The Drivetribe team and Izzy Hammond gave us a call at Lohen after they'd run into a spot of bother with their beloved MINI R53 Cooper S, affectionally known as Stanley.
After a check over it was evident that the engine had suffered a failure. Izzy and the team were keen to get Stanley running again and had some big plans for 2025, including Izzy's first race at Silverstone.
We had already installed a Lohen 2 piece big brake kit, Safety Devices roll cage and Lohen door cards and foot plates so Stanley was beginning to look the part as a track going car. Over the last year we had been busy testing a new engine concept on our R53 Cooper S demonstrator, Trouble, we decided that this would be a great opportunity to try something a little different and create a big difference to Stanley, we discussed this Izzy and the Drivetribe team and as you'd imagine they were super up for creating a stir. After all if it went wrong it'd make great TV, at least for some - eek!
We decided to put in the Lohen WX3 W11 engine which is a big bore, big valved ported head engine and we'd need the help of a standalone ECU to allow accurate tuning and look after the new powertrain that we'd be installing.
It was also time to add some drivetrain upgrade to allow Izzy deploy and utilise the extra power we'd be giving Stanley, so in went a Quaife differential to the build. We opted for the Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing (ATB) differential, rather than the traditional LSD which may have offered a more track focused option for a few reasons: with it being Izzy's first track going car and first time racing the MINI it would allow a smoother transition for the driver and be easier and quicker to familiarise with, the Quaife is super capable, service free and allows the car to be driven and manoeuvred on the without excessive noise or effort, a requirement for the Drivetribe team so they could keep the car useable on the road.
New engine concept
We had been working on a special big bore W11 engine for a little while because we wanted to provide an option to R53 and R52 Cooper S, JCW and GP owners that retained the linear power delivery and supercharger whine that is just so infectious of the Gen 1 platform and do this with by keeping things as standard as possible in the engine bay to make it accessible to more people. Further to that, the cars and the engines are becoming older and we were seeing many Cooper S, JCW and GP models now going under the knife for some form of engine refresh and maintenance, going bigger on the bores and increasing capacity seemed to present good value for the likely power increase it would deliver over a standard size rebuild.
We developed a suitable sized forged piston, retained the stock stroke so there was need for expensive custom connecting rods or crankshaft. We chose the to use huge flow flow potential of the Lohen ported cylinder head with the 1.8mm and 2.3mm oversized inlet and exhaust valves and beehive spring kit from Supertech to help get a greater capacity and air in and exhaust gas out of the larger displacement engine.
Engine Control Unit
Once we had the engine concept built and checked it was now down to control. The standard ECU just does not have the consistency of control and feedback loops required to run the larger capacity engine and higher fuelling demands well enough. So we looked for options on engine control units. We wanted to ensure the ECU was great value for money but also had great functionality, it had to allow for more sensors and inputs to be included, especially for us during the development phase, and allow for dashes and a data logger to be included, which are ideal for track enthusiasts and racers.
After consideration we settled on the ECU Masters EMU Black ECU and set to work ensuring the engine could be tuned. After a few hours in the dyno we had something that was running nicely and looked super clean and safe on the dyno. Inlet temperatures were in a very comfortable point, the supercharger clearly wasn't being overworked and the fuelling was spot on and no silly idles from cold or standing.
Installing the concept
We were happy and busting to give the engine and tuning a go outside of Lohen. Income Drivetribe - Perfect! The risks were high and a very public failure played at the back of minds but sometimes you've got to trust in the processes, the results and the team.
Over the week we removed, installed and tuned the new engine and the team pulled it together brilliantly. Izzy even got stuck in to help out with both the installation and inspection of the broken engine to find out exactly what had failed, although we never did get out of her if it was her or Richard who was driving the MINI when it went pop.
The Results
Stanley performed exactly as expected, the Lohen W11 Config 3 delivering 304 BHP with the tune delivering the power as in the typical linear fashion to be expected from a supercharged engine.
We kept things nice and safe, not pushing the the rev limit too hard and with oodles of injector capacity and fuel remaining.
