My girlfriends automatic 08 S at 45k miles suffered cylinder wall scoring and oil blow-by so I had the block rebuilt. I removed the engine/transmission from the car by lowering them out after taking off as many parts as I could to ease the removal. I also removed and strapped to the side of the engine compartment the a/c compressor to avoid refrigerant release/refill. Because of the tight space around the engine I want to reattach as many parts as I can before re-installation.
I seek answers from the knowledgeable, not speculation from the curious, please.
My plan is to reconnect the transmission to the engine before re-installation.

1. Can I also reattach the intake and exhaust manifolds, and the turbo?
2. How about the pipes from the turbo to the intake manifold?
3. Because the compressor is out I don't think I should reattach the alternator until the engine is back in place. Is this right?
4. Also, should I lower the engine/transmission down into the compartment or raise it up from below?
5. Is there any good reason to disconnect the A/C lines and remove the compressor with the engine? Bentley's tells us to but I can't see that it is necessary.

Thanks in advance,
PudgyMech

 

Having never done a MINI engine drop and re-install, I am not knowledgeable. But, I would say that installation is the reverse of removal. I have done many engine swaps in my lifetime, on many types of vehicles, and it sounds like you have this figured out pretty well. Things are very tight in there, obviously. I am not sure if you will save any headaches by trying to install more parts before re-installing the engine/trans combo. Maybe someone has some shortcuts? I say stay the course, man. You have done well up to this point. Why change now?

 

You should be able to drop the engine/trans in with manifolds, downpipe, belt drive components in as an assembly if you have the front end off the car. The AC condenser will be your biggest fight, having it and the compressor out of the way will make your life easier, but not many people have a recovery unit at home.

Either way, the intake manifold is a quick install as is the exhaust manifold and down pipe, especially in service mode.

 

I did not remove the front end. It is in service position. I have avoided opening the A/C system - so far.

 

Helped do it a few times but never with the front end on since it only takes about an hour more to remove it vs service mode. Drop the subframe complete with axles, struts, etc.. then drop the engine/trans assembly down with a hoist and roll it out. Re-installation was the opposite. Even with the front end off you can move to the side and tie off the compressor and condenser coil so you don't break into the AC system.