so i had a small boat for sale and i traded the previous owner of this 08 MCS straight across. it is a 105k mile car. no squeaks, rattles etc. car has a new thermo housing and pipe to pump.

first thing i did was change oil and plugs, as i do with any vehicle i take on.

it appears it will need a turbo feed line swap. this looks like a easy enough task to take on. water pump is dry. most of the engine block is free from oil save for the front of the engine where drips of oil from the turbo feed line appear to have got on metal bits.

what have i got myself into here? with this sort of miles what is likely to need TLC and what has likely been replaced or swapped to new along the way?

overall the car is stock save for a ALTA intake. everything else is stock. my wife wants me to just do a quick sell on the car and flip it, but after a little bit of use i am really enjoying the heck out of this little burner. i restore old italian cars and those are very easy to work on and build, this seems like a well built little car, but very cramped under the hood. it appears nothing is easy to get at.

id like to upgrade the oil lines on the turbo, install a larger IC and do a nice exhaust. nothing crazy loud, but something that breathes easier. and enjoy it as best i can.

help, wisdom and guidance is much appreciated.

cheers

joe

 

You wouldn't have an X 1/9 laying around, would you?

 

Not at the moment. Sorry

 

Welcome to NAM! Beautiful car, know what you mean about enjoying the heck out of them.
There are all kinds of articles and free application guides on our website for service, maintenance, accessories and upgrades which should help. Please feel free to ask any questions!

Here is some info on the turbo and parts:

http://new.minimania.com/Search_Resu...20line/default

water pump application guide:
http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper...lication_Guide

intercooler and installation video:

http://new.minimania.com/Intercooler...e_Upgrade_Kits for Forge and Wagner:

http://new.minimania.com/MINI_Cooper...n_Instructions

http://new.minimania.com/MINI_Cooper...rade_by_Wagner


Hope this helps!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

Like a mini gold mine of info. Thanks for that! I've spent all my time building old alfa romeos and a Ferrari the last few years, this is the newest car I've had to wrench on. Only thing that freaks me out is the gigantic lack of accessibility to major working components

 

I actually had one back in the mid 70s. Was a piece of junk, but was a good looking car..

 

I loved the 2 I had

 

All the Italian stuff from that Era was built like crap. But when it ran right nothing was better fun or looks wise

 

Long time ago --- late '60's, I had a friend with an Iso. Haven't seen any others since then, have you? Love to get my hands on one.

Take the wife's advice and flip it. If you're hooked on Mini's, hold out for at least an N18 engine version, or newer.

 

Why is that? I'm new to them, so I'm not fully up on what constitutes a good gen from a better gen engine, platform etc

 

N14 is gen 2 only. N18 is late gen 2 and into gen 3, I think --- not sure when or if it stopped. A good gen 1 is also a worthwhile investment.

N14 chronic problems consists of at least ---
Timing chain / tensioner - loses tension
High Pressure Fuel Pump - loses pressure
Aux water pump (for the turbo) - fire hazard
Water pump - leaks
Thermostat housing - leaks
Valve cover / PCV - PCV malfunctions / cover leaks
Turbo oil feed hose - clogs / leaks

There are other issues often reported, but these are the most common.

Mini dealer might be able to tell you about service history --- whether or not these items have been replaced. If you intend to do your own servicing, a Bentley service manual is a "must-have" item. And be prepared to buy "special tools", regardless of gen #.

I agree, they are a blast to drive. A larger IC and nice exhaust would be a good investment for any gen --- anything to improve breathing.

 

Here is a breakdown of the years, models, engines, etc.:

http://new.minimania.com/MINI_model_designations

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

I had a 1958 Fiat Spyder for more than 40 years - my high school graduation car. Easy to work on, but I got part-way through a restoration and gave up - sold it to a gent in Denver for about 10x what my dad paid for it in 1968.

This is a factory promo shot - Italian cars are FUN!!



1958 Fiat 1200 Spyder (Transformabile).

My daughter's 2011 Minicooper S is much faster, but much harder to work on. There's no room to work under the hood on anything today...it's a pain.

 

this is our little Alfa we did a ground up on. engine, interior, body and paint all done in our garage at home.

this one is a keeper.