1st Gen R53 Cooper S Need Advise on Head Replacement

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by tobybrown, Mar 26, 2014.

  1. tobybrown

    tobybrown New Member

    Mar 4, 2014
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    Hello,looking for advise on repacement of the cylinder head on my 2003 MCS.The engine blew #2 plug out,my mechanic fixed with a TIME SERT,it held for a few hundred miles then blew out the TIME SERT and the plug.I'm looking for a shop here on Long Island NY that will remove and replace the head.I've had no luck in finding one,and the dealer quoted a price of over $5400.00 dollars.I have located a used head fro a 2005S for $500.Any help will be appreciated.Any Mini mechanics that would like to take it on-?Thanks -Dave
     
  2. rum4

    rum4 Club Coordinator
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    No help here but I will bump it to the top.
     
  3. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    May 5, 2009
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    If you want a big bump in performance, call Jan at RMW--you can get a much better than oem head from him for much less than $5400; along the lines of more than half that. Otherwise a used head is fine; $500 is about right for one in good condition--but make sure you have someone who knows what they're doing check it before you buy it.
     
  4. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    May 4, 2009
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    Helix is a little bit down the road in Philly may be able to help you out. They have older heads from upgrades and may have something in the "Bone Yard" that would work for you.

    They can also look everything over and install it with all the proper hardware correctly.

    They are the ONLY ones that do my motor work. :Thumbsup:

    Its worth the call and the trip to have it done right the first time.

    267-335-4337
    HELIX MINI Cooper Performance Parts
     
  5. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    Dec 22, 2009
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    Or you could just have the one you have now fixed properly. One spark plug hole that needs a helicoil does not meant the head is junk.

    You need a better mechanic.

    Like Dave O suggests, find a better shop.....
     
  6. Joker

    Joker New Member

    Feb 14, 2014
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    Quick reply . Machine shop. Ive done it on a 1969 280 sl , look for a good machine shop. The local machine shop here used the rebuild adapter for an 02 sensor machined it to fit the head.installed the plug and it worked good check engine gone .. :crazy: of course MIL did not exist during 1969. Hope this helps.
     

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