2002-2006 MINI Cooper S - Install Performance Cam R53

How to install a performance camshaft in a R53 supercharged MINI Cooper S. Get more power out of your tuned MINI! Torque values below. Get the tools & parts here:
Cam sprocket alignment tool
amzn.to/2IMoRW4
8mm deep drive socket
amzn.to/2W0HI3B
1/4 wobble extension
amzn.to/2XFyZ7n
3/8 wobble extension
amzn.to/2IQrp5w
Bent nose pliers
amzn.to/2XuKn5U
Torque wrench
amzn.to/2IO41FW
Valve cover gasket
amzn.to/2XCCScW
Blue Loctite Gel
amzn.to/2Vmirno
Assembly Lube
amzn.to/2GuzHgM
Mod MINI's Tool List
amzn.to/2XxX53K
Chain tensioner
amzn.to/2KSdD50
Replacement rocker arms (used or new ok)
ebay.us/CYyIB5
Get a camshaft & sprocket bolt here:
bit.ly/2GBIHBM
Get the Forge Intercooler here:
ebay.us/KnH7lV
Torque values:
Rocker arm bolts 22 lb-ft
Cam sprocket bolt 75 lb-ft
Valve cover bolts 9ft-lbs
Camshaft position sensor to head 7 ft-lb
Engine bracket to engine 74 ft-lb
Engine bracket to hydraulic mount 50 ft-lb
Cam chain tensioner cover bolt 46 ft-lb
Intercooler mounts and bellows clamp bolts 7 ft-lb
Wheel lug bolts 90 ft-lb

[@josephthomas7289]

I've learned so much about r53 minis watching your videos, your the man!

[@Ben-jq5oo]

Me too. He’s a great teacher. True professional.

[@jackroman8821]

Ok, this was an absolutely phenomenal how-to video. Excellent explanations, detail, information and all matched with clear video. Very impressive.

[@YoungPineTree]

8:11 "Ain't nobody got time for that." XD

[@JSpool1]

This video is making me want to go FULL SEND on my mini 🤣

[@theartofwanderlust]

J_ Spool you and me both, mine is 14 years old now, and is not a commuter car, at this age it will be due for some work anyways might as well just replace them with performance parts.

[@JSpool1]

Colin that there is the perfect excuse lol. I have all bolt ons besides a cam. Mine is a 04

[@ramiroarizmendi9246]

Same here lol but mine is still all stock also 04

[@Dirkxke]

Your repair/upgrade vids always come at the right time! Makes it a lot easier for me when my cam gets swapped.

[@jenBaker707]

thanks for all these great Mini Mods videos. The whole family here appreciates them.

[@NYChemicalRomance]

Got no intention of doing this but still a joy to watch 👍

[@gregallen690]

You got that right!!!

[@qwerrrz202]

Ooh new intro, I like it. Just had a cam along with big injectors tune and other things done myself. Price wise it's good for what you pay, expensive thing was the software (Bytetronik). Power gains are great, instead of stock 163 PS I'm at 237 PS (at the clutch ofc) now with 260nm of torque straight up. Car feels great..

[@theartofwanderlust]

Qwerrrz what size of injectors did you go with?

[@qwerrrz202]

@@theartofwanderlust 550s.

[@sethmorton1856]

What cam did you go with? I'm thinking about doing CatCam's 461. Already have 550s.

[@qwerrrz202]

@@sethmorton1856 I took what you thought of 😉

[@sethmorton1856]

@@qwerrrz202 a CatCam 1302461? Like the 1st step above stock?

[@ModMINI]

