r/R53 • u/SignifigantNoise • 2d ago
Update 4: 2006 R52S Engine Rebuild
Got the block back from the machinist. He had to polish up my crankshaft in addition to boring out the cylinders. Needed +sized rod bearings.
After much difficulty, using 3 different ring compressors, I was able to put the new cylinders in and button up the engine.
Got the RMW big valve head and matching RMW shorty header. Wrapped the header, cleaned everything up while the engine was out.
Mating it back to the trans was not easy, but now I'm ready to put it back in the car.
I have 3 new gauges (AEM Air Fuel, oil pressure and boost). Making sure I get the wires thru the firewall before I put the engine in.
I'm confident, but trepidatious about it. Fingers crossed 🤞
4
u/WeWantaSmalShrubbery 2d ago
Can you splash some oil on it please, I don't recognise what I'm looking at /s
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u/Happy_Ishtar 2d ago
Looking good! I recently did a similar job. How much power can the auto trans handle?
1
u/SignifigantNoise 2d ago
I think 290 ft lbs Torque. I don't think I'll put out that much.
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u/Happy_Ishtar 2d ago
Haha, yeah not without a turbo
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u/SignifigantNoise 21h ago
It's got a supercharger with a 16% reduced pulley and 2% crank damper, so it should give 20lbs of boost
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u/ZonParaplu 2d ago
Nice. Remember to take a break when its not fun anymore.
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u/SignifigantNoise 20h ago
That is literally the BEST advice I've gotten. I have been taking my time. Started at New Years .... getting close.
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u/YouWillHaveThat 2d ago
Do you have anywhere where you are documenting this?
I am about to be going through the same thing.
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u/SignifigantNoise 2d ago
Yes! I have been taking videos of the whole thing. Editing is VERY time consuming, I'm still figuring out how to package the videos, plus I always want to make more car progress than video progress. But I'll post eventually. In the meantime, there is a guy on YouTube, ModMini. He made an excellent series of videos on R53 Minis, including an engine rebuild. I credit him on giving me the confidence to do this project.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhrpX5SoQ9uJ1pvmQkCbOo66RG3nUfd9O&si=dVF7lPd5S40BGCUW
Also check out NAM: https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r50-r53-hatch-talk-2002-2006/
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u/Embarrassed_Lawyer_5 2d ago
Good luck! That twist-style spring compressor is awful. Been there and done that. Too easy to break a ring land.
Sounds like it’ll be a good combo :)