The torque level was also pleasing, 320 Nm from a supercharged MINI is strong, competing with Stage 1 tuned 1.6L turbo R56 models, and increasingly delivering the torque all the way to the limiter.
Stanley's specification
Powertrain
- Lohen engine
- Lohen 15% supercharger pulley
- Lohen tuned ECU Masters EMU Black
- Lohen High Flow Fuel Pump
- Bosch 550cc injectors
- Pro Alloy intercooler
- Scorpion manifold and sports catalyst
Other features:
- Lohen 2 piece Big Brake Kit
- Lohen Undebody chassis brace
- Lohen installed Safety Devices Cage
- Lohen door cards
- Lohen passenger and driver foot plates
- Lohen engine pulleys - Alternator pulley, idler pulley, tensioner pulley
- Lohen engine dress part - Oil filler cap - Retro design and rocker cover bolts
- Team Dynamics 17x7" wheels
The eagle eyed may notice a different clutch kit featuring on the video with this engine install, we'll be launching the Uniclutch product shortly for the MINI which is offer a great solution and cost effective option for high performance clutches, sign up to the mailshot below to get more information on these and other new products and events that will be launching.
Exploring Lohen’s WX3 Engine: Your Questions Answered for a 300bhp MINI Build
Dreaming of a 300bhp Gen 1 supercharged MINI? Lohen's BX3 engine package could be your ticket to big performance—but there’s plenty to consider before you dive in. We've rounded up some crucial questions to help you understand what’s involved in building a reliable and powerful 300bhp MINI:
- What internal upgrades does the BX3 engine include to handle 300bhp reliably?
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Lohen are using custom sized forged pistons, connecting rods, and upgraded bearings that ensure strength and reliability to the bottom end but the power is in the head - the Lohen ported big valve cylinder head - check it out for more information
- What supercharger setup is recommended or supplied with the BX3 package?
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The supercharger is the standard unit so there’s no big expense and complicated installation required—using the Lohen 15% Supercharger pulley with the Lohen BX3 engine was sufficient and efficiently delivered the targeted 300bhp. You can also run a 17% pulley if you are looking for more power low down.
- How important is ECU remapping, and will a custom tune be required for achieving 300bhp with the BX3?
- Vital if you want it to last! We’re using larger injectors, High Flow fuel pump, Performance camshafts and a larger capacity engine - this is where the ECU Master EMU Black came into its own. We were able to create custom fuel and ignition maps and there are additional safety controls that the EMU Black offers over using the standard ECU, looking after your investment. Check out the dyno graph to see how smooth the power delivery is.
- Which supporting modifications are essential alongside the BX3 to reach 300bhp safely?
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Not as many as you’d think. It’s not dissimilar to doing a mild bolt on upgrade tune. A good quality intercooler is key, injectors, supercharger pulley upgrade and nice free flowing manifold. Check out the Lohen port matched CNC’d manifold.
- Is Lohen's BX3 engine suitable for daily road use, or best kept for track days and competitive driving?
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Despite its significant power increase over the standard engine - yes. Fitting a sensible drivetrain package is important to get a good clutch balance and distribute power. Learn more about these here
- What maintenance and servicing are recommended for a BX3-powered MINI running at 300bhp?
- Be good to it and it’ll be good to you. There’s nothing over the top here, annually for regular street driving or every couple of track days depending on use. Use our recommend fluids- you find those here
- Can I buy the BX3 engine?
- Yes - Exclusively built by Lohen, the WX3 is available to purchase online and Lohen offer a complete installation and tuning service. Get your 300 BHP supercharged engine
- Is it street legal??
- Yes - The engine still performs within emission criteria to pass an MOT and will run on high quality road fuel. But, check your local authority if you need to advise on a capacity change.
- Are drivetrain upgrades required?
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Yes - we would advise so. More power and torque will mean more stress on the clutch and differential. Learn more about differentials and their benefits for the MINI here
Have more questions or insights about tuning your MINI to 300bhp with Lohen's WX3 engine?
