Little Red can definitely be described as that which does not kill me makes me a better mechanic.

Results are exceptional! It's a tight little mini.

 

That is an awesome build! How did you work out that you needed a new thicker headgasket?

 

That was thinking through it with MWMWMWM. Once we stepped back and accessed what was done to the block and the head, it became very obvious we needed the thicker gasket. We also inspected the final report from the machine shop and the amount that was shaved. Both were warped to a certain degree. In fact, I've had 2 heads and 2 blocks worked on and both sets needed to be shaved. I'm predicting the on the next build, that head will need it too.

 

Really enjoyed reading through the past posts and enjoying the updates of the work you had done to your Mini. I recently purchased a 2008 Mini Cooper s with over 110,000 miles, and thought I would be able to slowly work through it before anything major happened! As you can guess that didn't happen! LOL

Cylinder 2 misfire that is turning out to be possible bad valve and seals, so now contemplating a head rebuild and maybe a block rebuild.

I live in Colorado as well, so I am glad you mentioned the machine shop you used!

If you were to start this project over again knowing the mistakes made...what would you have done and what do you think the total cost would have been?

I read were you over bored the block, but is it possible to stay stock or is it just better to upgrade while everything is this far in?

Thanks for your time!

 

PM Sent, I'll be happy to help.

 

When are you moving to Kentucky so you can take care of my R53? You, are just too damn good. I'm a "parts replacer" and not a very good one. Wow!

 

I’ve actually been toying with the idea of picking up an R53 as a project. I think it would be fun to work on the supercharger.

 

Hi looking for some help in finding a good mechanic to help fix my mini. Got a 2008 Mini Cooper S. Dealer said cylinder 4 needs work (could be the head or piston not sure yet. had a second opinion done and said the same thing.
Anyway, long story short and sorry for stealing this thread (and how I wish you live close to me texasmontego! :-) I am trying to look for options and possibly a mechanic that lives close the to bayarea (northern Cali and east bay to be specific) that can work on my car.

Thanks for the help and sorry again for using this thread for an inquiry.