I have a 2011 S that I've done all the mods I can and keepy CarMax warranty which will be up in 18 months and I want to have the funds for an engine swap ready.

I have an N18 so I want to stick with that but I'm wondering who to go with. Lohen is in the UK so that is a bit undesirable as I'm in the US, RMW looks promising but there doesn't seem to be any info or anything aside from their site so I'm looking for other options.

I want to eventually put a lot of power to it so I'm looking for something with a forged bottom end. I don't really want to go through a rebuild as trying to get all the parts to work in harmony is harder than just getting a crate engine.

 

Sneed4Speed does motors, they aren't cheap though.
Short Block= https://www.sneed4speed.com/r56-r55-...07-2013-turbo/
Long Block= https://www.sneed4speed.com/mini-coo...8-r59-r57-r60/

 

You don't need to get the ones from Lohen, I'm sure you can source similar in the USA.

Search and read "oldbrokenwind" build thread, he has a very high power MINI build, granted N14 and not N18 engine.

 

I have a Sneed short block. Cost roughly $4k total shipped to my door. Bought a used head from Allmag to put on top for another $900. Assembled it myself in my garage from the short block. In total the whole build cost me close to $7k. No issues with it whatsoever. Sneed is pricey for what you get but it was still the only option I had at the time for a crate motor, and I honestly have no complaints.

RMW doesn't have pricing on their website for N18s that aren't stroker engines, but Jan will build one. Expect to pay roughly $10k for it though, judging by his N14 prices. I also suspect he won't sell you just a short block. Jan's a real "my way or the highway kind of guy" with a somewhat shoddy reputation around here. Had a friend quote an N18 with him and Jan told him that he wouldn't build one if he couldn't also tune it.

 

Another shop not too far from Wyoming is RPM Vancouver. They've built and tuned a really nice looking and performing N14. Maybe try talking with their Lorenzo for info about an N18. Don't even think about getting a built engine from someone who can't tune it.

Gotta agree with thebombardier about Jan and RMW. He's got all the experience and equipment to build whatever you need, but it takes a lot of patience to work with him.

Another option might be Lou at Prototype-r in Florida --- https://prototype-r.com --- definitely into tuning, just not sure if he builds. Maybe he can suggest something.