How to install a performance camshaft in a R53 supercharged MINI Cooper S. Get more power out of your tuned MINI! Torque values below. Get the tools & parts here: Cam sprocket alignment tool amzn.to/2IMoRW4 8mm deep drive socket amzn.to/2W0HI3B 1/4 wobble extension amzn.to/2XFyZ7n 3/8 wobble extension amzn.to/2IQrp5w Bent nose pliers amzn.to/2XuKn5U Torque wrench amzn.to/2IO41FW Valve cover gasket amzn.to/2XCCScW Blue Loctite Gel amzn.to/2Vmirno Assembly Lube amzn.to/2GuzHgM Mod MINI's Tool List amzn.to/2XxX53K Chain tensioner amzn.to/2KSdD50 Replacement rocker arms (used or new ok) ebay.to/2GvXw7H Get a camshaft & sprocket bolt here: bit.ly/2GBIHBM Get the Forge Intercooler here: ebay.to/2UBC7z0 Torque values: Rocker arm bolts 22 lb-ft Cam sprocket bolt 75 lb-ft Valve cover bolts 9ft-lbs Camshaft position sensor to head 7 ft-lb Engine bracket to engine 74 ft-lb Engine bracket to hydraulic mount 50 ft-lb Cam chain tensioner cover bolt 46 ft-lb Intercooler mounts and bellows clamp bolts 7 ft-lb Wheel lug bolts 90 ft-lb

[@ssc00p]

Link to the camshaft do not work somehow... site is down or something? (using Chrome browser)

[@ModMINI]

Link worked for me. This site is for US shipping only. Try this shortened link bit.ly/2GBIHBM

[@ChrisNieves]

I cannot believe someone actually disliked this video. Another gem here, thank you ModMini this will be next for me. I have the same intercooler coupled with a 17% pulley and 380cc injectors still on stock tune and runs/idles great('05 MCS R53)

[@ModMINI]

I like to think those downvotes are accidental.

[@ChrisNieves]

@@ModMINI definitely are

[@theoriginalwallace]

Just followed your tutorial while fitting a phase 1 Newman cam into her Cooper. Didn't take long & turned out perfectly! Away for a test drive now. Cheers. Leigh.

[@seanroland612]

your videos are a life-saver!! I have been a bigrig diesel mechanic my whole life, decided to pick up a super clean (i thought) 2003 r53 so i had something reliable that wasnt going to be a project. ive always wanted a mini but didnt really have a desire to work on them. Bought my r53 with under 100k, oil looked clean, engine was spotless, interior spotless, exterior spotless...i mean this thing was nice for an 03! Elderly couple seemed nice enough. Blew up a week after i bought it. I mean the works...Turns out the couple had owned the car for 5 years and never changed the oil or filter. Just added some when it got low. Car didnt smoke at all for me when i test drove. Turns out a dealer had noticed the low oil pressure when they got it on trade, bypassed the oil pressure switch and turned it. So bored block, new rods, pistons, cam, oil filter housing (bypass had blown) and some proper coolant temp and oil pressure gauges later and its almost back together thanks to your videos! BTW, i really appreciate your opinions you throw in there, what is worth it and what isnt. Thanks again!

[@ModMINI]

Oh boy. Sorry to hear that.

[@DAPP1J]

I wouldn't be able to even tackle something like this but its great to watch how it is done. great work showing how to do as always though

[@RevSolution4U]

Great video Kurt!

[@donavanheidinger9619]

you are a freakin good mechanic dude.😊

[@kumarchengodam5768]

Greatly appreciative of these vids. Bought an r53 after discovering your channel. Got a taste for autoX and now the car awaits a new blower, pulleys bbk. Cheers. 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@michaelgabrielgarcia1004]

This actually looked very straight forward and simple 🙏

[@theoriginalwallace]

Excellent tutorial, bud! I'll be doing a cam swap on on both my wife's r50 Cooper & my r53 S. The S is getting the usual intercooler, pulley & injector upgrades! They'll both be getting remapped. Cheers. Leigh.

[@JEEROFUKU]

Well, I love you channel. Because of my stupidity I ended up in a triple car wrack and badly damaged my lovely 2004 MINI😭😭😭

[@ntoxic8edx]

Hands down the best how to car video i have ever seen. 🤘🤘

[@ChrisNieves]

I installed the Schrick mild cam with the 264In/272Ex grind. Used your video for reference but I didn't have a ball hammer so I took a cheap hammer and ground the head to a ball end (sacrificed) did the job and gave me the clearance I needed. It definitely is a throatier sound but now I have it mated up with a 4 to 1 header and a PaceSetter Monza cat back-she screams at high rpm. Im still on stock ecu and she runs great with all the other supporting mods, the STOCK ECU adapts very well-after resetting the adaptations. anywho great video I now am confident I can accomplish this entire swap in about an hour wheels up to wheels down.

