Question 1: When I start my R50 the engine idle ramps to ~ 1100rpms then after the rpms settle down the engine shimmys and shakes like it's going to stall, but it recovers and engine idle is normal ~ 800-900rpms. The engine never stalls. This has been present since I bought the car and never thought anything about it.

Question 2: I am trying to remove the upper and lower grill to use blackout tape on the chrome pieces and using a rachet/socket I try backing off the metal nut and it doesn't seems to back off completly???? What am I doing wrong??? When I tighten the nuts the tension increases like a normal nut/bolt would do, but I cannot get the nut off the bolt...any recommendations?

 

?1, yes thats the norm. A TSW engine damper would help and plus put what little power us R50 owners have to the ground better too. http://www.autoxcooper.com/tsw_engine_damper.html

 

Swear. ALOT.

Then go get something to place between the nut and the car body to pry the nut off while you turn it. I used a small set of snips, the wedge shape worked really well. Others have used forks, screwdrivers, or body panel prys.

You probally won't be able to re-use the nut. Zip ties work well if you don't want to go to the dealership for new nuts…