Project Whizbox: Removing the engine from the subframe

Last weekend, we stripped down the front subframe of the Mini so that we could send it to the blasters to remove many years worth of mud and road gunk. This required the engine to be pulled out completely, so here is how we removed the engine. (Sorry for the lack of good photos, we were very busy and only had a cheap phone camera on hand :))

We started off by undoing all the required engine mounting bolts and disconnecting the axles from the engine. This meant the engine was not connected to the subframe any more and we could just lift it out.

The engine was simply hooked up to an engine crane with a strop and lifted out of the subframe. I say simply but having to remove loads of grease and muck that had glued the engine in over the years was not so simple to remove.

Here is the subframe with the engine removed. This had a lot of dirt and old underseal on it but surprisingly little to no rust. It also looks dead straight so we may not have to straighten it after all which will save us some more time.

Stay tuned for more updates on project Whixbox. Thanks for reading!!!