Hey NAM,

so I got my car back after installing pulley, plugs, headers and exhaust but I was noted that the passenger motor mount failed, front control arm bushings cracked, valve cover gasket leaking and a torn cv boot. What is the best way to go about repairing these? And how much do I ask from my uncle? (kidding but seriously what dollar amount am I looking at)

 

Depends on how handy you are...
Passenger motor mount (assuming it is an oil filled 2005-2008 gen1) can be found for about $100...be about $200 installed total...

 

if I replace the passenger mount, should I replace any other mounts? My main concern is the control arm and cv boot (axle replacement)

 

Look into Greeneperformance.com they have Vibra-technics mounts. They won't fail. And are of far better quality than the rest. They can handle the rest of the parts you need if you email them. Get the poly bushings for the lower control arm bushings.

 

Just fix what needs to be fixed....
Ignoring a bad upper mount can lead to clutch issues...motor thrashes around...other issues are possible longer term...so fix it.
If they did not mention the lower mount is bad, you can certainly have them look at it...
But I would do the most obvious stuff first...
The torn boot may or may not require a change of the CV joint...
Dirt gets in...and the bearings wear, and they fail.
I'd trust the shop to make the descesion...but I'd lean towards replacing it...
Valve cover gasket...not sure...but think I have read a few of lks that diy'd it...sounded pretty simple...part cos is next to nothing...it is a hour or two of labor.... But if it is not leaking bad...you can likely keep checking your oil, and "get around to it".....
Control arm bushing...I'd say have them do it...again...parts are pretty cheap.. Most go with powerflex since they last longer than the crappy rubber OEM ones...don't recall the $$ from when mine were done...

 

thank you for the input

 

greeneperformance costs a lot more than some other websites I have checked for that same motor mount, the site is in USD correct?

 

That mount costs about 3x the stock...but should last for life...
I found the stock usually lasts for about 40,000 miles......

 

Good you got your MINI back. Sounds like you have a few projects ahead as well. If you choose to tackle them yourself, we have a pretty extensive parts catalog covering the items you need here, and a helpful article on control arm/bushing replacement here.

Mark/Pelican Parts

 

I actually have most of what I need added in the cart but it seems you only carry the oe replacement motor mount, do you have anything besides that?

 

From my brief searching Greeneperformance is a little cheaper (if you're in socal you may be able to pickup and save shipping). Zippy is right, they aren't cheap but they will last. And I'm pretty certain if you ever turn your car into a track rat you can order the innards and swap from road to track without buying new mounts. Once you see and feel one in person you'll see it's worth the extra cost.

 

yeah i'm currently in a dilemma as I only drive about 4000 miles a year, so do I foot the cost right now or wait X years till the OEM fails...

 

Well, if you do the upper and lower VT mounts they will pretty much so the engine from bouncing around giving you a crisp throttle feel since the motor can't move it puts the power to the wheels quicker.

 

[SIZE=5]jsquaredkim[/SIZE] did you get all of your repairs completed? I just found your post, so was curious. I replaced everything in the front end of my wife's R50 a few months ago including the control arm bushings. This was the result of a torn outer right CV boot and due to the fact that not a single nut would come off of a bolt on the ball joints and the strut pinch bolt broke off in the steering knuckle.

 

I have to say the V-T lower mount has more than paid for itself in the first week since I've installed it...just with the enhanced gear shift feel.

Seriously, I always wondered why the Getrag six speed got such raves, I found the shifting in my R53 nothing special until putting in the V-T lower motor mount....the difference is more than just wishful thinking and I find myself making up reasons to go for drives just for the enhanced play value of the car now. Mucho bang for the buck, and I love the slight growl coming through the floor too.

Yes, it is not a cheap part, and that is exactly why I recommend it, built beautifully, and it performs as advertised, something I can't say for a number of the mods I've done on the car since getting it.Highly recommended!

Oh, and +1 on the Powerflex LCA bushings too, a major improvement on OEM and nice to know I won't likely have to do them again for a long, long time.

 

everything has been replaced! just waiting for my adjustable rear sway to be finished up.