A SC pulley reduction (i.e., replacing the stock SC pulley with one of smaller diameter -- e.g., 15% smaller, 17% smaller, 19% smaller) seems to be recommended as the #1 bang-for-buck mod for R53s. If you're handy working with cars and have the right tools, it can be a DIY job. (Personally, I plan have a professional do mine.)

The parts -- new pulley, pulley tensioner stop, and new SC belt (if necessary) -- should only run just shy of $200. Install time might be about an hour (it's a little more difficult with the auto tranny than on a manual).

If you go with a significant SC pulley reduction (>17%), upgrading the CAI to increase airflow and going with one-step colder spark plugs seems to be recommended.

The general idea (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong) is that a smaller SC pulley provides more boost at lower rpm. The smaller the pulley, the greater the boost.

A smaller pulley will increase wear on your SC over time. However, 15% should be safe even if you track your car (i.e., regularly see high rpm); 17% is fine if your car is more of a daily driver that rarely sees the upper end of the tach, but want a little more oomph when necessary. Some people run 19%, but the consensus seems to be that you reach diminishing returns at that point. (FWIW, the stock JCW SC pulley is about 11-12% reduction, I believe.)

I'm not an expert on this subject, but I've spent plenty of time reading the threads here....

 

Ohhh, OK. Thanks so much for explaining it all! My car is a daily driver, so the 17% would be fantastic. I'd have 2 have a pro install mine, as well.

 

I hear a lot of people go from 15% to 17% and ask themselves why they didn't do so sooner!

 

Yup, I have a 2010 MCSa. I've owned many a stick shift in my day. My last being a 2006 GTO. Getting stuck in bumper to bumper traffic just isn't fun for me. I'll take the 6 speed Aisen with paddle shifters any day of the week!

Cheers!
~MattS

 

Updated 2/24/10, 1:10pm:

MINI AuTOs (MINI Automatic Transmission Owners) club roster:

1. TimL -- '05 MCS
2. Curious George -- '05 MCS
3. 10Zero -- '10 MCS
4. RJKimbell -- '08 MC
5. AggieMini11 -- '04 MC
6. Tall Mini -- '08 MC Clubman
7. 4130 -- '05 MCS
8. Ferroequine -- '06 MCS
9. BensMini -- '09 MC
10. morphix -- '06 MCS
11. VioletDC -- '06 MCS
12. MINIxB -- '09 MCS
13. MINI28741 -- '06 MCS Cabrio
14. lacynpiper -- '09 MC
15. SteelersFan -- '09 MCS
16. OXYBLUECOOP -- '07 MC
17. pilotart -- '08 MC
18. Prost -- '08 MCS Clubman
19. checkers -- '05 MCS
20. ej -- '05 MCS
21. mochi -- '09 MCS
22. sequence -- '09 MCS JCW
23. smurfette26 -- '05 MC Cabrio
24. gaffer -- '05 MC and '09 MC Clubman
25. Themajickman -- '07 MCS Cabrio
26. ran-o-matic -- '08 MC Clubman
27. calicoop -- '08 MCS
28. saturn -- '07 MCS
29. CalgaryX3 -- '03 MC
30. MinnieMama -- '08 MCS
31. onetigerlsu -- '09 MC
32. darmog -- '07 MCS JCW
33. Herleman -- '05 MC and '09 MC
34. tekron -- '06 MCS
35. old rebel -- '05 MC
36. zemina -- '10 MCS
37. Cactusflier -- '06 MCS
38. hexmonkey -- '09 MCS
39. ke4sfq -- '07 MCS
40. Kodan -- '10 MCS
41. AutoMCS -- '06 MCS
42. Tio Barry -- '10 MC
43. SteveB625 -- '04 MC
44. kopov -- '07 MCS
45. moe-jiller -- '09 MCS Clubman
46. BlimeyCabrio -- '06 MCS Cabrio
47. atcql -- '08 MC Clubman
48. gonzoe11 -- '09 MC
49. MINIchaser -- '08 MCS
50. riversong -- '05 MCS
51. ian3 -- '10 MCS
52. jnoll -- '09 MC Clubman
53. Warnen -- '08 MCS Clubman
54. Suzanne's Chili Red S -- '06 MCS
55. flint-hills-mini -- '07 MC
56. chiorozco -- '10 MC
57. wineguy -- '08 MCS JCW
58. slotibartfast -- '07 MCS
59. Hawkeye -- '09 MCS Clubman
60. danmay -- '01 MC
61. garbageburrito -- '10 MC Mayfair
62. futuremini -- '08 MCS JCW
63. MattSaint -- '10 MCS
64. clutchless -- '08 MCS
65. Davidoyo -- '09 MCS