[@tomgt007sugden]

How did you reset the Adaptations on the stock ECU . Many thanks

[@ChrisNieves]

@@tomgt007sugden sorry for the delay, its a series of button pushing in the center dash the trip reset button. if you search reset r53 ecu itll pop up, its easy.

[@tomgt007sugden]

@@ChrisNieves brilliant and thank you. Just in the process of building a R53 engine. I was really big on building the JDM cars back in the day. These minis are a new thing for me. Just one more question, if I build this engine and put the 19% reduced pulley on and a bigger cam with 550cc injections. Would the car be safe to start and drive it to get mapped or should I Trailer the car to mapping centre. Many thanks Tom

[@ChrisNieves]

@@tomgt007sugden np glad I can help. No the ecu stock cannot compensate for that large of an injector as the stock injectors are already at like 80% duty. I have there 17% with the JCW 380s on a “shark tune “ and runs great I haven’t gotten the time to unlock my ecu and have it properly tune my r53. I’m also planning a tear down and rebuild soon myself as soon as I get my garage in order. Keep me posted on your project that’s cool.

[@russtaylor4242]

Just wanted to say thank you. Spent my Christmas day following your video and fitting my new cam. Cheers

[@danysmith3677]

I love your videos they help a lot ! I have a 2005 Mini S and I am beginning to do mods on her and watching all of your videos has helped so much!

[@shaneleary6259]

Great video! Can I just add you should ‘pop’ your tensioner back out before starting, this can be done with the proper tool or use a long thin screwdriver. This reduces the risk of chain skip on first startup

[@ModMINI]

You can an you should, but sometimes it doesn't pop out. The comment is meant that don't worry if it doesn't pop.

[@hipoman8087]

how would you pop it ?

[@maciekzdeb]

I applaud your choice of gloves. I hate working with those for anything other than gardening.

[@ModMINI]

I don't use those in garden. Dirt comes right through. They are good for garage because they protect from cuts and scratches and don't leave behind big oily fingerprints. And they are cheap and disposable.

[@maciekzdeb]

@@ModMINI True but you lose a lot of dexterity.

[@maciekzdeb]

@@ModMINI Thanks for the video. You are the only reason I hung on to my R53.

[@ModMINI]

maciekz you quickly get used to that. I can handle 8mm or smaller nuts with no problem. For the 2 or 3% of tasks where I need that dexterity, I take the gloves off.

[@JD-en5ed]

As always excellent informative video. You're a Mini Guru dude!

[@Apoplectic_Spock]

Excellent video. I've been waiting for a camshaft tutorial! Time to buy a WAY Race Camshaft!

[@ChrisNieves]

im with you im getting the same one.

[@perk0107]

How does the Way race camshaft perform ?

[@Yetterben]

Nice. I have a catcam 469 waiting on the bench. Perfect timing!

[@hansvongeldern]

did you install it?

[@bajies4wdtours]

Awesome job, gives me the confidence to put in a NS1 in my MINI now. Thank you Sir, be safe!

[@carlcossette9579]

Thank you what great explaining and filming, We really apriciate all the work

[@kennymacm3031]

It's like a Haynes manual in video form.... excellent

[@alexbamber9584]

Awesome video, came out at a perfect time too as I’m fitting my cam next week!

[@TheLokmlokmlokm]

Thanks for the much needed in depth video brother! I look forward to doing this myself now.

[@ianhutcheon9424]

Another superb video tutorial ,keep up the great work.

[@jordanANDREW12496]

Update video on how it’s running please I love these videos. GREAT WORK!

[@davidblackwell7958]

Great editing, really enjoyed watching this. Was full of handy tips and warnings too cheers 👍

[@ThePeoplesLlama]

OMG, WOW! ... i really like these vidz #r53

[@sherryminicoopersr5341]

“Ain’t nobody got time for that” 😂

[@realkevintorres]

Wow! Thank you so much for these videos.

[@eurothrasher2823]

MSD Coil packs work great. What everyone forgets to do is READ The instructions. IF you dont open up the gap of the spark plugs after installing the MSD coil pack your wasting your money. I went from stock .032 gap to .045 gap. = More spark = More torque / power. And the thing with the bolts are not so much length. The problem happens when folks OVERTIGHTEN the bolts releasing the brass knurled nuts imbedded in the valve cover making it fit loosely.....

