Hey Ladies,

I'm weighing my options after my N14 lost all compression in cylinder 3 and only has 60psi in #2. I did leak down test to try and pinpoint but its hard to find TDC in a cylinder with zero compression when you're by yourself. Especially if youre an amateur like me.

Anyway, that's irrelevant because I still need a replacement motor. 153,000 miles on my motor and changing just the head seems like a risky proposition, Im gonna go with a replacement motor.

Sneed4Speed sells a fully rebuilt but naked long block for street use for $4500 plus shipping plus you need to ship a core back. Its has a lousy one year guarantee. With shipping its gonna be like $5000-5500 but I see zero reviews.

And you need to return the core in 45 days.

I can get a brand new motor, no core for $6300 or a used with <60k miles and 90 day warranty for $3000 delivered.

Anyone dealt with those guys? Bought an engine from them?

I've dealt with aftermarket companies and got burned real bad before so I hesitate.

 

You need to the professionals of the mini world to better help with your path/direction. I am not sure what part of the country you are coming from but so far on this board I have come across two really helpful resources. I had a manic tune installed on my Mini by IAutowerks out of Arlington, TX the owner is Toni and he knows his stuff. He does rebuilds and all sorts of work for people across the country. Way of Waymotorworks in Atlanta has been very helpful with thoughts and suggestions as it pertains to the Mini. I am sure either one could make a recommendation as whats that best engine that you can get for your dollars. I am sure there are others on the board that can chime in with local mini experts that may be able to help you.

 

Ive already spoken to various people. Im asking about Sneed4Speed.

 

Sorry, no direct help here either but it may help a little anyways - if they require a core and you don't know what the exact problem is yet, you might run into a scenario where they reject the block or don't give a full refund if it is cracked or warped. I'd definitely want to pinpoint the problem if you are going to try for a core refund from anyone just so your budget doesn't take an unexpected hit.

 

vetsvette, a moderator here, has dealt with S4S allot, send him a PM if he does not chime in here.

 

I've dealt with Chris Sneed quite a lot. A lot of it was fabricating prototype parts for the 3rd Gen cars. I have seen them rebuilding engines in his old shop, but it was just in passing. As far as dealing with Chris, he's done quite a bit of work for me other than developing parts and I have never had any complaints. He's a little hard to get hold of sometimes, but that goes with the territory I guess. I would suggest you give him a call and address your concerns with him directly. I like his stuff well enough that I've got his logo all over the side of my car. Sorry I can't be more help.

 

You said it all right there: "a lousy one year guarantee". Buy the new one and you won't have to worry whether someone likes or doesn't like Sneed4Speed.

 

New motor only has 2 years (kinda standard for rebuilt motors but should be longer for a new motor), but the problem is, its still a crappy french design. One would think Sneed4Speed *could* make a better motor. Can they, do they? I have no freaking idea. Will it last longer than a well maintained new motor? Design is one thing. Implementation another. Can Sneed4Speed implement? Do they know how to build a motor? I watched a buddy cry like a girl after his rebuilt super motor built by "experts" put its piston through the block 12 hours from home. Ive been burned myself too.

Anyway, cost is obviously a consideration.

1. New: $6300 plus tax, no core. 2 years warranty. Includes water pump, oil cooler, valve cover (mine are all new)

2. Used from junkyard with 90 day warranty and apparently checked for obvious defects by Bavarian Motor Exchange which two BMW mechanics I know, swear by: $3100 shipped. 90 days warranty (pathetic). What happens if it fails within 90 days? You gotta take it out and ship it back? Sheesh. $700 for one year warranty. $3800. Includes water pump, oil cooler, valve cover usually.

3. Sneed4Speed: $5000 with shipping both ways (new and core return) plus shipping. 1 year warranty. What happens if they dont like your core? Doesnt include valve cover, water pump or oil cooler.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts guys.

 

are they still doing r56 work? they just sold the shop car with a blown motor