This is my first time for making a web posting as a new member. So this is very much an "ask your Dad" type posting.

I have a 04MC JCW and having had a long time affair with Mini's am dying to start "tweaking" with it.
I would like to up-grade the brakes and wheels because I feel that this is a no-brainer.
Also I would like to get the most out of the engine that can safely and reasonably be accomplished. Friends of mine have said that delivering more power using non standard pulleys etc is a fine way to start when you want to damage clutch and drive train!!!!?
My question to those more knowledgeable that I am is, what can you get away with without major upgrades to Clutch etc? Is 260hp asking for trouble?
My local mini specialist is encouraging me to replace the exhaust, change the pulley and replace the software with a new chip.
Its bonus time soon and the money is burning a hole in my pocket. However I feel that I should eer on the side of caution (according to my wife).
Please let me know the do's and don'ts and approx price for this sinful indulgence?
Thanks and I am honored to be amongst so many Mini owners!
Buang

 

Hi Buang!
With the JCW, you already have upgraded pulley and exhaust. 260HP? I don't know where you got that idea, but it is highly unlikely you are going to see that kind of number without twincharging.
Good luck in your quest.

 

+1

 

First, welcome to NAM.

Second, with a JCW you've got a good balance of go fast goodies and streetability. Think about an M7 strut brace, catch can, maybe some graphics.

 

I had the same car. Forget about 260HP, aint going to happen without spending a fortune.

It all depends upon what you want. Just remember, any money you sink into mods will yield no return (especially on a JCW car since its already "modded"). If you dont care about resale, you could add some headers and a better intercooler. But dont expect any spectacular results.

Best of luck

 

Welcome - start with doing some visual. The JCW is already a strong performer no need to really tinker.

 

The JCW is already a great mod. Do you have the JCW upgrade, which includes the JCW air box? If not, that's one thing you can add, or go aftermarket for that. I'd recommend the Alta intake or the m7 Air Gain System, (if you're a do-it-yourselfer).

If you're still wanting increased performance, maybe upgrade your intercooler, with any of the aftermarket options. There are larger top-mount intercoolers, and newer direct-flow intercoolers, like the DFIC sold by m7 Tuning, or Alta's brand-new version, just announced recently at SEMA.


Brakes and suspension, (at LEAST a rear anti-sway bar would make good sense). The JCW brakes are nice, but for the money, there are other great big brake kits available. I recommend looking up TCE, they have lots of options for Wilwood kits.

 

The only way I see you getting 260hp is going to be twincharging it for about 5 grand. Other than that your options are basic mods, but being a JCW your already well upgraded on most aspects of it. Your drivetrain and clutch will be fine though. There are 300hp daily driven MINIs with stock drivetrain and clutches which are fine. You may wear your clutch quicker but thats about it. There is also a M62 supercharger conversion coming out which is only a little cheaper probably than the twincharge route.

BEATNUT

 

Thanks very much for you reply. Perhaps a little exageration at 260hp. A smaller increase would be nice though. I do not have the JCW latest mod on the airintake to give the extra to 210hp so maybe start small!
Thanks Again
Dudley

 

The only "cheap" thing to do is headers and maybe the M7 DFIC