MINI AuTOs by model:

R50_____ 7
R52_____ 1
R52S____ 3
R53_____ 13
R55_____ 6
R55S____ 4
R56_____ 11
R56S____ 22
R57_____ 0
R57S____ 0

 

2008 MCS with 15,800 miles and I want to change the transmission fluid. Researching how to do it myself as I have done it on other cars. Have the manual on CD with typical cryptic BMW instructions and have read a few others tips here. Anyone who has done it on the Aisin, I would appreciate your tips.

 

Hello, I just heard about this awesome group add me to the list. I love my automatic and I have also heard that in the 0-60 and quarter mile times that the auto is faster than the manual . I will post some pictures of my Mini here around March 6 as one of my friends will hopefully be taking some sweet shots of it.

 

Updated 2/25/10, 2:57pm:

MINI AuTOs (MINI Automatic Transmission Owners) club roster:

1. TimL -- '05 MCS
2. Curious George -- '05 MCS
3. 10Zero -- '10 MCS
4. RJKimbell -- '08 MC
5. AggieMini11 -- '04 MC
6. Tall Mini -- '08 MC Clubman
7. 4130 -- '05 MCS
8. Ferroequine -- '06 MCS
9. BensMini -- '09 MC
10. morphix -- '06 MCS
11. VioletDC -- '06 MCS
12. MINIxB -- '09 MCS
13. MINI28741 -- '06 MCS Cabrio
14. lacynpiper -- '09 MC
15. SteelersFan -- '09 MCS
16. OXYBLUECOOP -- '07 MC
17. pilotart -- '08 MC
18. Prost -- '08 MCS Clubman
19. checkers -- '05 MCS
20. ej -- '05 MCS
21. mochi -- '09 MCS
22. sequence -- '09 MCS JCW
23. smurfette26 -- '05 MC Cabrio
24. gaffer -- '05 MC and '09 MC Clubman
25. Themajickman -- '07 MCS Cabrio
26. ran-o-matic -- '08 MC Clubman
27. calicoop -- '08 MCS
28. saturn -- '07 MCS
29. CalgaryX3 -- '03 MC
30. MinnieMama -- '08 MCS
31. onetigerlsu -- '09 MC
32. darmog -- '07 MCS JCW
33. Herleman -- '05 MC and '09 MC
34. tekron -- '06 MCS
35. old rebel -- '05 MC
36. zemina -- '10 MCS
37. Cactusflier -- '06 MCS
38. hexmonkey -- '09 MCS
39. ke4sfq -- '07 MCS
40. Kodan -- '10 MCS
41. AutoMCS -- '06 MCS
42. Tio Barry -- '10 MC
43. SteveB625 -- '04 MC
44. kopov -- '07 MCS
45. moe-jiller -- '09 MCS Clubman
46. BlimeyCabrio -- '06 MCS Cabrio
47. atcql -- '08 MC Clubman
48. gonzoe11 -- '09 MC
49. MINIchaser -- '08 MCS
50. riversong -- '05 MCS
51. ian3 -- '10 MCS
52. jnoll -- '09 MC Clubman
53. Warnen -- '08 MCS Clubman
54. Suzanne's Chili Red S -- '06 MCS
55. flint-hills-mini -- '07 MC
56. chiorozco -- '10 MC
57. wineguy -- '08 MCS JCW
58. slotibartfast -- '07 MCS
59. Hawkeye -- '09 MCS Clubman
60. danmay -- '01 MC
61. garbageburrito -- '10 MC Mayfair
62. futuremini -- '08 MCS JCW
63. MattSaint -- '10 MCS
64. clutchless -- '08 MCS
65. Davidoyo -- '09 MCS
66. George Hinkel -- '06 MCS Cabrio

