I've posted a couple of threads about the 2006 S I bought a few years ago. Previously I refreshed the suspension and brakes. But I fully intended after I retired to tear the car apart and refresh everything. I didn't know if anyone is interested in this, but thought I'd post some of the progress.

Everything is out of the car and the engine bay has been detailed and touched up. I had the subframe and suspension bits sand blasted/powder coated. Factory new motor is on the engine stand ready to install.

Steering rack, AC setup, alternator and throttle body are being reused. Everything else is new including all poly bushings. I considered a new steering rack, but at some point I had to just stop buying parts.

I am waiting for a few final items that have been ordered. Also, planning on having a flow bench test of the head I ported and of a stock head to see if I did ok and want to install the ported one.

Gonna be a few months at this. But at least it's coming along. It'll be nice to have essentially a new, 59k mile 2006 Mini Cooper S.

 

Looks good, plus the added benefit of starting with a very clean platform to aid in future maintenance and upkeep.

 

looking fantastic. very interested in seeing this as it goes

 

Sweet!

 

Hey guys,
I've ordered a bunch of my parts through you guys. Last order had the Canton power steering reservoir. Just thought I'd check to see if the end of March ETA is accurate or if I might could expect it sooner? Fingers crossed.

 

Hello, thats great!

Yep looks like that's the time frame still.

 

As an aside, I have also been refinishing in black oxide all of the bolts. Seems to be working pretty well. Certainly more cost effective than buying all new bolts. First pic shows a tired bolt and a sand blasted one. Second pic shows the bolt after black oxide.

 

Subframe is in. New power flex bushings all around. Only parts that aren't new are the steering components and the firewall heat shield. Ready for the motor. Gotta swap on the ported head, but maybe I'll have it together soon. Not in a rush. We just got another light cold snap up here.

 

Looking very good! Nice motoring weather should be arriving soon!

 

Motor is together. Added lightweight flywheel. Waiting to clean the trans and mate the two. Maybe have installed next week. Our maybe the next😏

 

Excellent! That's going to be a dang nice Mini!

 

Yep, looks great! I dont think i have seen an R53 valve cover painted blue. Seen them in red and some people do it in the old British leyland green.

 

My mini is space blue hence the blue theme. I know it's not everyone's taste, but the blue pulleys from lohen and the painted cam cover turned out pretty good. I've also thermal ceracoated the intake manifold, supercharger horn and rear trailing arms. It's a theme I guess.

 

Love the cerakote👍

 

Thanks for comments. Here's a pic of the ceracoated rear trailing arm. The coating seems to be holding well.

 

That's Mini ****!

 

Is that diy cerakote?

 

It is diy. I used to do a bit for small projects at work. Iirc it's the thermal, air dry formula. Hope that helps.

 

Yes sir, that helps a lot. I’ve been wondering how well the diy performed, I have several projects im thinking of using it on. Thanks for the info. 👍

 

Awright, let's clean up that dirty muffler hanger donut! It's sticking out like the proverbial sore thumb!

 

looking well put to together. what coilover kit is that, if i may?

 

I'll try to get to the back of the car and get that donut sorted🤠

The coilovers are from Feal. I would go slightly softer if I had it to do over again. They provide swift springs so different rates are easy to spec. The guys at Feal were very easy to work with after I couldn't get hold of Jan.

My setup was fine when I thought I'd do more track days. As a street car I would have gone with Ohlins. I hope that helps.

 

I'm taking too long at this, but quick update since I've made some progress. Motor is in. Pics attached. Maybe this weekend I'll get the axles in. Also shooting for the subframe to get bolted up. More to come.

 

what engine mount (right) is that? and the belt dampener?

looking clean!

 

The mounts on the engine side are stock, powder coated black. Just be sure to sand the powder cost off where they directly bolt to the engine. That's where your ground is and the motor won't run if the powder coat insulates the mount from the motor.

The passengers body mount is a Vibratechnics. They make one for the trans side too, but I'm good for now with poly bushings.

The dampener is an ATI with titanium screws.

I hope this helps.