As the title says we were getting estimates today for the head work and a lot of local shops are afraid to work on the Mini because they don't have the "special tools" needed to work on foreign cars. I'm pretty good with anything mechanical, from looking at it with just the covers off it looks like a fairly normal 4 banger to me. I'm guessing it can't be any worse then my Miata and I did a complete rebuild on that. So my question would be, am I missing something or are there "special" tools needed to work on this? Also has anyone else gotten head work done on one of these, what were the price ranges you got?

 

I really dont think there are any special tools...if there are you can usually modify tools you already have. You dont even need the 'special' tool to replace your supercharger belt...it can be easily done without.
If you rebuilt your Miata, there is no reason you cant do work on your MINI. Thats my two cents worth anyway.

 

I would agree. Sometimes are a PITA to get to, because it's tight in there and you have to take some things out to get to other things...but you should be familiar with that having owned and worked on a Miata

 

I just replaced the head on my car with a basic set of tools. It's pretty straight forward. I would suggest picking up a Bentley manual and doing it yourself. Only special tool I would suggest is the tensioner tool. While the Miata does have more room to work with, the Mini isn't anything special as far as engines go.

 

I think the only true "special" tool I don't have for general maintenance is a torx #25... well, and the two pulley tools...

 

If the shops can work on a Dodge Neon, they can work on this engine. They're from the same "family" of motors, i.e. damn near the same.

 

To remove the head from the car, you will need a special tool to hold the camshaft from rotating as you remove the cam's gear/timing chain. I made one from some aluminum and a little machining work.

 

I just kept the car in gear and wedged my tensioner tool between the brake pedal and seat. Worked well.

 

Does anyone have plans for those tools, and I was also wondering is the engine an interference type engine?

 

It is non-interference.