Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

Hey,
Im new to the Mini world and im loving it. I want to get some small mods for now and i was wondering if the JCW kit is worth it and does it void warranty? Its an 2008 Mini Cooper S do they have a JCW kit for it?



Thanks,
Pete

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

If you have the JCW kit installed at the dealer it will not void your warranty. As far as whether or not it is worth it, I am curious as well.

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

You might check out this site; www.dinancars.com/

It is an alternative to the JCW kit, and I understand that some dealers also not void your warrenty with it either. I have never seen one installed, but I have heard of people using these guy's parts in Road Racing Mini's

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

It all depends on what you want in your MINI, Bro!

What I mean is this:
Depending on what options are the most important to you, the JCW kit may be well worth it for you to get into the car before you decide on the other options you 'MAY' want.
You see, for myself, the number one thing I had to have on my MINI wasthat Turbo. The second most important thing for me to have was the JCW kit, because it is the 'ONLY' aftermarket kit that the factory warranty will cover. So with these two optional items you will have the fastest possible MINI right out of the factory (The JCW kits for the 2007 & up are installed at the dealer, unless we are talking about the 2008 Convertible, which are still done at the factory until the engine changes to the current model in 2009).

Now if you are talking straight out specs, then you are only going to get like 12 or so extra HP out of the current JCW kit (Unless it is the Convertible, which gets an extra 30 HP or so until the engine changes to the current one in 2009).

Either way it still comes down to how much money you have to spend on extras, and what is most important to get into the car first. You can start with interior and work your way outward. Or you can start in the engine compartment, and work your way inward.

Personally, I would go for what I call the "Super Cooper" (Turbo & JCW Kit).

Good luck, and Happy Motoring, Bro!

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

My concern about the JCW upgrades it the lack of HP. So far every review says that the cost/benefit is not worth it. I am curious to see what the performance numbers are however, last article I read said that the JCW kit did not make much difference.
If I come across the article I will post it up. However, that being said there are other benefits such as the nice body kit and of course added performance which I suspect help in terms of the qualify of the drive when it comes to response, power band, etc...

Also, it appears that the JCW kit is only available for the 6-speed manual. Although, looking at the numbers the auto is still slightly faster with recorded times of 0-60 in 6.2 and 1/4 mile of 14.77 @ 92.mph for the auto (reference: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...r_s/index.html)

Here are a few articles for reference:

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/28/u...jcw-treatment/

http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/08/...e-r56-jcw-kit/

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

I don't think it's worth the price.

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

I just picked up my JCW engie modified Cooper S.

The body kit comes with the JCW car.If you don't care for the more agressive look a quick calculation shows that the price per horsepower is lower for a Cooper S with the JCWengine modthan the JCW car.

One thing that I don't know (and I should as I just bought one) is how much do dealers charge for making the change? I know what my dealer charged and am trying to get an idea if I was taken for a ride.

I'd say there is some value to the JCW engine mod, but unless your willing to test the local officer's tolerance for"display of speed", I don't think it's worth it.

Does anyone know if there are ECU chipsfor the JCW engine mod?

Thanks,

John

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

I was gonna order the suspension but one of the sales guys said for daily use it was not a good Idea so I opted for the regular sport suspension, I ended up with an 09, and should be here this Dec.

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

I'm new to the Forum and I just purchased a 2009 red/black JCW. I will pick it up in a few days so I'll let you all know if I like it as much as the Corvette I sold to get it.
Ronnie

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

I wanted the JCW suspension but they quoted 16 hours of labor to drop the subframe and install that part of the kit. I decided just to order the sports suspension (maybe not worth it, don't know yet) and purchase the Bilstein coilover package for about $1900. That's about $1300 cheaper than the JCW dealer installation. Ordered red/black JCW car and gave them my Corvette (but I'll get another one down the line...had three already).

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

I got my JCW and I really think I'm gonna love it a whole lot. It has horspower to spare and handles way better then my Corvette did. The only option on this JCW is the Sport suspension.It corners perfecly flat and does not ride bad at all. I thought it would really be a harsh ride with the tite suspension and very low profile wide runflat tires but it rides perfect for me. Of course I don't know any better because I just got out of a Corvette I put ZO-6 Swaybars and ZO6 shocks on. I can't believe the power this little German made engine seems to put out. I have notreally run it up to redline or actually floored it yet. (Not enough miles) The transmission on this is made in Germany and shifts just perfect every time. I want to get at least 3,000 miles on it before I open it up. The chili red car with black top and mirrors with black front and rear sport stripes looks great. Oh yea! My first mod was I installed a JCW strut that goes from shock tower to shock tower in the front engine compartment. I would not know if this improved anything because I put it on as soon as I got home from the dealers when I bought the car. I'm guessing it does stiffen up the body twist. I'm glad I got it. I also put on a thin black license plate bracket. Next thing I think I want is a center arm rest. I want to see one on a car first thiough

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

Yes, It is well worth it. I got mine Oct.27th. and the more I drive it the better I like it. It is fast, handles excellent and looks great. Being A JCW the people that know cars already know what it is and go nuts wanting me to talk about it with them. The people not into cars just think it's cute and always seem to know somebody that owns a Mini and likes the one they have. All I know is I'm falling in "LOVE" with mine. I named it "Little REd Monster" because that is just what it is.
Ronnie948

RE: Is the JCW kit worth it?
 

MY 07 MCS
I have never driven a JCW however my MCS is a little monster.
I do not push to limit .It is already too much handeling and power for me.I usually drive conservive.However I have turned a few nephews and sons knuckles white.Some have asked where I learned to drive and how I push it so hard . Has anyone driven both the S and JCW .


John

Wow...thats 2 more added to the already 5 people i have meet who gave up a Corvette for a Mini...i meet 1 guy who gave up the Mini for a Corvette but still talk about quincidance (sp?) Minis are great little cars that over most have such a great value AND some power. I compared at the time a brand new 2006 Acura RSX type S: 210hp (170 to the wheels) 6 spped to a 2006 Mini and wow...the power to weight on the mini vs. the type S was spectacular. They were almost idetical...yet the Mini had it beat by about $8k! $30k for a Type S vs $22k for a MINI. Awesome little cars and the inspiration to my car project.

About the JCW its all prefernce. There is so much you can get. The power upgrade I have heard is a little better over a regular S. Throttle feels more responsive, but the overall performance is about the same. the looks do give it a more aggressive stance, but there is so much more you can get for the mini through aftermarket companies for a lot cheeper. Again it all comes down to prefrence.