1st Gen R50 Cooper Most liked posts in thread: R50 trans swap impressions

Hopefully have it apart this week...





They weren't kidding when they said hand built.

 

Of course not....That would mean things were going according to plan.

 

So I never got around to opening up the midlands that this thread is referring to. I actually sent it off to Jon Waterhouse in upstate NY. Great guy to deal with and for anyone in need of replacing their midlands, this is another great contact.

Unfortunately and ironically, not but 5 days after I sent off my old box, I downshifted into second to slow for a red light, as the light turned green, I got on the throttle then, almost immediately, I heard something so horrendous it instantly made me sick to my stomach. I knew exactly what happened. It literally sounded like a bunch of tools rattling around a metal tool box.

Anyway, luckily I was close to home and able to leave the car until this AM. Same symptoms except slightly different noise. There's like a wholloping when the clutch is not depressed in any gear and in neutral. However when my foot is on the clutch it's quiet. Weird.
I sourced an 05 6spd and will be piecing everything together this week. Hope to have it back together by the weekend. Not sure how likely that is but wish me luck.

I've also attached two shots of the broken output shaft in the old box. Why there isn't a recall on this is beyond me.

I'll try to take as many pictures of my swap as I can. The new box should be here tomorrow or wed latest.

 

From the conversations I've had with guys familiar it's seems as if I blew a bearing. Not sure which. Symptoms are: the car is getting no power to the wheels when in gear. Clutch is brand new so ruled that out.

After reading my first post I think I should clarify that last sentence as it almost contradicts the intent of it in the first place... Unfortunately by doing that I'd be denying the fact that I'd feel better by setting the car on fire and that's not something I'm sure I feel comfortable doing on a public forum.

 

Unfortunately time is not in my favor as it's my only car and I'm paying daily to get to and from work. I do agree with you though.

I know the clutch is good because it was replaced as it was thought to be the root of the issues. (Due to either my failure to convey the circumstances in which the issue occurred or the failure of the shop to comprehend.)

I guess it all comes down to the labor aspect. Which isn't exactly clear to me, which is what I should be talking about rather than what hardware is a better suit.

I appreciate the offer. Thank you I'll post updates. I'm definitely going to rebuild/repair the midlands for the experience regardless. Hopefully I can get some dough back to use for something that'll be a bit more entertaining on the car.

 

Thanks guys. Going to make decision tomorrow morn.

 

Thanks man. I appreciate it. I've got a 6spd in my sights locally and a midlands in the uk. Reading and waiting for the phone to ring regarding the other parts to make the 6spd work. Such a popular car and the parts seem so unattainable. Weird.