N18 SneedSpeed Crate Engine
Street · Super Sport · Race
The N18 SneedSpeed Crate Engine is a fully assembled long block replacement engineered by SneedSpeed for R56–R59 MINI Cooper S models equipped with the turbocharged N18 engine. It is designed for owners who want to eliminate recurring engine issues and install a proven, purpose-built foundation matched to how the car is actually used.
This is not a collection of parts. It is a complete engine system built around a clear progression path—allowing customers to trade up in performance without guesswork or unnecessary replacement.
One Engine Program — Three Performance Levels
The N18 SneedSpeed Crate Engine is offered in three configurations: Street, Super Sport, and Race.
Each tier is engineered intentionally, with differences clearly defined by internal component specification and airflow strategy.
This is not marketing tiering. Each level exists for a specific use case.
Core Assembly Standards (All Builds)
Every N18 SneedSpeed Crate Engine is assembled to the same quality and validation standards:
Fully rebuilt N18 engine block
New pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, and seals
Balanced rotating assembly
Corrected known N18 wear and failure points
SneedSpeed assembly, clearance, and inspection standards
Fully assembled long block, ready for installation
All engines are built for durability and repeatability under real-world use.
Build Levels Explained
Street Series — OEM+ Reliability
The Street build is designed for daily-driven vehicles and lightly modified applications where reliability and drivability are the priority.
Cast pistons
OEM-type connecting rods
Remanufactured, unported cylinder head
Street camshaft profile
Stock-spec valve springs
Smooth idle and factory-like behavior
This configuration provides a clean, dependable reset of the N18 platform and is ideal for stock or mild tuning.
Super Sport Series — Street & Track Balance
The Super Sport build is engineered for performance-focused street cars and mixed street/track use.
Forged pistons
Forged connecting rods
Remanufactured, unported cylinder head
Super Sport camshaft profile
Performance valve springs matched to Super Sport cam specifications
Strong midrange torque and broad, usable powerband
This build supports significantly higher load and power capability while retaining excellent street manners and response.
Race Series — Maximum Output & RPM Capability
The Race build is designed for high-RPM operation, aggressive tuning, and track-focused use.
Forged pistons
Forged connecting rods
SneedSpeed remanufactured and ported cylinder head
Race camshaft profile
Performance valve springs matched to Race cam specifications
Increased airflow and high-RPM volumetric efficiency
The Race engine uses the same forged bottom end as the Super Sport build, with performance differentiation coming from airflow and valvetrain strategy.
| Component | Street | Super Sport | Race |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Block | Same | Same | Same |
| Rotating Assembly | OEM type | Forged | Forged |
| Pistons / Rods | OEM type | Forged | Forged |
| Bearings & Oiling | Street | Race | Race |
| Head Gasket & Sealing | High Performance | High Performance | High Performance |
| Cylinder Head | Reman, unported | Reman, unported | Reman SneedSpeed ported |
| Camshafts | Street profile | Super Sport profile | Race profile |
| Valve Springs | Stock-spec | Performance (SS-matched) | Performance (Race-matched) |
| RPM Capability | Stock-oriented | Elevated | High-RPM sustained |
| Power Focus | Daily drivability | Midrange & response | Top-end & peak power |
| Intended Use | Daily / OEM+ | Street & track | Track / competition |
Applications
R56–R59 MINI Cooper S with N18 engine
Direct long block replacement
Performance street builds
Track and competition vehicles