Drivetrain JCW test drive impressions
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
With the factory working 24/7 just to supply current demand, I don't see the MINI being a "collectable" as much as a "desireable" fun car. Part of what makes a vehicle collectable is limited availability, and with +/- 25k allocated to the USA each year, availability is not "limited". Will JCW be more collectable? Of, course, but it will not make the MCS a real collectable. I agree, get a MCS and drive it like you stole it. (without JCW)
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, FL
>>I know one thing, if I got the JCW, I would leave off the works badge and try to stay stealth, otherwise it could be a little humiliating....bottom line, go drive it, it's only money and if it floats your boat, go for it, but I'll take a pass...cheers !
I have driven it and I thought it was fantastic and I thought it was much better than the Borla sport, ECU and intake car I also drove.
Frankly, I have a heard time taking anyone seriously who refuses to recognize the superiority of this version over the stock. So as for the reviews by posters on here who don't think much of the performance, AI don't think much of their evaluations. Their minds were made up before they drove the cars.
I have driven it and I thought it was fantastic and I thought it was much better than the Borla sport, ECU and intake car I also drove.
Frankly, I have a heard time taking anyone seriously who refuses to recognize the superiority of this version over the stock. So as for the reviews by posters on here who don't think much of the performance, AI don't think much of their evaluations. Their minds were made up before they drove the cars.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
>>Frankly, I have a heard time taking anyone seriously who refuses to recognize the superiority of this version over the stock.
>>
I don't think that there is doubt as to JCW's superiority over stock, we all recognize it as vastly superior. What there is however, is doubt as to JCW's superiority over the Pulley,Intake, Exhaust, ECU mods that we have already done to our MCS at less than half the cost of JCW. Therefore how to justify the hefty premium paid for those cool badges.
>>
I don't think that there is doubt as to JCW's superiority over stock, we all recognize it as vastly superior. What there is however, is doubt as to JCW's superiority over the Pulley,Intake, Exhaust, ECU mods that we have already done to our MCS at less than half the cost of JCW. Therefore how to justify the hefty premium paid for those cool badges.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Florida USA
>>>>Frankly, I have a heard time taking anyone seriously who refuses to recognize the superiority of this version over the stock.
>>>>
>>I don't think that there is doubt as to JCW's superiority over stock, we all recognize it as vastly superior. What there is however, is doubt as to JCW's superiority over the Pulley,Intake, Exhaust, ECU mods that we have already done to our MCS at less than half the cost of JCW. Therefore how to justify the hefty premium paid for those cool badges.
I agree with you both on the biased reviews and head to head power / speed of after market mods. I had theAlta reduced pulley and mini maddness intake on my MCS. Just 2 1/2 weeks ago I did the JCW kit install at my dealer. There is a definate differance with the JCW tahn just the reduced pulley. If the ECU mod is combined with the pulley you have about the same power. The difference is I am much more happy to have the JCW kit and not worry about any issues at all. If I or anyone else wanted to I could add all sorts of mods and squeez all sorts of HP out of the MCS. To me it's simular to getting the packages that other manufacturers use through their in house tuners, and then badge the car. My suspicion is if someone to give all these people the money to just go and get the JCW kit, most of them would end up with it also. To me it has nothing to do with justification of dollars, just a personal preferance as to want each individual person wants.
As far as someone driving the MCS with JCW kit and even comparing it to stock is out of their mind if no major difference is noted. If you do nothing else but just change the pully it is a much different vehicle all together. I don't get it. I'm not looking to debate this issue I am only posting my outlook of whats been posted.
>>>>
>>I don't think that there is doubt as to JCW's superiority over stock, we all recognize it as vastly superior. What there is however, is doubt as to JCW's superiority over the Pulley,Intake, Exhaust, ECU mods that we have already done to our MCS at less than half the cost of JCW. Therefore how to justify the hefty premium paid for those cool badges.
I agree with you both on the biased reviews and head to head power / speed of after market mods. I had theAlta reduced pulley and mini maddness intake on my MCS. Just 2 1/2 weeks ago I did the JCW kit install at my dealer. There is a definate differance with the JCW tahn just the reduced pulley. If the ECU mod is combined with the pulley you have about the same power. The difference is I am much more happy to have the JCW kit and not worry about any issues at all. If I or anyone else wanted to I could add all sorts of mods and squeez all sorts of HP out of the MCS. To me it's simular to getting the packages that other manufacturers use through their in house tuners, and then badge the car. My suspicion is if someone to give all these people the money to just go and get the JCW kit, most of them would end up with it also. To me it has nothing to do with justification of dollars, just a personal preferance as to want each individual person wants.
As far as someone driving the MCS with JCW kit and even comparing it to stock is out of their mind if no major difference is noted. If you do nothing else but just change the pully it is a much different vehicle all together. I don't get it. I'm not looking to debate this issue I am only posting my outlook of whats been posted.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, FL
>>>>Frankly, I have a heard time taking anyone seriously who refuses to recognize the superiority of this version over the stock.
>>>>
>>I don't think that there is doubt as to JCW's superiority over stock, we all recognize it as vastly superior. What there is however, is doubt as to JCW's superiority over the Pulley,Intake, Exhaust, ECU mods that we have already done to our MCS at less than half the cost of JCW. Therefore how to justify the hefty premium paid for those cool badges.
Now that is a serious statement and a legitimate question. However if you read back through the thread there were people saying it wasn't better than stock. Granted it was most likely only runaway hyperbole, but it was nevertheless offered. My point was that I have a hard time taking those people seriously on this matter. It is funny that something like this is evoking so much passion.
As for your question. I think there are four significant reasons that could justify the extra $3,000.
The first is obviously the warranty. No muss, no fuss, no interpretations of the Magnussen Act need to be debated.
The second is the matter of resale value. Is your car going to be a premium in the used car market as opposed to a slightly tainted used car? How much is that worth? You might find your resale value between a JCW and a modded S at more than $3,000 over a few years.
Third, R&D. As many people who are driving the pulley modded S's no one is really sure about the long term effects on the supercharger because they've not been subjected to hours and hours of rigorous bench testing.
Fourth and finally, the package also includes a machined head which when offered by tuners will likely cost a thousand or more and a supercharger with ceramic coated vanes. Everyone agrees that the ceramic coating is an improvement, the only debate is how much. Quite simply, since Junior isn't keen on giving away all the secrets, we are not sure how much we are getting in benefits from those two items. Even if the supercharger will be more efficient and as many offer more reliable over the long run.
I am likely not going to get the JCW but all that I have listed is giving me tremendous pause. I will instead likely go with my dealer-offered pulley package, knowing that they will stand behind the car in the case that the pulleys start blowing superchargers all over the western hemisphere.
I guess the question is how much do you pay in insurance?
>>>>
>>I don't think that there is doubt as to JCW's superiority over stock, we all recognize it as vastly superior. What there is however, is doubt as to JCW's superiority over the Pulley,Intake, Exhaust, ECU mods that we have already done to our MCS at less than half the cost of JCW. Therefore how to justify the hefty premium paid for those cool badges.
Now that is a serious statement and a legitimate question. However if you read back through the thread there were people saying it wasn't better than stock. Granted it was most likely only runaway hyperbole, but it was nevertheless offered. My point was that I have a hard time taking those people seriously on this matter. It is funny that something like this is evoking so much passion.
As for your question. I think there are four significant reasons that could justify the extra $3,000.
The first is obviously the warranty. No muss, no fuss, no interpretations of the Magnussen Act need to be debated.
The second is the matter of resale value. Is your car going to be a premium in the used car market as opposed to a slightly tainted used car? How much is that worth? You might find your resale value between a JCW and a modded S at more than $3,000 over a few years.
Third, R&D. As many people who are driving the pulley modded S's no one is really sure about the long term effects on the supercharger because they've not been subjected to hours and hours of rigorous bench testing.
Fourth and finally, the package also includes a machined head which when offered by tuners will likely cost a thousand or more and a supercharger with ceramic coated vanes. Everyone agrees that the ceramic coating is an improvement, the only debate is how much. Quite simply, since Junior isn't keen on giving away all the secrets, we are not sure how much we are getting in benefits from those two items. Even if the supercharger will be more efficient and as many offer more reliable over the long run.
I am likely not going to get the JCW but all that I have listed is giving me tremendous pause. I will instead likely go with my dealer-offered pulley package, knowing that they will stand behind the car in the case that the pulleys start blowing superchargers all over the western hemisphere.
I guess the question is how much do you pay in insurance?
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
>>As for your question. I think there are four significant reasons that could justify the extra $3,000.
>>
>>The first is obviously the warranty. No muss, no fuss, no interpretations of the Magnussen Act need to be debated.
>>
True. but do you think that the pulley in itself really puts that much more strain upon the Eaton blower that it will become unreliable? While I have no figures, I have yet to hear of any increase in s'charger failure on MCO from vehicles with the pulley v. those with a stock pulley. Granted piece of mind comes with the warranty, but for $3,000.?
>>The second is the matter of resale value. Is your car going to be a premium in the used car market as opposed to a slightly tainted used car? How much is that worth? You might find your resale value between a JCW and a modded S at more than $3,000 over a few years.
>>
Maybe you have a valid point, but at this stage with MCS ownership at a premium (resale values very high) I don't see the pulley mod as causing a decrease in used car value. However, looking at it in light of a modded Mustang GT v. stock Mustang GT, I would probably pay less for the modded car, as I would suspect that it led a harder life.
>>Third, R&D. As many people who are driving the pulley modded S's no one is really sure about the long term effects on the supercharger because they've not been subjected to hours and hours of rigorous bench testing.
>>
Gotta disagree with you here. The 15% reduction IS based upon R&D, and keeping the blower within Eaton's spec, limits (17,500 rpm max). Eaton blowers have been used in tens of thousands of vehicles over the years, both for street and track use. The folks who bring us the 15% pulleys know what the charger will do. Also JCW uses a 15% reduction pulley too.
>>Fourth and finally, the package also includes a machined head which when offered by tuners will likely cost a thousand or more and a supercharger with ceramic coated vanes. Everyone agrees that the ceramic coating is an improvement, the only debate is how much. Quite simply, since Junior isn't keen on giving away all the secrets, we are not sure how much we are getting in benefits from those two items. Even if the supercharger will be more efficient and as many offer more reliable over the long run.
>>
I'm in complete agreement with the headwork, I would like to port and polish mine and may do so. I don't know enough about the ceramic supercharger vanes to comment.
>>
>>The first is obviously the warranty. No muss, no fuss, no interpretations of the Magnussen Act need to be debated.
>>
True. but do you think that the pulley in itself really puts that much more strain upon the Eaton blower that it will become unreliable? While I have no figures, I have yet to hear of any increase in s'charger failure on MCO from vehicles with the pulley v. those with a stock pulley. Granted piece of mind comes with the warranty, but for $3,000.?
>>The second is the matter of resale value. Is your car going to be a premium in the used car market as opposed to a slightly tainted used car? How much is that worth? You might find your resale value between a JCW and a modded S at more than $3,000 over a few years.
>>
Maybe you have a valid point, but at this stage with MCS ownership at a premium (resale values very high) I don't see the pulley mod as causing a decrease in used car value. However, looking at it in light of a modded Mustang GT v. stock Mustang GT, I would probably pay less for the modded car, as I would suspect that it led a harder life.
>>Third, R&D. As many people who are driving the pulley modded S's no one is really sure about the long term effects on the supercharger because they've not been subjected to hours and hours of rigorous bench testing.
>>
Gotta disagree with you here. The 15% reduction IS based upon R&D, and keeping the blower within Eaton's spec, limits (17,500 rpm max). Eaton blowers have been used in tens of thousands of vehicles over the years, both for street and track use. The folks who bring us the 15% pulleys know what the charger will do. Also JCW uses a 15% reduction pulley too.
>>Fourth and finally, the package also includes a machined head which when offered by tuners will likely cost a thousand or more and a supercharger with ceramic coated vanes. Everyone agrees that the ceramic coating is an improvement, the only debate is how much. Quite simply, since Junior isn't keen on giving away all the secrets, we are not sure how much we are getting in benefits from those two items. Even if the supercharger will be more efficient and as many offer more reliable over the long run.
