Is there a difference between a MC and a MCS strut brace? Fitment, size, spacing, what-not. I have a MC and am planning to throw a MCS motor in it? I was wondering if my brace will clear the future motor.

 

If you can fit a MCS motor into a MC fitting the strut brace should be a no brainer.

And yes it should fit after you remove the battery box.

 

Wait... seriously, are you planning on swapping out the hood too? There is a bulge (in addition to the obvious scoop) on the MCS hood. The bulge is to fit the intercooler for the supercharger, and the scoop the air that goes through that intercooler...

I'm not sure if your swap will actually work, seems like a helluva lot of work compared to just swapping from MC to MCS... Lot of other factors too, such as if you have an older MC with the midlands tranny, not sure if that thing would cough it up given the extra power...

For the meager ~$3k price difference, I think you mean you want to switch cars...

Sorry man, just not sure if that sounds like your plans will work.

 

I'm pricing an '05-'06 LSD 6-speed. Plus, I'm putting a ViS MCS hood on the MC. Battery is going in the rear. My question is not a no-brainer since every vendor says in their disclaimer that a MCS FSB will not fit a MC but I WANT TO KNOW WHY? What IS the difference or is it hype? I have to much money and emotions invested in my MC. I don't want to start over. Plus, I would have to tear down my MCS motor anyways? Why not do it to a MC?

 

OK, well sounds more reasonable said like that... Yeah, I have no idea exactly why, but I'd say you likely have to look at the hoodline and that's gotta be it. Certainly can't imagine the strut towers themselves are different, so I'm guessing a clearance issue with the MC hood.

 

Since I am swapping hoods.....sounds plausible to me!

 

Which brace do you have? On a S, the brace will have to clear the ECU and air intake (on a Cooper, the issue is clearing the battery). Depending on the design of the brace, it will either clear or you will need a low-profile ECU cover and/or intake.

Really though, I think the brace will be the least of your worries. If your swap is successful, it would be an impressive accomplishment.

 

Most strut braces are marketed towards the MCS but will fit the MC if the battery box is altered to clear the bar depending on design.

The bonnet doesn't matter for the MC or MCS. For the MCS the intake box and the ECU cover will hit some strut braces so a flat ECU cover and notched or lower intake box tends to be the remedy.

The bolts to mount the strut bar are the same on the MC and MCS. If you are moving the front battery in your MC then you are fine. Try calling Randy Webb at Webbmotorsports.com or Eric at Helix13.com to ask about any hidden problems installing an MCS engine into an MC. Transmission from an MCS should go with an MCS engine.

Upgrade the shocks and springs along with the rear swaybar for the heavier MCS parts. Your choice on the exhaust- keep it single or make it double. Put the battery in the passenger area or go with a small and light braille battery or similar (see Helix13.com).

 

Thanks for the help. I was going to go with a Deka in the rear. PSS9's or KW coilovers are going on. Suspension is ALMOST complete. MCS swap in the future. Probably by the end of the year. Gathering prices and parts. I don't want to put something in the engine bay that I will just have to take back out and it would be wasted money if it is not interchangeable. I don't think the motor swap is going to be that difficult.

 

Thanks for your replies. I just saw Tire Rack's H-Sport FSB sale and got one. Hope it fits! Man....the wiff is going to kill me