Just bought a 03 MCS and need more power thinking about the works? anything better?
Thanks
Copy Boy

 

I have it and love it. Its very pricey--its not a bargain by any means. But I have my warranty, and the JCW setup is the smoothest out there IMHO (Or at least the smoothest I've seen).

On the other hand, if you're out of warranty, you can get the same performance much, much cheaper. Won't be as smooth and refined, but you can easily get the torque/HP much cheaper.

It depends on your wants/needs/tastes.

Also, you may want to do a search; there are a million threads here on it, and they're for the most part worth reading. They can get a bit contentious (Not sure how a thread can start with "I just got a JCW engine kit" and end with "Your mother obviously was at Chernobyl when she was pregnant with you", but thats often how these type of threads degenerate--hopefully this one won't).

 

If you care about warranty than yes its worth it. If you don't care about warranty then its a crappy deal. You can make just as much if not more power for around $2000.00

 

Another option (though I'm not sure of the popularity level on the board here) is the DINAN upgrade kits. I have the Stage 1 kit on my 03' (along with a few other mods) and I am VERY pleased with the output. It was installed at the dealer and maintained the warrenty of the car. It's atleast worth taking a look at if you are wanting to upgrade.

 

Go with what you feel is the best. It sounds like you've really already made up your mind...so go with it.

 

I've got an '03, and I added the JCW after about a year and a half. It's nice, but knowing what I do now, I'd spend the money elsewhere, and get more power for less $$. Are you in a state/location where service and/or inspection/smog-check issues are going to be a problem? If so, the JCW may make sense for you, as it's a "stock" set-up. As mentioned above, check out Dinan. You can get the same power levels as the JCW for about 1/2-2/3 of the price. The issue there is whether you are near a dealer that sells/services the Dinan equipment.

 

JCW parts backed by the factory. Other parts from companies you hope will still be in business in a few years.

 

Thanks for the help

 

also keep in mind that the JCW kit will help resale, mods from other companies will not as much, you'll have to take them off to sell seperately if you want to get some money back on them.

 

Not true. The stage 5 kit is necessary to get JCW numbers and it's $4976 plus 20 hrs labor.

Cooper S JCW Kit: 11 12 0 395 130 = $4,650.00/10hrs install