MINI AuTOs by model:

R50_____ 7
R52_____ 1
R52S____ 4
R53_____ 13
R55_____ 6
R55S____ 4
R56_____ 11
R56S____ 22
R57_____ 0
R57S____ 0

 

Hello everybody
I'm looking for little information. Is there anyone out there that has any information about reprogramming the control module for the automatic transmission? I'm looking to have my shift pattern change to a higher rpm before up shifting. Right now my car is shifting at about 6600 at wide-open throttle on Dyno. I would like you to reach between 7000 and 7200 if possible.

Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

Hi all, I would like also to join the drop top crew. Just a little back ground first. My first MINI was an 06 MCS 6-spd, I loved it and drove it every day to and from work. I no longer work and have joined the retirement crew. About a month ago my daughter who is now fifteen got her learners permit and wanted to drive my sixspeed!, that diden't work for her. Oh well, off to the Orlando Florida MINI dealer. I asked them if they had an auto-conv, used in "Great condition" we just happen to have the perfact car for you. So, I now own an 06-MCS, Auto,Conv. We both love it and the daughter believes she is the owner!, HA-HA. So, if you would, please put us on your list of auto owners. Thanks, George & Anastasiya.

 

yeah, buy a JCW Tune Kit for that auto of yours, and watch the magic unfold!

seriously, how about manual shifting?

 

Yes that's true, and the steekheads just can't understand why. It's also true in stock-class auto-X and other lap-timed competitions.

 

sequence believe me I'm far beyond a JCW tuning kit. It's not that I need more horsepower. I would just like a little longer legs and each gear.

 

Checkers I thought I edited my post when I saw U have a gen 1 car. so much for that NAM server hiccup.

 

Updated 2/26/10, 3:51pm:

MINI AuTOs (MINI Automatic Transmission Owners) club roster:

1. TimL -- '05 MCS
2. Curious George -- '05 MCS
3. 10Zero -- '10 MCS
4. RJKimbell -- '08 MC
5. AggieMini11 -- '04 MC
6. Tall Mini -- '08 MC Clubman
7. 4130 -- '05 MCS
8. Ferroequine -- '06 MCS
9. BensMini -- '09 MC
10. morphix -- '06 MCS
11. VioletDC -- '06 MCS
12. MINIxB -- '09 MCS
13. MINI28741 -- '06 MCS Cabrio
14. lacynpiper -- '09 MC
15. SteelersFan -- '09 MCS
16. OXYBLUECOOP -- '07 MC
17. pilotart -- '08 MC
18. Prost -- '08 MCS Clubman
19. checkers -- '05 MCS
20. ej -- '05 MCS
21. mochi -- '09 MCS
22. sequence -- '09 MCS JCW
23. smurfette26 -- '05 MC Cabrio
24. gaffer -- '05 MC and '09 MC Clubman
25. Themajickman -- '07 MCS Cabrio
26. ran-o-matic -- '08 MC Clubman
27. calicoop -- '08 MCS
28. saturn -- '07 MCS
29. CalgaryX3 -- '03 MC
30. MinnieMama -- '08 MCS
31. onetigerlsu -- '09 MC
32. darmog -- '07 MCS JCW
33. Herleman -- '05 MC and '09 MC
34. tekron -- '06 MCS
35. old rebel -- '05 MC
36. zemina -- '10 MCS
37. Cactusflier -- '06 MCS
38. hexmonkey -- '09 MCS
39. ke4sfq -- '07 MCS
40. Kodan -- '10 MCS
41. AutoMCS -- '06 MCS
42. Tio Barry -- '10 MC
43. SteveB625 -- '04 MC
44. kopov -- '07 MCS
45. moe-jiller -- '09 MCS Clubman
46. BlimeyCabrio -- '06 MCS Cabrio
47. atcql -- '08 MC Clubman
48. gonzoe11 -- '09 MC
49. MINIchaser -- '08 MCS
50. riversong -- '05 MCS
51. ian3 -- '10 MCS
52. jnoll -- '09 MC Clubman
53. Warnen -- '08 MCS Clubman
54. Suzanne's Chili Red S -- '06 MCS
55. flint-hills-mini -- '07 MC
56. chiorozco -- '10 MC
57. wineguy -- '08 MCS JCW
58. slotibartfast -- '07 MCS
59. Hawkeye -- '09 MCS Clubman
60. danmay -- '01 MC
61. garbageburrito -- '10 MC Mayfair
62. futuremini -- '08 MCS JCW
63. MattSaint -- '10 MCS
64. clutchless -- '08 MCS
65. Davidoyo -- '09 MCS
66. George Hinkel -- '06 MCS Cabrio
67. edub -- '10 MC Cabrio

