Hey guys, i'm thinking about taking the plunge into the world of 240+whp by getting an RMW head/cam with injectors and a tune. I haven't been able to find a comprehensive how-to on a head swap. Does anyone know where I could find one, or if anyone has done one but hasn't posted it, would you mind sending me it? Any help is appreciated as this install scares the *%#$ outta me lol

 

If you're going to take the plunge, you might as well invest in a Bentley manual, and at least one special tool (the cam sprocket tool). There is another tool which you can make pretty easily with square bar stock and a drill, which holds the motor in place while you work. We charge $500 for the labor, so depending on where you are located, you might end up being better off just paying to have it done. There are a number of good MINI shops sprinkled around the country.

 

If your within reach of Helix, I'd go to them for the install and save youself the hassle. I know a few who have and have been nothing but pleased with the job done.

 

like helix said; bentley or haynes . you will need to fab a sproket tool . you must clock the cam prior to and dont move the crank period . the chain is marked to helpbut the crank mark would be hidden . you can mark the damper in several accurate spots (i would) just to be safe . but get the haynes or bentley and it's not bad at all .

 

Definetly get a Bentley Manual if your going to do it yourself, it will have more details than any DIY you'll find.
Otherwise like Helix said find a shop and the labor isn't too bad at $500, and you don't need to worry.

 

Head swaps arent that hard. If you have the manual and somebody who has done it before around it should be know sweat. I can swap a CBR600 head in about 30 minutes to an hour, the biggest difference there is that it is DOHC and when I am doing it the engine isnt sitting in a car. I would bet the big time adder on the MINI would be removing all the stuff so that you can get proper access to the head.

 

haynes tends to give alot of short cuts and backyard(just as good ) solutions to tools and problems . bentley will direct you to the bmw tools needed . both are good and bentley has alot of electrical schematics .haynes i s cheap . and perfect for this job . bently can be found in market place cheaper than new .

 

anyone selling their bentley? i'm having a hard time justifying $120 on a book, I just graduated university, I thought I was done with those prices!

 

Have you tried Amazon? $75

http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Cooper-Se...6050111&sr=8-2

 

Get the cam first and see if you can do it, Danny made it look simple and quick, like I could of done it myself. (I doubt it) If you have no prob either do the head or find out who can do the install.

 

market place

 

Or spend $500 to get it instaled right, no superises, no stress!! If doing scares you...unless you have a friend who has removed a head before, i would proceed with extreme caution. $120 for a book, a 140-200$ in tool that you will hopefully never use agin adds up very quickly to $500, especially if you get stuck, and need to get someone to finish it!!
Do it by all means, just do it if you are confidant you can do it after reading the book!