[@owensmith7530]

I guess that explains why the cam cover gasket my local repair place fitted last week is blue. Seems to be the colour for this gasket. Oil leaks all gone now, they replaced the sump gasket and the crank position sensor O ring as well.

[@kobotherobohobo]

Pro-tip: buy Enginetech L0096 lifters (most come in sets of 4 and are labeled L0096-4) for the replacement nylon retainers. They're not very expensive and it's great for longevity since the original retainers are super brittle after all these years. I'd suggest reusing the original metal caps/seats though because the ones on the new lifters are ever so slightly different.

[@ModMINI]

Great tip!

[@gforceman2]

@@ModMINI so your just using the Nylon retainer and not the actual lifter?? That part # comes back to a chrysler.

[@doris.from.pinner]

@@gforceman2 The mini engine was developed by Crysler/Rover/BMW so the part number tracing back to Crysler makes sense.

[@hipoman8087]

cheaper if you buy throgh chrysler? can we get just the nylon tips ?

[@kobotherobohobo]

@@hipoman8087 you can, but they're made by a third party and they're about the same price as the entire lifter assembly. If you live in the US, get them off of rockauto and they're pretty cheap

[@benberesford699]

Nice videos mate , just started a little r53 build myself , will be subscribing and watching more videos

[@blwnvtwn]

One thing you should have done... Place pieces of "good" paper towel into the oil gallery holes that go through the head, into the block. That way there's nothing (like Tappet caps from worn out plastic retainers) that can accidentally fall into the engine.

[@huey483979]

I would advise caution on relying on that tensioner to retention on its own after starting. I just redid a time chain job because of this behind someone else thinking the same thing. It didn't open up and beat the chain guides out of the engine. Being my first time one of these motors I decided to download a Haynes manual and sure enough it says to use a flat bar to press the tensioner in to release it which I did and the car no longer sounded like a john deere tractor when I put it back together. Not saying this wasn't a fluke or something the guy did wrong just a word of caution to check it and make sure it released.

[@mrphysics2625]

ngl that was a lot simpler than i expected it to be lol

[@valtterijarvelainen4245]

love your videos !! keep up the good work :3

[@paltrick48]

Hello first a great video explaining how to replace the camshaft in the right way.. Second I wonder how can a lift of one extra mm not to get the clearance from the valves to titter on the brackets /lifters...... Its that because of te hydrauliek nose in the brackets... That's keeping the right clearings into the in and outlets valves. ... Also on the pistons... Thank you for the realy great explaining in all your videos 👍

[@almurray2374]

Another excellent video , Al in NS Canada

[@huwjones5879]

Excellent. So clear.

[@DuckSherminator]

Love the new intro :-)

[@claudiotarletti3264]

Wow!!!Top work👍🤞

[@MrGoobieracing]

Thanks for the info!!!

[@Bigsky1991]

Dang! Now I'm going onto FB Marketplace and get a Mini S!

[@brayanastuhuaman8998]

These type of videos are dangerous... because he is so good he makes it look eash which makes me think I can do. I dont even own any tools like tf am I thinking🥴

[@joepinto2014]

I’ve been having some problems with my 02 mini s and have kinda been process of elimination to fix the problem and the last thing I want to do is take it to mini or bmw I was wondering if you could help me out

[@mosierwerks]

So if I wanted to change the guides while I was changing the cam. Could I do that without taking the front cover off?

[@jesusdueltgen9294]

Great informative video

[@Stumc46]

Superb video

[@crc0889]

Thanks!

[@jeepchievous]

stage 2 cams come with valve springs, valve stem seal set.

[@pablopaha]

Thanks for another awsome video. Because of your video I'm now looking to install a cam and injectors in to my 2006 R53. While I'm there I thought I might replace the timing chain guides. Do you have a video that covers this?

[@jhollis4905]

As a aircraft mechanic when he said use your brain when using torque wrench hit home. Idk how many new mechanics just set a torque wrench and get after it not realizing they have the wrong one. And then come running to guys to say omg idk what I did can you fix it.

[@ModMINI]

Yup. Understand the material you're working with. I've had people comment about twisting the head of the bolt off. That must require ignoring several warning signs.

[@mattjparker]

Great tutorial yet again! Only question I have is at what interval do you recommend replacing the timing chain itself? I’d rather not pull off all those pulleys and engine cover to swap the chain out. Thank you!

[@ryoshi_versX]

It might sound like a silly question once I’m in there, but is there only one why the top sprocket and cam mate? The reason I ask is because I want to change the cam and timing chain/sprockets at the same time and trying to figure out how to keep everything synced.

[@gforceman2]

Love your videos and have done a ton of work on my R53 with your help. Do you like the Way MW cam over the RMW ? Was going to go with a Dominator but saw you went WMW.

[@Jolly-Sid69]

Good job.

[@DAPP1J]

My cam snapped by cylinder 4 I've pulled everything apart and everything looks okay still never heard any metal when it went into limp mode

[@vws4law206]

Hey Mod MINI...OUTSTANDING video...thank you for putting it up! Do you have any experience with different cams? I saw the link for the WMW cam but have you dealt with any others that could be considered good for the street? Thanks again for all the valuable info you provide in your videos...and keep posting the links...I buy from them every chance I need something!

[@ModMINI]

I don't know enough to be of any help. I'd check with the vendors of the cams.

[@Ninoumelko]

VERY GOOD

[@natelsx]

Why do they recommend locking the chain tension down before installing ? I never have and have never had any problems. Also which cam did you install or did I miss it.

[@alexhoadley6814]

I want an r53 to mod it and such but I wouldn’t trust myself to do any of this

[@MyMLC66]

Nice intro!

[@gara841001]

Hello, a few days ago I tried the camshag 205 400 for the mimi r53, I barely changed it and the car fails a lot and shows cylinder misfire errors, the original was put back in and everything is fine. My question requires other modifications or what do you recommend, tha car had 15%pulley, thank you.

[@angelotilli-zr6mf]

Looking to do mine with a 15 % pully

[@tabdougherty8549]

What is the best way to have the car tuned and the least expensive?. Lots of B.S. out there is there a service recommended.

[@rcred80]

Do you just used the stock rocker arms. With upgrade cam. I upgrade my cam but all my lifter lash broke. Is there upgrade rocker arms. My is 03 mini cooper s

[@schweppie]

At 4:50 you mention that the car has had frequent oil changes. What is considered frequent :) ? My R53 gets new oil + filter every year, driving less than 10.000km / approx 6000 miles between change. Is that considered frequent enough?

[@theilluminatimember8896]

Do you need tighter springs?

[@angelotilli-zr6mf]

Would like to ask you what cam shaft that you put in .do you like it.and where can I order that .thank you for your concern

[@angelotilli-zr6mf]

Thank you

[@Porkycheun]

16:30 Do you know if a lateral play (direction is the length of the camshaft) on the rocker arms is a problem when everyting is supposed to be tightened? Thank you.

[@JoeHeine]

single cam? Why didn't they make these DOHC? Thanks in advance

[@hyphensclassics]

Always great to watch your videos, question for you. You mentioned that the car needs to be tuned after this mod. What happened there, did the car drive to the tuner or was it trailered there? I am about to do the same thing and I hear different thoughts on this.

[@ModMINI]

Depending on level of mods, generally safe to drive to the tuner as long as you drive gently, and aren't redlining it or driving wide open throttle, if the car runs and idles smoothly.

[@hyphensclassics]

@@ModMINI thanks 🙏

[@evolutionuk]

Hi Kurt, your videos have helped me no end, thank you. Have you ever had a crankshaft pulley bolt from an R52 convertible Cooper S 2006 that doesn’t take the normal hex bolt from an R53 Cooper S? Have you ever had to re tap the thread? Thanks Matt

[@ModMINI]

All supercharged crank bolts are the same.

[@tylerduncan8687]

Awesome Vid as usual, thanks! What kind of tune do you recommend or do you have any preferences? I've been having a hard time where i live(Australia) finding a good tuner and am sceptical about remote tuning. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[@ModMINI]

Way Motor Works in US does a remote canned tune which is what I would recommend, but you'd have to ship your ECU overseas. I don't have any detail about what tunes are available inside Australia. Sorry.

[@britishvaluesforever]

Hi I see you have 2 small guages on the steering wheel mount. How did you fit them and do they light up orange Amber to match to normal display

[@c-los4630]

Do you need a remap on the ecu with a high performance cam.

[@martinellis9483]

Another great video I will be refreshing my spare engine later this year, it is not supercharged just a cooper. I was wondering if a high lift fast road cam is worth putting in on a non supercharged, and should i change the rocker hydrolic lifters? Engine done 100k.

[@ModMINI]

I don't know if there is any worthwhile benefit for an R50. Maybe. You'd have to ask someone who knows.

[@peterduquette9235]

Been watching your vids to get familiar with mini. Great style, content and tips. I plan to help a friend with a '03 supercharged r53, with head problems. Could you do a video on the difference between the na / SC motors? How much can we interchange? I've seen the comp ratio difference, and expect there may be forged internals in the SC - are the na parts cast or forged? Thanks for shareing your expertise! ( I think the Mini bug is biting me)🙄

[@ModMINI]

I'm not going to make a video on this but don't even think about using R50 block or any of the internal parts. I believe the heads are the same but I have heard that the exhaust valves are weaker on the R50 so it's best to avoid them entirely.

[@peterduquette9235]

@@ModMINI thankyou! As always, a great help.

[@henriqueypon6570]

Hey, from the Philippines here!!! any idea where I can order parts from?? need help.

[@rainsturgeon9569]

Awesome video ! I wanna do this to mine ! But it’s £££££ :((( lol she’ll have to wait a while

[@Tryingmybestsince1999]

Which intercooler is better on your opinion? Airtec, grs or forge???

[@_alltheseprettylights_]

I've done all my work to my mini watching your videos. I'm about to service the super charger and inspect, new water pump, new timing chain tensioner, belt tensioner, sc pulley, harmonic balancer, cold air intake, new alternator, crank oring, oil pan gasket, transmission mount, and all the bushings on the front. Should o do anything else while om at it?

[@davidmeirik1890]

Did you do all of this? My 04jcw is rattling loud. Appreciate any tips thanks

[@FuadNaghiyev]

Well done! Where are you located?

[@kelpking4484]

What kind of intercooler was that is it a forge idk what one to get

[@rcred80]

Hi i have a 03 mini s 1.6. I am have. Problems finding photos of the timeing marks of how everything going.

[@troymarting4297]

Do you have a video on timing chain replacement, on a sohc 1.6 supercharged mini.

[@nealrg]

Can you do a video on performance tuning the R53 Mini? If not maybe some guidance on what is involved in doing the tuning. Any suggestions on what is needed to tune.

[@ModMINI]

You have to get someone to tune it. You can't do it yourself.

[@nealrg]

@@ModMINI Thank you... Love your videos very helpful. I started tracking the Mini last year and have just started modifying the car.

[@SP-rm4of]

If I am just replacing the rockers arms do I lock the cam in place ?

[@cloutkingupnext4721]

I really do know where to go to get a tune on a r53 I live on the east coast in Delaware

[@ModMINI]

Unless you have a really unusual build, a canned tune is your best bet. Send your ECU in and its comes back with tune installed: www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-ecu-tune-r52-r53-cooper-s.html

[@cloutkingupnext4721]

@@ModMINI I appreciate that I have a 17% reduction supercharger pulley and a 2% oversized crank pulley I’m going to put a performance camshaft and buy injectors but not sure what size injectors to buy do you recommend 380cc jcw injectors or something bigger ? And also I wanted to buy the upgraded cylinder head but not sure if they can do all that tuning without a dyno?

[@ModMINI]

@@cloutkingupnext4721 I don't know. You'd need to talk to your tuner if you are making changes such as injectors -- you would need to follow exact build recommendations for a canned tune or custom tune the car on a dyno. The genuine MINI 380cc injectors can generally be used with most canned tunes but you still need to check with the tuner.

[@cloutkingupnext4721]

@@ModMINI ✅

[@x-man4702]

Thanks for the video, will this camshaft work on an R50?

[@ModMINI]

Sorry, I don' know.