Hi all. I am a proud new owner of a R53 JCW Mini. I have already made my first mistake by breaking my valve cover while trying to install a MSD ignition coil so I thought that I would start asking questions before I go any further. I bought the Mini for the gas mileage and the fact that the previous owner took REALLY good care of it. I would like to install a OCC and I found one on Amazon that seems to be a nice one for a reasonable amount of money. You can see it here:

http://www.amazon.com/MINI-COOPER-BI...4918752&sr=8-5

I have a few questions though. What size are the hoses that attach to the valve cover? They look like 3/8 ID but I can't really tell. Also I have to either fix (JB Weld) or replace my valve cover. I will probably repair it as it has my JCW package number on it and I don't want to try to remove it. Anyway, one of the bolts on the valve cover looks very rusted. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove it without breaking it off? Maybe I could heat up that part of the head with a hair dryer and use some penetrating lube and a pair of vice grips. I plan on replacing all of the screws anyway. Any help or answers will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Gavin

soak the rusted bolts with penetrating oil and let it sit for atleast 30 minutes depending on how rusty it is...Hoses are a metric size but if you go to a local auto parts store get a ruler and measure the inside diameter ... JB weld will fix your valve cover and will withstand the temperature....good Luck

That catch can looks crap. No info on baffling at all, so it probably doesn't even have baffling.