Just wondering if you can use the cylinder head from an R50 on an R53, given that you swap the valves and seats from the S as they’re different from the Cooper Base. From what I’m getting, the heads are the same except for the valves. Can anyone confirm this? Reason for asking is that I may need a new head for my R53 and the heads are hard to come by.

 

Allmag Auto has bare S heads for 499 / 699 with cams. I would go that route - they have been ok to me in my dealings.

 

Oh cool thanks. I just checked em out. I’d assume that they should be usable heads (not warped/unable to be resurfaced)?

 

I bought from Allmag only once but that went quite well. Not a cylinder head but instead, a used shifter assy. If you go direct vs their eBay store and since you're not in Florida, you'll avoid the sales tax eBay requires be collected. Further, direct with a phone call (in my case) provided information on the donor vehicle including odometer mileage when dismantled. I wouldn't hesitate doing business with them again - although unlikely anytime soon at 8.8k current total mileage.