Hey y'all,

So... long story short - I need to either rebuild or replace my engine. I know there were updates to the engine as the r53 progressed, but I'm not sure of the extent of them. Is it limited to accessories? Pretty sure the oil filter housing was updated, the PCV, and a few other things - but what about the block/head itself? If I buy a long block from an 02-03 will I be taking a step back? or can I just swap my accessories and be good to go?

Thanks

 

I am thinking the block and head is the same. I thought the supercharger and tune changed for the facelift.

 

Rock on. Thanks, man. That opens up some possibilities.

 

The tune changed to get 5hp more with pops/burbles, and the supercharger rotors were teflon coated, like a JCW without the pulley.

 

Yea, not much difference, other than the coating on the SC, early design oil filter housing caps, the PCV design on the valve cover, I think there was some updates on the way the harness hooked around the engine bay, but the wires were the same.

 

Top motor mount is also different

 

Ooooo good one! Did the mount locations change as well? Or just design?

 

Any one know what month for MY2005 they actually started to Teflon coat the SC?

 

My 2005 Doesn't have the threaded holes in the strut tower to accept the top engine mount for a pre-facelift model.

 

I am very sure if you get a pre-05 motor and transfer your engine mount bracket (cast AL) over all will be good as if you have an 05 motor.

 

The 5th Gen Eaton M45 supercharger (with Teflon coated rotors) was used for Cooper S models fitted with a JCW Tuning Kit or built July 2004 onward.

 

I like to call these R53.2 for easy demarcation.

 

^^ This ^^
The blocks and heads are the same, so as long as you keep your old motor until the car is done and running, you'll have all the things you need, pre or post facelift donor motor.