R56 MINI Rod Bearing Set — N12 / N14 / N16 / N18 Engine
Standard & Black Magic Race Series
Critical crank bottom-end protection engineered for performance and reliability.
The SneedSpeed R56 MINI Rod Bearing Set delivers precision rod journal support for Prince-series engines (N12, N14, N16, N18) found in 2007–2016 MINI Cooper, Cooper S, and JCW models. Rod bearings sit between the engine’s connecting rods and crankshaft journals, controlling oil film, reducing friction, and protecting crankshaft surfaces under load — especially in high-stress and high-RPM conditions.
Available in Standard OEM-quality bearings and Black Magic Race Series bearings, this set lets builders match bearing performance to the engine’s intent — from dependable daily operation to boosted, high RPM, and track duty.
Engineered Performance and Protection
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Standard Rod Bearings
Premium OEM-grade two-layer construction providing dependable performance, wear resistance, and oil film consistency for stock and mild builds. -
Black Magic Race Rod Bearings
Race-spec tri-layer design featuring SneedSpeed’s proprietary Black Magic anti-friction coating for reduced operating temperatures, superior oil retention, and enhanced durability under high loads and high RPM. -
Precision Fit and Compatibility
Engineered to exact dimensions for direct fitment on N12, N14, N16, and N18 engines without modification. -
Improved Wear Protection
Optimized surfaces and materials help maintain oil film integrity and resist wear under elevated pressures and speeds.
Why Quality Rod Bearings Matter
Rod bearings are the frontline defense for your bottom end. They control the clearance between connecting rods and the crankshaft, allowing oil to form a stable film that prevents metal-on-metal contact. If bearings are underspecified or worn, oil pressure instability and accelerated wear can occur rapidly — potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage.
This kit supports both routine rebuilds and performance builds, ensuring consistent oil film control and crank journal protection whether you’re restoring an engine to factory tolerance or pushing performance targets higher.
Recommended Applications
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Daily drivers and mild performance builds (Standard bearings)
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Boosted, high RPM, and track-focused engines (Black Magic Race bearings)
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Engine rebuilds and bottom-end refresh projects
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High-load and high-stress applications where longevity matters
SneedSpeed Bottom-End Engineering Philosophy
A strong engine build begins at the crank. Bearings that can’t handle the job will surrender quietly — but the consequences aren’t quiet at all. Choosing the right rod bearings ensures oil pressure stability, consistent hydrodynamic film protection, and crankshaft preservation through thousands of revolutions. SneedSpeed rod bearings are engineered with real world performance in mind — from street reliability to race engine resilience.
