R53 / R52 MINI Cooper S / JCW Engine Rebuild Kit
Street · Super Sport Foundation · Upgrade-Ready Architecture
The R53 / R52 Engine Rebuild Kit from SneedSpeed is a comprehensive engine overhaul solution engineered for first-generation MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works models powered by the supercharged W11 engine. This kit consolidates all critical bottom-end and top-end wear components into a single, coordinated package designed to restore reliability, stabilize performance, and establish a durable foundation for increased output.
This is not a parts bundle.
It is a controlled engine reset that allows future decisions to be intentional rather than corrective.
One Kit — Controlled Build Range
The W11 rebuild kit supports multiple operating scopes using the same core engine architecture, differentiated by internal strength, fastener strategy, and sealing margin, not by unnecessary changes to the engine’s fundamental character.
Configured correctly, it supports:
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OEM-level engine refresh (Street reliability)
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Performance-oriented street builds
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Super Sport output levels through stronger internals and tuning
On the W11 platform, progression occurs through bottom-end durability, piston choice, fasteners, and calibration, while retaining factory camshaft timing and drivability.
Core Components (Standard Kit)
The base kit includes the critical components required to complete a professional W11 rebuild and restore compression, sealing, and rotational stability:
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Pistons and piston rings (selected sizing)
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Main and rod bearings
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Head gasket
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Complete gasket and seal set
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Timing chain and tensioner components
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Head bolts (with stud upgrade option)
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Rod bolts
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Oil-control and sealing hardware required for supercharged operation
All components are selected to work as a matched system, eliminating compatibility risk and rebuild guesswork.
Component Options & Configuration Control
Piston & Ring Options
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Street Series — durable, direct-replacement pistons for stock bore or oversize
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Forged Series — increased load tolerance for higher boost and sustained output
Bearing Options
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Street Series bearings — OEM-equivalent durability
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Performance coated bearings — improved load capacity for sustained RPM and higher cylinder pressure
Head Gasket & Fastener Options
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Street head gasket — OEM-equivalent sealing
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Performance MLS head gasket — improved sealing margin under elevated boost
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Head bolt or stud configuration — studs provide increased clamp stability for Super Sport builds
Rod Bolt Options
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Street rod bolts — OEM replacement
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Performance rod bolts — increased reliability under higher load with stock rods
Timing System
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Standard timing components suitable for Street use
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Cryo-treated timing chain upgrade — reduced stretch and improved durability for sustained RPM and load
Why This Kit Matters
Restores Engine Health
A complete rebuild restores compression integrity, stabilizes oil control, and replaces known wear components—returning the W11 engine to a predictable, reliable baseline.
Supports Higher Output Without Complexity
By strengthening the bottom end and sealing systems, the engine can safely support increased boost and calibration changes without altering factory cam timing or drivability.
Scales Without Rework
The same architecture supports Street and Super Sport output levels. Stronger internals and fasteners allow progression without reopening the engine.
Reduces Rebuild Risk
Every component is selected to work together, minimizing assembly errors and eliminating mismatched parts common in pieced-together rebuilds.
Ideal Applications
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Engine refresh on worn or high-mile W11 engines
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Rebuild prior to pulley, intake, or ECU tuning
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Street performance builds with long-term durability goals
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Super Sport output levels without race-only complexity
R53 / R52 W11 Engine Rebuild Kit — Configuration Comparison
| Category | Street | Super Sport Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Intended Use | Reliable OEM-plus rebuild | Performance street & sustained output |
| Pistons | Cast or Street Series | Forged |
| Piston Rings | Street spec | Performance |
| Piston Size | STD / oversize | STD / oversize |
| Connecting Rods | OEM-type | OEM-type or forged (optional) |
| Rod Bearings | Street spec | Performance coated |
| Main Bearings | Street spec | Performance coated |
| Head Gasket | OEM-equivalent | Performance MLS |
| Head Fasteners | Stock bolts | Stud kit |
| Timing Chain | Standard | Cryo-treated |
| Cylinder Head | OEM remanufactured | Same as Street |
| Camshafts | OEM | OEM |
| Compression Ratio | Stock (≈8.3:1) | Stock (≈8.3:1) |
| Durability Under Load | Street & mild tuning | Elevated street & sustained boost |
| Best For | Daily drivers, mild pulley/tune | Tuned street, long-term performance |
Summary
The R53 / R52 W11 Engine Rebuild Kit establishes a stable, durable engine foundation that supports both Street and Super Sport output levels using the same core architecture. Strength is added where it matters—internals, sealing, and retention—while preserving factory cam timing, drivability, and the character that defines the supercharged MINI.
If you want next, the logical follow-ups are:
