Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: R50 or R53?

Later model R50 valve cover displays the MINI badge

 

The R50 crankshaft pulley has longer spokes and less rubber.


The impressions on the intake side of the head are different, if the gasket impressions surround each intake port, it is an R50.

 

External cooler is on the S model.

 

quick ways... the valve cove has tag "MINI" on the Valve cover.. the r50 doesnt have the badge.. just "1.6 LTR" The heads are the same from outside. with the HEAD off.. then look at the piston at Top Dead Center the r53 will be approx .145" in the hole, where the r50 will be closer to the top of the bore.

Also, yes... the r50s use individual gaskets for each intake runner ( as the Mani is plastic) the r53s use a one piece gasket for the intake.

There are major difference in the compression height and the deck.. so they wont interchange from one induction to the other... cool?? OK-OK.. they will physically interchange.. but!!!

Just saying...........................

Thumper

 

This 2002 R50 valve cover is missing the MINI badge.

 

The location of the block's coolant jacket port cover plate is another external indicator of model. Facing the engine, R53 is on the left, R50 on the right.

 

That is an R53, I can see where a supercharger and R53 belt tensioner have been in the past, and the idler would not have been used on an R50.

 

Heh. It's a crate engine!

 

Looks like you got an interesting mix there. The head looks like it was from a cooper non S as the intake looks like it had the individual gaskets and it's only got 3 studs there?? But it looks like an S block, then you have the the cooper oil filter housing. I'd be suspisious of what you got and take it apart before using it.

 

those are the valves from a r53 !! the r50s are smooth with no "l" or dimple.

just saying...........................

Thumper