Piper BP300 on an R50

[Gez]

Just a little update on ol'Gez! The cars going in for an upgraded camshaft and tune next week and I just wanted to share its progress. I managed to get a great deal from the guys at MiniSpeed on the camshaft and some other bits and bobs that are going to be changed at the same time (Timing chain tensioner and some gaskets).
Im really looking forward to the results. I chose the piper cam over the kent/shrick/catcams namely because of its powerband being mid range. Ive read that the engine in the R50 doesnt really like high end power so ive chosen a mid range cam. This will all be complimented by a custom tune by P-Torque.
It'll be interesting to see how the MINI performs with such an agressive cam and whether it offers the pull that Im looking for (P.S I dont want an S).

Ive been told by the few that actually have tuned up an r50 that it should produce around the same power as an early r53.

Next Plans are to get the head that I have lying around port matched and gas flowed.

[badwolf340]

Keep us up to date Jamie

[EcosseGP]

Your probably right about the power difference .. What shys you away from an S over the R50 ?

[Craig]

He's a young buck and insurance will be expensive Davy


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[Mon the fish]

Have a look at nickbmw's build on MT - he's probably at the front when it comes to getting power out of the N/A engine. Not sure what bhp he's at now.

Just be warned though - it's not cheap getting power from an N/A engine (ITBs etc) and the R53 engine has a lot of upgrades over the R50 to cope with the power - forged internals, oil squirters, plus the stronger gearbox etc.

I admire you for going down this route, just maybe not the most cost effective way to 160ish bhp

[Gez]

Your probably right about the power difference .. What shys you away from an S over the R50 ?

I wanted a challenge. Ive nearly bought an S both R53 and 56 on occasions but ive really struggled to get rid of my r50...i like it too much.

[Gez]

Have a look at nickbmw's build on MT - he's probably at the front when it comes to getting power out of the N/A engine. Not sure what bhp he's at now.

Just be warned though - it's not cheap getting power from an N/A engine (ITBs etc) and the R53 engine has a lot of upgrades over the R50 to cope with the power - forged internals, oil squirters, plus the stronger gearbox etc.

I admire you for going down this route, just maybe not the most cost effective way to 160ish bhp

Ive spoke to Nick on a number of occasions. The only thing hes done over mines, is a fidanza flywheel and upgraded injectors. The fidanza might be in the pipeline when i change my clutch.

[Gez]

Have a look at nickbmw's build on MT - he's probably at the front when it comes to getting power out of the N/A engine. Not sure what bhp he's at now.

Just be warned though - it's not cheap getting power from an N/A engine (ITBs etc) and the R53 engine has a lot of upgrades over the R50 to cope with the power - forged internals, oil squirters, plus the stronger gearbox etc.

I admire you for going down this route, just maybe not the most cost effective way to 160ish bhp

Seperate reply Woops! Funnily enough I spoke to Minispeed about ITBs as they did them back in the day. But it looks far too expensive and if I was going that crazy with money a 1320 turbo conversion would be on the cards.

[Mon the fish]

What sort of power are you aiming for? Getting hold of an R53 bottom end might be a good idea

[Gez]

Id be happy at around the 160 mark really. Should be running around 150 with the current mods. Never thought of that, might look a bit more into it.