R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 New 2002 MC owner

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Old Jan 6, 2019 | 02:15 PM
  #1  
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bodydrp
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New 2002 MC owner

Hi everyone I recently picked up a 3002 Mini for $300. The car had been sitting in a garage for 2 years after the owner limped it home and that’s where it died and sat ever since. I needed a commuter car Although not my first choice ( I’m a Subaru STI guy) my wife loves the MC and it’s stsrting to grow on me. So after some diagnosis, leakdown tests were all over the place own cylinder one and 2 I was just going to throw in a used motor but after pulling it out I decided for a light rebuild. Here is my list. As of right now. Let me know if I’m missing anything.
Head being rebuilt
waterpump
alternator
timing chain kit
clutch kit
harmonic damper
Once it’s up and running I’ll be adding lowering coils, big brake upgrade, short throw shifter, cat back exhaust and bigger wheels
is there anything else I should focus on while the engine is out
thanks
 
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Old Jan 6, 2019 | 06:19 PM
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WayMotorWorks
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Looks like you already have a big job going. I'd get it back together and driving then you can find out what else you need and do the repair items before doing mods.

But if you pulled the subframe for the engine job or just while the engine is out I'd go ahead and do the powerflex control arm bushings as they are always worn out.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/powerf...shing-kit.html
 
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Old Jan 6, 2019 | 06:33 PM
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Partial list of other items you might want to inspect / replace
1. knock sensor seal (common oil leak)
2. front and real main seals (common oil leaks)
3. intercooler gasket set (dry rot and split)
4. Coolant reservoir (if it is plastic and yellowed, then best to replace before it leaks)
5. control arm rear bushings (if not already replaced, they are bad)
6. belt tensioner and belt (inspect and replace
7. if you do the timing chain the VVT solenoid.

There are tons of other parts to inspect and replace as needed (suspension, hoses, power steering pump, tie rod ends, etc.). recommendation is to get it running as cheaply as possible and drive it. You can then decide if you want to plow more in parts you are talking about.

All service work is time consuming on this car and, depending on your patience level, you may decide to unload it after you wrench on it a bit. You can always sell a running car . . .
 
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Old Jan 9, 2019 | 08:02 PM
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If it was me ..I would do the bare minimum to just get it up and running and driving. Once that's out of the way, then you can start modding it. I picked up a nice 05' Audi A4 quatro with a dead cylinder (no compression) for $500......I'm doing the same thing ....getting it running and driving first...then go from there.

Sounds like a fun project....a mini for $300 is a steal!
 
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Old Jan 10, 2019 | 06:19 AM
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bodydrp
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The machine shop called me. One burned up exhaust valve and the others had so much carbon buildup on them that they wouldn’t seat properly. So it was exactly what I suspected when I performed leakdown
 
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Old Jan 26, 2019 | 01:37 PM
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bodydrp
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Car is up and running. I sunk about $800 in parts into it and runs good. My only regret that I should have re read this thread before I put it all back in the car, was I overlooked the rear main seal. I hope it doesn’t come back to haunt me anytime soon. And it seems the power steering is not working so I have to look into that.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2019 | 09:27 PM
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There's an extended recall on the power steering pump. I bought mine used with 47K miles in March 2017 and they still honored the recall. Check with your local dealer.
 
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