MINI AuTOs by model:

R50_____ 7
R52_____ 1
R52S____ 4
R53_____ 13
R55_____ 6
R55S____ 4
R56_____ 11
R56S____ 22
R57_____ 1
R57S____ 0

 

Please add me to the club!

I have the steptronic automatic - is that what everyone else has too?... just wasn't sure if there's more than one kind of automatic.

I like the steptronic, even though I haven't even broken in my ride yet (just barely >100miles, so far)

Oh, and looks like I'll be the first R57??...

edub '10 HzB/B MCc R57

vvv (same as sig) vvv

 

Indeed! Congrats and welcome!

 

There have only been 2 automatics in the MINI world: the buggy CVT found in 1st gen base Coopers, and the rock-solid Aisin 6-speed introduced halfway into the 2005 build year for the S, and eventually finding its way into 2007+ Coopers after the CVT was laid in its grave.

 

So, to answer an old question...

My journey to the dark side is nearly complete. Checkers certainly has more power than I do with his setup - but I'm very happy with my current setup. Just got my head installed this week and the car ROCKS. Will get a dyno and tune as soon as I can get Jan nailed down on a tuning day here. But here's my current (final?) engine/performance setup:

JCW intake w/AMSoil filter
Alta silicone intake hose
DDM IC air diverter
Intake manifold ported to gasket size
15% supercharger pulley
JCW 380cc injectors
Devil's Own Water/Meth injection system
Thumper TPR-1 head (standard size valves to retain low-end torque)
RMW/Newman cam (good mid-range torque)
RMW header
One-ball exhaust
RMW tune (done before header and head - need a retune)

I had Dan at Grassroots Garage do my one-ball, pulley, cam, header and head installs. Since then, I've done other pulley and header swaps, and could have done the cam and head myself, but I opt to let Dan do that stuff while I watch/help, just be be safe.

The car SCREAMS and pulls hard to redline in 1st-4th. Pulls considerably harder in 5th and 6th than stock. Sounds like something from another world.

Much faster now than it was in the video that Tim posted earlier. I'll get good vids and numbers posted after my re-tune, as I have some pesky throttle lag issues in the 3000-4000 RPM range now that should be resolved after a tune.

Having done all this, my commentary on MCSa mods:
Pulley is definitely the biggest bang for the buck. Works best in conjunction with intake (any, but JCW is the most "refined") and exhaust (again, probably any - one-ball is a great value - Milltek is my favorite aftermarket). The "trinity".

Head fundamentally transforms the car. It's a big dollar item with labor if you don't DIY, but it makes all the other mods pay off.

Cam and Header are a great combo with or without the head - when added to the trinity, these produce a "serious" modded MINI.

I never thought I'd do a head - and was happy for a while with everything else - but eventually decided that, if I was going to get a re-tune anyway, that I might as well go for it, and am glad I did. I believe a lot of the value of a big-valve head is wasted on an automatic with its fixed rev limit at 6700. But the "milder" head seems to be a good fit for our cars - and is significantly less expensive. I'm sure others will argue this point ad nauseum. My head didn't change my idle or or the daily driver manners of the car at all. Just added more mid-range to high-end power - and maybe a little down low (I'll know when I get my throttle issue fixed).

