Your MINI,

 The first generation mini has been produced from 2001 till 2006 all models are suitable for the conversion, however the choice of some VAG intake manifolds requires the use of a Cooper S bonnet for clearance. 

The conversion was conceived following the need to merge the MINIs handling with the power and torque of the VAG 1.8t engine and gearbox. 

 Donor Drive train, The VAG 20 valve turbo unit is ideal, coming in 1800cc and 5 valves per cylinder with external dimensions similar to the tritech Mini unit it also has the benefit of being fitted in a very large range of cars on the road today in many formats from people carriers to the Golf GTI and the Audi S3 and TT. 

 Choosing your donor vehicle wisely can save lots of heartache and money later on, although they are all 1.8t there are a large number variants, some with a throttle cable some with fly by wire, some large port and some small, if you’re planning to run the VAG turbo then the variant running the K04 is your starting point, these engines carry the BAM or AMK engine codes and have additional equipment fitted including a EGT sensor and separate air intake sensor with different manifolds ETC. 

 Gearboxes also vary, the 6 speed is the variant  engineered into the conversion as this unit can come with the output for the rear Quattro system if that’s the way you want to go in the future additionally limited slip differentials are available off the shelf. 

 The more parts retained from the donor vehicle the more cost effective the conversion can be, some parts you may choose to upgrade and some depending on your usage will be fine for running your MINI, below are some of the VAG parts that will be needed for the conversion. 1.8t engine and gearbox, intake manifold, turbo intake hose, air filter, airflow sensor, boost sensor, power steering pump, bosch 7.5 ECU, engine looms, throttle pedal, obd socket, exhaust downpipe, co2 sensors, clutch pipe work, gear linkage and cables, throttle body, injectors, coil packs, thermostat, water hoses and the starter motor. 

 On a plus side there are a number of MINI parts that will also no longer be required and can be sold to a buoyant market, the engine and gearbox can go along with the drive shafts, electric power steering pump and all ancillaries, the water header tank and power steering tanks are re used along with the mounting brackets, the ECU should also be retained to maintain your anti theft compliance of the MINIs system, for race use this can be removed.