Question: Can the MMR Cooling Mod be done with engine in?

[DougS550]

Just wondering. Can the MMR engine cooling mod be done with engine installed?

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[ice445]

Sure, but you're gonna hate life for many hours trying to do so. Getting the freeze plug out with how little clearance there is seems like the worst part, but I haven't personally done it.

 

[DougS550]

Sure, but you're gonna hate life for many hours trying to do so. Getting the freeze plug out with how little clearance there is seems like the worst part, but I haven't personally done it.

I'm glad it can be done, plus i will do the Oil cross feed line mod along with it.. And yes, it looks like a good knuckle buster. Sounds fun, can't wait. lol

 

[NGOT8R]

@DougS550, yes, you can do the MMR head cooling mod with the motor in. When I did mine, I had the clutch out and intake manifold off. This made access so much easier and gave ample clearance. Be prepared to dump a whole lot (and I do mean a whole lot) of coolant when you knock the freeze plugs out. I recommend having a plastic tarp and several old towels on the ground to absorb everything.

Use a long handle flathead screwdriver to knock them out. Do anticipate at least one of the freeze plugs to slightly gall or nick the bore when you pull them out with pliers. Have some Permatex coolant rated RTV sealant on hand (silver in color) to coat around the press in MMR billet fittings and wipe the excess up afterward for a super clean install.

The Head Oiling mod is going to be impossible to do on the 2018+ cars with the motor in the car. It also has mini freeze plugs that are hard to access without creating major trouble for yourself. I inadvertently ordered a 2015-2017 version which screws into a threaded/plugged port that is blocked with an Allen pug, thinking it was the same for the 2018+. MMR said they would exchange it for 2018+ kit, but I never took them up on it. If for some reason I have to pull the motor or heads, then I’ll worry about getting the correct fittings to install it. Just FYI before you order one.

 

[NGOT8R]

I should also add that having done mine, there’s no way I’d even attempt to install one with the tranny in the car. I’d save it for when you have to pull the tranny to replace the clutch.

 

[NGOT8R]

See the yellow arrows in this pic which are pointing to the locations of the mini freeze plugs for the Head Oiling Mod. As you can see, even with the tranny out it’s going to be no bueno.

 

[Decible]

See the yellow arrows in this pic which are pointing to the locations of the mini freeze plugs for the Head Oiling Mod. As you can see, even with the tranny out it’s going to be no bueno.

I think the oil cooling mod could be done if all 4 plugs were remove at the same time. On the oil plugs you would have to use a screw and a slide hammer to do it but it’s hard to tell from the photo if that would be possible and you run the change of small metal shavings from putting the screw in the plug. Probably not worth it.

 

[NGOT8R]

I think the oil cooling mod could be done if all 4 plugs were remove at the same time. On the oil plugs you would have to use a screw and a slide hammer to do it but it’s hard to tell from the photo if that would be possible and you run the change of small metal shavings from putting the screw in the plug. Probably not worth it.

That’s sharp thinking, but unfortunately, there’s just not enough room to remove the mini plugs. The photos may give the illusion that there is enough room, but that’s just not so. A drill and slide hammer won’t even fit. It’s definitely not worth the risk of trying with the engine in the car. At the very least, the heads will need to come off in order to install it.

 

[DougS550]

See the yellow arrows in this pic which are pointing to the locations of the mini freeze plugs for the Head Oiling Mod. As you can see, even with the tranny out it’s going to be no bueno.

Man that does loom tight, but, I worked fighter jets, cargo planes for 23 years, I will at least try until I raise the white flag lol. Thanks for your help.

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