 

Back from the dark side, you are!

 

You can add me to the list.
2010 MCS Cabrio (R57S)

 

Updated 2/27/10, 1:15pm:

MINI AuTOs (MINI Automatic Transmission Owners) club roster:

1. TimL -- '05 MCS
2. Curious George -- '05 MCS
3. 10Zero -- '10 MCS
4. RJKimbell -- '08 MC
5. AggieMini11 -- '04 MC
6. Tall Mini -- '08 MC Clubman
7. 4130 -- '05 MCS
8. Ferroequine -- '06 MCS
9. BensMini -- '09 MC
10. morphix -- '06 MCS
11. VioletDC -- '06 MCS
12. MINIxB -- '09 MCS
13. MINI28741 -- '06 MCS Cabrio
14. lacynpiper -- '09 MC
15. SteelersFan -- '09 MCS
16. OXYBLUECOOP -- '07 MC
17. pilotart -- '08 MC
18. Prost -- '08 MCS Clubman
19. checkers -- '05 MCS
20. ej -- '05 MCS
21. mochi -- '09 MCS
22. sequence -- '09 MCS JCW
23. smurfette26 -- '05 MC Cabrio
24. gaffer -- '05 MC and '09 MC Clubman
25. Themajickman -- '07 MCS Cabrio
26. ran-o-matic -- '08 MC Clubman
27. calicoop -- '08 MCS
28. saturn -- '07 MCS
29. CalgaryX3 -- '03 MC
30. MinnieMama -- '08 MCS
31. onetigerlsu -- '09 MC
32. darmog -- '07 MCS JCW
33. Herleman -- '05 MC and '09 MC
34. tekron -- '06 MCS
35. old rebel -- '05 MC
36. zemina -- '10 MCS
37. Cactusflier -- '06 MCS
38. hexmonkey -- '09 MCS
39. ke4sfq -- '07 MCS
40. Kodan -- '10 MCS
41. AutoMCS -- '06 MCS
42. Tio Barry -- '10 MC
43. SteveB625 -- '04 MC
44. kopov -- '07 MCS
45. moe-jiller -- '09 MCS Clubman
46. BlimeyCabrio -- '06 MCS Cabrio
47. atcql -- '08 MC Clubman
48. gonzoe11 -- '09 MC
49. MINIchaser -- '08 MCS
50. riversong -- '05 MCS
51. ian3 -- '10 MCS
52. jnoll -- '09 MC Clubman
53. Warnen -- '08 MCS Clubman
54. Suzanne's Chili Red S -- '06 MCS
55. flint-hills-mini -- '07 MC
56. chiorozco -- '10 MC
57. wineguy -- '08 MCS JCW
58. slotibartfast -- '07 MCS
59. Hawkeye -- '09 MCS Clubman
60. danmay -- '01 MC
61. garbageburrito -- '10 MC Mayfair
62. futuremini -- '08 MCS JCW
63. MattSaint -- '10 MCS
64. clutchless -- '08 MCS
65. Davidoyo -- '09 MCS
66. George Hinkel -- '06 MCS Cabrio
67. edub -- '10 MC Cabrio
68. vader -- '10 MCS Cabrio

MINI AuTOs by model:

R50_____ 7
R52_____ 1
R52S____ 4
R53_____ 13
R55_____ 6
R55S____ 4
R56_____ 11
R56S____ 22
R57_____ 1
R57S____ 1

 

I think this is the only thread I will contribute to anymore.

bad news today tho... my car re-developed the dreaded cold start rattle/knock/hammer, so the dealer's going to check everything out next week.

 

When it comes to modify your car I only have one suggestion. If you go to a ported or big valve head make sure you go to larger injectors and get the car tuned as soon as possible. The only problem I've ever had with my car after all the mods was that I didn't get it tuned soon enough. I learned the hard way that you don't want to run these cars on the lean side. One of the best gauges you can have is an A/F gauge.

 

is A/F available on Scangauge II?