2nd Gen "How To" Can a N18B16A engine be used in place of a N14B16A engine? Thanks in advance.

By Jim Thomas · May 8, 2020 ·
  1. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Welcome to MA! I believe you would have to change the ECU and the BMC. The N18 is a double VANOS the N14 is single . you could check with chad at https://www.detroittuned.com he could tell you what all you would need.
     
  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Also you could check with https://www.allmagautoparts.com they may have a N14 motor. Moth them and Chad at detroit tuned know Minis and help the community
     
  3. Jim Thomas

    Jim Thomas New Member

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    Thank you very much. Information is very limited on these.
     
  4. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    We are here to help. What are you working on?
     
  5. Jim Thomas

    Jim Thomas New Member

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    I've got a 2007 cooper s with a bad engine. The engine thats in it is a N14B16A. I've located a very complete N18B16A engine for a very affordable price. I'm just wondering if the N18 engines hard parts will work for my N14. I'm in need of cams, cylinder head, and block.
     
  6. MCS02

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    #7 MCS02, May 9, 2020
    Last edited: May 9, 2020
    The N18 parts will not work on a N14 engine. They are too different. And unless you want to do an ECU swap you can not swap the motors. Allmeg is the best place I know for used parts I would check and see if they have what you need.
    let us know how it works out
     
  7. Jim Thomas

    Jim Thomas New Member

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    Thank you for your time. We are new to the Mini world. We are going to check with Allmeg on Monday morning. Thank you again for the help.
     
  8. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Anytime. The N14 has a problem of the valves building up carbon on the intake valves due to the PVC system. Because it is direct injection no fuel passes over the valves to keep them clean. About every 30,000 to 40,000 miles you will need to get the intake valves walnut blasted to get them clean. If you let it go to long it will start to run bad and finally a valve will stick open and you will be pulling the motor apart agin. Don't follow MINI's oil change interval it makes it worse. I change my oil every 3,000, you could get by with 5,000. But that hot turbo is hard on oil.
    I am sure you know this by now but you will need a special tool to lock down the cams and flywheel, there is no work around. Also I would replace the timing chain while you are in there. This is the kit I used.

    https://www.detroittuned.com/mini-n14-timing-chain-kit/

    It comes with every thing you will need including a new tensioner. I would not reuse the cam bolts. Also DT will rent you the tool for the cams and crank.

    Good luck let us know how it goes
     
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  9. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I almost forgot, make sure you follow the torque specs. You don't want a sprocket slipping. I have them if you don't already know them.
    If you are going to do all your own work I would buy a Bentley manual, it is well worth the $100.
     
  10. jgoeke

    jgoeke New Member

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    Hey so I have a 2010 S (N14) that needs a motor also. Any more info on how to update to a N18? I see the ECU update along with the engine, but just wondering about what else needs to be done.
    Thanks in advance!
     

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