Hey All;

First time poster. We own a 04 R53 cooper S that we use for a Track Day car. Engine has a ported head and schrick cam, pully etc...

Motor has gone bad (no compression in Cyl 2)

I see lots of stock long blocks for sale but am looking for more of a higher performance engine.

Any recommendations on shops - Especially if they are in the North East, to build a new, strong/pump gas motor?

Any thing to look out for?

Thanks

A

 

I'd start with removing the oil pan and head to figure out why it doesn't have compression in #2. Might be something fixable like broken valve or piston (with cylinder walls surviving). And then you will have data to make a decision about next steps - either to look for a new short block, long block, whole engine, or to fix the existing one.

 

Where are you seeing lots of stock long blocks? I might need one.

 

AllMag has an engine: https://www.allmagautoparts.com/coll...08-r52-r53-258

 

Sneedforspeed has a good reputation and is based on east coast (North Carolina).

https://www.sneed4speed.com/mini-r53-engine-1/

 

Since you're in the NE, suggest you check with Eric at HELIX Motorsports in Philadelphia. They've been working on MINI's since the beginning.

 

Not from the North East, but one longblock has been chosen by a number of successful racers. With its forged Mahle pistons, forged connecting rods, and heavier-duty version of ARP studs it will reliably spin to 8000 RPM and make serious power.
Link: https://store-revolutionmini-com.3dc...ine_p_114.html
It's not cheap, but the price is reasonable, considering what goes into it, and the performance that comes out.

I'm running a RMW stroker (1.8L) torque-monster version of above on the street with occasional track days, and I love it!

 

Is Revolution Mini still open ?



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Yes, Jan is about done with a 1.8 for me.

 

Did Jan finish the 1.8 for you? I dropped off my motor for him to rebuild a couple of months ago, but he stop answering emails Oct 1st.

 

Thier report shows 30% leak down in cylinder 2. In my book = ticking time bomb

People still do business with that guy?

 

That l

Looking at both compression readings and leak down on that motor don't give me worry though.

Cold leak down.... also depending on precise location of TDC/comp for each reading and what the gauge accuracy is... can cause those kinds of readings.

160PSI cranking compression looks good for me... and on a 125k mile motor...really good.

The 190k motor in one of my R53 has readings in the 30%+ on all cylinders... and 165/160/160/165 compression readings at last weeks plug change.... (cold).
Runs like a TOP.

With that combo... leads me to believe that the valve job is, appropriately, less than new.

Big worries on all these engines are over-rev, bad timing chain/tensioner etc....

I would always put in a new FW/Clutch, Chain/tensioner, and clean the pan/reseal, new F&R seals, all common seals to replace and pop in a new damper... on any W11 car when the motor comes out.... Its the right time for SC service as well

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