There must have been some miscommunication. They said the original kit is not suitable for '05-'06, and then seem willing offer you the head for your '06.

Did you mean that the head would come from the original kit, or it would be a new one that is different?

 

It would be a brand new head from JCM, not from the kit.

 

I would get the sound kit, then add the M7 head and TB. Sure, those items combined are expensive, but if you already have a Cooper, I think they would make the car much more enjoyable to drive.

 

New or old, the heads are the similar and will fit any MINI (except Tritech vs Prince of course). The only difference between MC and MCS heads are the metal the valves are made of, but the cams and JCW head grinds are the same between MCS and MC.

 

Bringing you all up to date on my little project. I have ordered the JCW Sound Kit (Exhaust) for my 06' MC.

The order a new head through JCM was sent already. In total it will be app. $1700 shipped from the UK directly to my dealer where I had purchased the car.

My 10,000 mile service coming up in about 1 month. Hopefully, I can time the installation of everything so no additional trips would be needed.

 

The cost for the head is not bad considering that it includes shipping from the UK and (I presume) no core charge. It is a lot to spend but actually I thought it would be more. How much will your dealer charge for the installation? Looking forward to hearing about the results.

 

Great work Ords!
Now can we spend your money vicariously and convince you to get it ported and polished and to buy the JCM exhaust manifold.

So your SA has agreed to put on the the head? Do you get to keep your old one? Did he mention any warranty "adjustments"

 

Thanks!

Yes, I get to keep my old head and today I'm making a couple of follow up calls to work out the details of the install. The issue of warrenty "adjustments' is still being finalized. It helped that I had a nice chat during the St. Louis and Indy portions of MTTS with corportate folks to explain what I am desiring to do.

 

I have the JCW Tuning Kit (#475) on my MC. That's my engine bay in the photo on the MyMini website. I thought MyMini had located another Tuning Kit in the US, but I'm not sure about that.

I was at MTTS from Memphis to Jersey City, so you all could have seen and heard my MINI, but I just found this thread. I met Thomas Kurz who manages all the MINI accessories in the US. I'm hoping to get some more information about the JCW Tuning Kit from him and if/where there might be some still available here. There are only 26-30 of these in the US so I hope my MINI will be quite collectible.

 

SOOOO, how does it drive?????

 

His in-depth review:
http://motoringfile.com/2006/03/06/j...ng-kit-review/

 

I am very interested also, but basically was told to talk to the dealer by JCM. I'm leaning towards Cosworth/M7 for the performance mods, we'll see what they say. Good luck with your search.

 

Reeves,

Correct, JCM won't sell the head itself. Good luck on yours too!

 

Thanks for the info, it is helping me make my choices. Since M7 is local, I am going to check them out directly. I'll start a new thread with what I have found out so far.

 

I believe I was quoted about $1300 from M7 for a Cosworth grind on my existing head.

Its beyond me why the MCS Cosworth head wouldn't work with a MC cam. M7 uses Schrick cams in the MCS head currently (atleast that is what is still posted on his site).

I also may have misunderstood Randy too.

 

This is cool I guess for the collectable value but is all this really justifiable for 15 ponies? I think with the right driver the stock mini just might take JCW MC

 

Very possibly. But JCW is about more than just HP numbers, it's a total package. It's a point not to be underestimated.

 

James, in talking with other JCW MC owners, how many have more than just the tuning kit? Any idea who has a complete set up on an MC? Brakes, suspension, interior?

Just curious...

 

I have only been able to find and talk to ONE other owner of a JCW MC. She did not have the other stuff, that I can remember. Speaking to MINI during MTTS, the number of these tuning kits in the US is between 26 and 30, but I haven't had much success tracking down the owners. I have only the JCW door sills on mine. For me, I would only add JCW parts that were available in 2004, the year my MINI was made (for historical accuracy).

 

Two

 

You can get the MC JCW kits through a tuner in Florida - MyMini. I think he brings them in from the UK.

http://www.myminiparts.com/proddetai...od=MCJCW&cat=7

 

I got the sound kit installed on my new '06 MC by the dealer. I don't think I would have gotten it were it not for the MC on the lot that had one. My MA insisted that I at least test drive it, and when I heard what it sounded like from 4500 to 6000 RPM there was no question I had to have one. I purchased about $2500 in dealer installed options, hence was given a break on the prices. I think I paid 1125 for it installed.

As said previously, it gives the car a 1960s sports car note that is much more aggressive sounding than the MCS even if it has less HP. Includes a code load for the engine management computer, so there is more to it than simply intake and exhaust. As for performance, perhaps it is an audio illusion, but it feels like there is much better response in the upper range of 3rd gear with it. I had the dealer car up to 93mph in 3rd gear almost effortlessly(!) I have been getting 34mph combined city and highway. Granted city driving here in KC is pretty wide-open. See my photo gallery for pics of the tip etc.

 

Yes, you can for model 02-04 years only. I'm taking a different approach to reach the same thing.

 

Prince,

Thanks for experience with the Sound Kit. Everyone who has one says it's meatier in sound. I look forward to having this done next week.

 

All it will give you is "sound",...and around 8 bhp, and a couple of badges that's about it .Save the money and get a good Sport SS exhaust fitted if its sound your after .