Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: MSD install with pics

Looks sweet.

 

Hummm, since "red" is faster, I have to look into this mod.

Jim

 

Doh! I knew I should have bought a red MINI....

 

Nice Jim. Always liked having MSD stuff.

 

RED is MSD's trade mark color. The thing to keep in mind is the quality of the material used by MSD. Specifically the MSD coils spark plug terminal ends. The stock unit are prone to corroding and causing misfire codes as well lower the optimum performance and reliability of the coil. BTW this is not really a coil but in the electrical definition a transformer so although the principal operation ends the same it operates slightly different from a traditional automotive coil.

You might want to name the replaced wire brand for reference?

This MSD is a universal coil with the same specifications as many auto makers coils BMW/MINI being one of them. The material used by MSD however exceeds the oem and therefore improves its reliability unlike other aftermarket coils which may have no benefits over a stock oem coil. The physical case size does not allow for voltage or other performance improvements. There is alternative for some that want a higher output coil which is to convert to 4 single unit coils. It is complicated and expensive but accomplishable with readable results.

I have found that any single spark plug wire with a resistance of 1200ohms or more might cause multiple codes i.e. lean, misfire...etc. It is VERY easy during routine engine work like changing spark plugs that when removing spark plug wires to damage the core and increasing the ohms resistance. When you remove them you it is a good idea to check via volt/ohm meter the wires condition before re installing them to eliminate future issues caused by a damaged spark plug wire.


The spacers Jim used raise the MSD coil slightly higher allowing a little more air under the coil for cooling. If you do this you must always check for clearance of the spark plug wire so other engine parts will not damage them or cause them to misfire.

Nice work Jim and great pictures!

Final note: RED always makes things faster....!:lol:

 

Nice job Jim. I made that switch almost immediately after buying our MINI. The OEM coil suffered the corrosion as is the norm... I've been very happy since. And as I had expected, the red upgrades did in fact make the car faster.... :lol: By the way, to anyone who may take on this mod, the OEM bolts will work on the MSD coil. You do have to drill out the holes a bit to accept the bolts. I can't remember what drill size I had to use, but it's a minimal amount and an easy task. :beer

 

I'm thinking this won't work on your MINI Jim. Each one of you sparkplugs already has a built in coil.

 

Have to love modern technology. How long before the plug & coil are built into the same piece?

I fear something is wrong with my MINI. No corrosion on the coil contacts. Maybe it's the dielectric grease I put on them.

Very nice write up on the install Jim.

 

Also the addition of a few more ground straps and keeping a check on the charging system and battery condition will help reduce electrolysis and corrosion to vital electronics.


Greg aka Onasled Racing has a great set up on I believe his MINI with 4 coils? But I can not seem to find the picture. That would be your que Greg! :lol:

 

Best thing about the MSD coil is the brass terminals....much better than the oem's. The red, the better construction, etc are all just icing on the cake.
As far as the spacers go, if you buy it from a mini place, it will often come with spacers and bolts that fit...
If you get it from a local place, you will need to get new bolts/modify yours, and get spacers, or reuse the factory rubber spacers....
I did not notice a differance, other than maybe a smoother start, maybe a slightly smoother idle...kinda subjective though...
Still a nice easy mod that helps keep your car running well!!

 

This one is on my list for sure. I probably need to inspect my wires for corrosion, but no noticeable issues so far. I've only had the car for 10k+ miles and its got over 80k.

Looks great!

 

Wow, this IS tricky. I realize red is faster, and I knew I didn't have to be able to see it, but even when NOBODY can see it?

 

That figures. :frown5: I have to stop reading posts about the "S".

Jim

 

Even the "S" has individual coils on the 2nd generation. Actually, its a good setup to have individual coils as compared to a single unit doing all the work for 4 plugs. I say this without the intention of starting a firestorm between 1st gen and 2nd gen owners.

COP
http://www.aa1car.com/library/copign.htm

 

Nice article Chuck

Question - When I changed my plug's out I made sure I put some Diaelectric grease on the plug terminals in the COP 'cartridge' for want of a better term. I also noticed some light corrosion on the outside of the cartridge/tube near the top where the seal is with the top of the engine. I would not think this would be a issue, would it?

 

Tim....
Most dielectric grease is a silicone base and would stand up to the higher temperatures seen at the plugs. It's going to help the sealing at the valve cover plug openings and prevent moisture that leads to corrosion at the spark-plug connection. Don't see any downside.

 

Thats not what I am asking

I did apply the grease to the inside of the connection the COP makes with the actual plug

Where I am seeing corrosion is on the outside of the COP cylinder near the top where the seal is at the top of the engine block

 

Don't know about that.....:confused5:
Pics might help.

Is your daily drive to work a short one? Maybe your engine doesn't get hot enough to drive off the moisture that forms in the PCV system? OCC installed? Could be this moisture is the cause of the corrosion?

 

I'll get some pic's

Commute is about 30 min, 27 mi's one way

No OCC

I'll start another post as we are close to hijacking this one!