out just a bit over 300hp

You will need a T3/T4 hybrid most likely, or in modern Garrett terms, one of the larger GT28's at least


As for engine stuff, I don't know the details of the coopers, but I'm sure there are forums where people have been down this road and could give you very good info. You want forged pistons, for example, if you are going to be aiming for impressive boost numbers and will likely want to drop your compression ratio while you are at it. Might need rods also

I can't say I'd use an aluminum flywheel with a turbo

I can't say I'd use an aluminum flywheel with a turbo

Just curious, why not?

Just curious, why not?
cause they are often weaker/wear faster than steel flywheels, and turbo'd engines are more demanding than stock engines

I'm generalizing

Hmm, I ask because I was thinking of getting a Fidanza for my project car. I don't intend to do much drag racing in the car but I do want to ato-x it and take it to the local road course once in a while. I though the lighter flywheel would suite that. However, I've been mixed opinions on whether I should stay stock or go with the lighter one.

The dilemma continues.

Hmm, I ask because I was thinking of getting a Fidanza for my project car. I don't intend to do much drag racing in the car but I do want to ato-x it and take it to the local road course once in a while. I though the lighter flywheel would suite that. However, I've been mixed opinions on whether I should stay stock or go with the lighter one.

The dilemma continues.
the performance gain from a little bit lighter flywheel is barely noteworthy. It makes the engine rev faster in neutral and might get you a couple hp. Woopie

Not saying that lightening the flywheel is completely useless, but it is given far more attention than it deserves. There are much much more impressive things you can waste your money on that will get you far better results, performance wise. Bang for the buck and all that. If money is no object and reliability is irrelevant, then knock yourself out, of course, but go all the way, if you're going to do that, and shave the crank. Can usually lose a lot more weight at the crank than the flywheel

Ah, I see your point. This is NOT going to be a track car and it won't be a DD but I still don't want to have to worry about a flywheel that could separate on me.

Thanks for the advice. That's about $400 extra bucks I can put into a Quafie.

People go nuts over flywheel weight. The point is to match it to the vehicle weight and engine torque. They can affect performance, but they are simply energy storage devices. If they're too heavy they can eat up some acceleration, but if they're too light it won't help. There is nothing more frustrating than driving a car with too light a flywheel.

well... trying to get a date with the new girl in the mailroom is pretty frustrating too.

As far as the original question... its pretty vague. That's like saying, "I have money - what car should I buy?"

With out going through too much trouble there is many different bolt-on options that will increase hps...but if a turbo is what the doctor ordered...then to get the most out of it it's best to use a intercooler in the system. Besides an intercooler looks cool if you mount it in a underbody kit.

Well, that really depends on the turbo, how much boost you run, compression, and timing. The only way I wouldn't use one is if I were running VERY low boost. Personally though, who buys a turbo to run 5 PSI? If you're going to go with a turbo, get an IC.

The problem with turbos is they don't really provide good power numbers unless they run around 8 psi polygon is right if you don't run that high of numbers get a chip. Jet performance products seem to be popular

I just don't want to get screwed at the engine shop that is all, so the more info I get in here will help me whan I go to the shop

Yes,it is a common way to increase the power with a turbo ,but there are still two thing need to be consider ,the first thing is the pressure the second thing is the coolant. If you add a turbo system on you car ,maybe you should pay attention to anothe thing,noise.

And heat. We had a Mini Copper S in at work a couple weeks ago. I'm amazed that didn't melt anything with the standard blower. It's a very small engine bay to pay a lot of power. 300bhp in a Mini is nigh on suicide.

Would there be anyway of putting a heat shield around the turbo to protect heat sensative parts under the hood?

They already have one, but that thing kicks out so much heat. Even right at front of the engine by the grill. Problem is air circulation, it's a decent sized engine in a very small engine bay. You may have packaging issues even fitting the turbo in there.

The problem with turbos is they don't really provide good power numbers unless they run around 8 psi polygon is right if you don't run that high of numbers get a chip. Jet performance products seem to be popular

Chips are of limited value in a NA car. You don't have enough airflow to get the extra power from.
8psi on a turbo can give you up to 50% more power than you currently have. Provided everything else is done properly of course.

Basically the more air you can push through your engine, the more power you can make. This is exactly what turbochargers and superchargers do, they push more air in.