1st Gen R50 Cooper R50 trans swap impressions

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by daviday, Apr 23, 2014.

  1. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    I'd like to get anyone's feedback on doing a getrag swap on the r50.

    Other than reliability what other benefits should I anticipate?

    I really love the car but my wallet hates it. It's getting more difficult for me to justify keeping it but unfortunately it looks to be the best option in the long run.
    Don't get me wrong, I'm the type that if something's broken and there is an improvement available I'd be first in line. However the lack of power and the work involved in getting a bit more seem to balance out the costs associated.
    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
    1,970
    1,586
    113
    Engineer
    Central America
    Ratings:
    +1,587 / 0 / -0
    Just out of interest what issues are you having with the MA Midlands box?
     
  3. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    From the conversations I've had with guys familiar it's seems as if I blew a bearing. Not sure which. Symptoms are: the car is getting no power to the wheels when in gear. Clutch is brand new so ruled that out.

    After reading my first post I think I should clarify that last sentence as it almost contradicts the intent of it in the first place... Unfortunately by doing that I'd be denying the fact that I'd feel better by setting the car on fire and that's not something I'm sure I feel comfortable doing on a public forum.
     
  4. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
    1,970
    1,586
    113
    Engineer
    Central America
    Ratings:
    +1,587 / 0 / -0
    If you're up for all that work swapping the gearbox to a Getrag then you might think first to split the box to see what's broken. Could a simple bearing swap. The Midlands box is so simple to pull apart and repair. You just need to buy/borrow a Harbor frieght 14 piece gear puller set.

    How do you know the clutch is good? new ones break too! but with no drive I would think the crown wheel is slipping on the diff. If so I have a good diff and pinion I don't need.
     
  5. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    Unfortunately time is not in my favor as it's my only car and I'm paying daily to get to and from work. I do agree with you though.

    I know the clutch is good because it was replaced as it was thought to be the root of the issues. (Due to either my failure to convey the circumstances in which the issue occurred or the failure of the shop to comprehend.)

    I guess it all comes down to the labor aspect. Which isn't exactly clear to me, which is what I should be talking about rather than what hardware is a better suit.

    I appreciate the offer. Thank you I'll post updates. I'm definitely going to rebuild/repair the midlands for the experience regardless. Hopefully I can get some dough back to use for something that'll be a bit more entertaining on the car.
     
  6. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
    25,144
    10,052
    113
    Writer
    Short North
    Ratings:
    +10,069 / 0 / -0
  7. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
    1,970
    1,586
    113
    Engineer
    Central America
    Ratings:
    +1,587 / 0 / -0
    if you do rebuild I can help you. Just PM me your email then I can send a repair manual, photos etc. Problem is I can't bring the diff and pinion back until May 12

    Anyway if you're like me I want to know what broke!
     
  8. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    Thanks guys. Going to make decision tomorrow morn.
     
  9. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
    1,970
    1,586
    113
    Engineer
    Central America
    Ratings:
    +1,587 / 0 / -0
    Oh BTW the diff/pinion would be for the shipping cost only from MA to where you are.
     
  10. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    Thanks man. I appreciate it. I've got a 6spd in my sights locally and a midlands in the uk. Reading and waiting for the phone to ring regarding the other parts to make the 6spd work. Such a popular car and the parts seem so unattainable. Weird.
     
  11. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

    May 7, 2009
    1,253
    443
    83
    San Francisco
    Ratings:
    +449 / 0 / -0
    No it isn't (and that's part of the appeal).
     
  12. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

    Jan 25, 2010
    1,404
    688
    113
    Pilot
    Southern NH
    Ratings:
    +688 / 0 / -0
    One bit of info....
    There are TWO POSSIBLE trannys (three if you count both 6 speed trannys)...
    The "refresh" r50/52 non s both had a getrag 5 speed.... Different spline counts on the CV joint axels.... So not 100% interchangeable.... But would likely be a simpler swap while keeping your gear ratios than going to the 6 speed s.....a few folks have said they can be a bit tall for spirited driving... No experience... But one option to consider.
     
  13. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    That was the type of impression I was looking for. Thank you. I was looking at the ratio comparisons from the link that Nathan had posted. I guess id need to look at something different in either way that I've actually driven to make heads or tails of it.
    My other concern would be the clutch and flywheel? All r53s seem to use the same clutch.
     
  14. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
    1,970
    1,586
    113
    Engineer
    Central America
    Ratings:
    +1,587 / 0 / -0
    I believe there is a lower final drive in the 6 speeds. I'd go for a low final drive, I have a 5:1 final drive in my R50 which makes it a blast to drive but I bet a little tiring on long journeys which I don't do. Where are you based? If you're junking the Midlands I'd like to have it to pull it apart....for fun! Talk to John Tee at Minigearboxes.co.uk he can hook you up with all sort of goodies.
     
  15. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    Thanks for the insight. Went with a rebuilt midlands. Don't really have the time or patients right now to set everything up proper for a swap. I plan on taking it apart when it comes out.... I'll post up some pictures when I can.
     
  16. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    Patience. Wow.
     
  17. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
    1,970
    1,586
    113
    Engineer
    Central America
    Ratings:
    +1,587 / 0 / -0
    good for it! I bet the pressed on crown wheel fell off.
     
  18. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

    Mar 12, 2012
    1,970
    1,586
    113
    Engineer
    Central America
    Ratings:
    +1,587 / 0 / -0
    did you take the Midlands apart?
     
  19. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    Of course not....That would mean things were going according to plan.
     
  20. daviday

    daviday Active Member

    Jan 15, 2014
    140
    25
    28
    Ratings:
    +25 / 0 / -0
    Hopefully have it apart this week...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    They weren't kidding when they said hand built.
     

Share This Page