Hello All,

I did some searching but did not find the answer so apologies in advance if this question has been answered elsewhere.

I recently purchased a 2004 r53 MC40 that is in need of a clutch replacement. My original plan was to only drop the subframe and transmission, however, after removing the transmission I decided to pull the engine and take care of other leaks and replace the timing chain assembly. My reinstallation plan is to install the subframe and then mate the engine and transmission and install them as a package.
Will this work or am I missing something by doing the reinstallation in that order?

 

When I bought mine I didn't have time to do the clutch myself. The shop I took it to preferred to pull and replace as a unit. Said it was about the same time wise, gave more access, etc. You should be good.

 

^^^ What he said.

 

No, you're not missing a thing, it's exactly how I would do it, much easier to get your transmission alignment correct out of the vehicle, and much easier to handle as a package then transmission alone.

 

I installed my engine/transmission with the subframe in place. I would suggest leaving the harmonic balancer and serpentine belt tensioner off the engine until after the powertrain is hanging in the car. Mine were on, so I had to do some creative tilting of the assembly and jacking to clear the plastic "wall" on the driver side and I still ended up breaking the shift cable bracket on the transmission.

I've done many, many engine replacements (Volvo and Ford) and I rate my own engine replacement as the most frustrating (done the way I did it).

 

I've had a few viewers request where they can buy the tools they see in some of my videos but it's not very clear that the "SHOW MORE" tab has a lot of information in that may be of interest.

 

Since these early MINIs have no pilot bearing, getting the transmission back in with the engine in place can be a PITA. When I swapped my clutch it took me and my brother-in-law almost two hours to get the transmission aligned. I know that others have slipped in right away but mine didn't. Also, with the engine out you have access to a lot of problem areas, i.e., the oil filter housing where it would be a great idea to change the gaskets while it's convenient. You're going to be changing your rear engine seal and the front engine seal would be easily accessible at that time also. Other parts also, i.e., idler pulley, belt tensioner, supercharger oil change, etc.

 

I'll be doing an install soon. I have the subframe out and refinished. I was going to install the subframe first then install engine and trans. Are you guys saying to install engine and subframe as a package? Thanks.

 

There's no issue installing it first.
The only time it becomes an issue being in, is when you are doing a "transmission only" job, engine and transmission together is no problem at all.

I've done 3 clutch jobs on our various Mini's, always just pulled engine and trans together, and never once pulled the subframe.

 

Thanks for the help. I'll start a thread with pics as the reassembly starts.