>>
I'm in complete agreement with the headwork, I would like to port and polish mine and may do so. I don't know enough about the ceramic supercharger vanes to comment.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,241
Likes: 0
From: USA
>>>>>"I understand the production run for the JCW is currently 1,500 units only. I have reservation number three at the Hartford Dealership who has completed one JCW install to date.
As far as why one should purchase the JCW versus the aftermarket options, its different for everyone and not one solution fits all. "
To think a pristine works will be worth more in the future....I doubt it. I'd
rather have aftermarket work done by someone who has done a few rather than by someone who is installing his third Cooper Works kit. The drawback for me is that it is not done in the factory. If it was I might be interested. It is not factory...it is aftermarket. I'd rather have someone like Randy install a new pulley, who is an accomplished race mechanic, and has also done a "few."
I hope the kid who does the head remembers the proper torque settings.
As an aside, for my five grand they'd have to be doing some brakework as well. IMHO.
As far as why one should purchase the JCW versus the aftermarket options, its different for everyone and not one solution fits all. "
To think a pristine works will be worth more in the future....I doubt it. I'd
rather have aftermarket work done by someone who has done a few rather than by someone who is installing his third Cooper Works kit. The drawback for me is that it is not done in the factory. If it was I might be interested. It is not factory...it is aftermarket. I'd rather have someone like Randy install a new pulley, who is an accomplished race mechanic, and has also done a "few."
I hope the kid who does the head remembers the proper torque settings.
As an aside, for my five grand they'd have to be doing some brakework as well. IMHO.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
>>To think a pristine works will be worth more in the future....I doubt it. I'd
>>rather have aftermarket work done by someone who has done a few rather than by someone who is installing his third Cooper Works kit. The drawback for me is that it is not done in the factory. If it was I might be interested. It is not factory...it is aftermarket. I'd rather have someone like Randy install a new pulley, who is an accomplished race mechanic, and has also done a "few."
>>rather have aftermarket work done by someone who has done a few rather than by someone who is installing his third Cooper Works kit. The drawback for me is that it is not done in the factory. If it was I might be interested. It is not factory...it is aftermarket. I'd rather have someone like Randy install a new pulley, who is an accomplished race mechanic, and has also done a "few."
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
After reading people's comments on the JCW vs stock MCS power comparisons, I must say that either my MCS is dog slow compared to other stock MCS's and/or the JCW'd MCS my dealer gives test drives is faster than other JCW'd MCS's.
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
Frankly, I have a heard time taking anyone seriously who refuses to recognize the superiority of this version over the stock. So as for the reviews by posters on here who don't think much of the performance, AI don't think much of their evaluations. Their minds were made up before they drove the cars.
Well...guess you could say the sword cuts both ways...I have a hard time taking anyone seriously that thinks there is a huge difference in a stock S and the JCW car I drove....but I have to agree as I also don't think much of the evaluations of some posters as well....laugh !
Just read an article last night testing 3 MCS's, the Hartage mods, the JCW and a stock S. The article clearly stated the Hartage mod S was quicker than the JCW from start all the way up to over 6000rpms...it only gave the JCW a nod at the top end range, but said the JCW felt more connected than the Hartage, whatever the hell that meant. The Hartage at far less and quicker than JCW, would love to drive one to compare it to stock S....but interestingly the same article kept stating how great a value the stock S was because there was little if any difference at low end and only at the top end of the rpm range till the increased performance of the modded supercharger jumps out and not as much as one might think...they also questioned the price since the stock S in their opinioned performed very nicely....but as quantum physics clearly states, perception is what you are looking for or wishing for, the performance numbers don't seem to be showing much difference...but again it's your money, buy whatever turns you on, just seems MINI is asking you to bend over before they install the JCW kit, laugh....
Well...guess you could say the sword cuts both ways...I have a hard time taking anyone seriously that thinks there is a huge difference in a stock S and the JCW car I drove....but I have to agree as I also don't think much of the evaluations of some posters as well....laugh !
Just read an article last night testing 3 MCS's, the Hartage mods, the JCW and a stock S. The article clearly stated the Hartage mod S was quicker than the JCW from start all the way up to over 6000rpms...it only gave the JCW a nod at the top end range, but said the JCW felt more connected than the Hartage, whatever the hell that meant. The Hartage at far less and quicker than JCW, would love to drive one to compare it to stock S....but interestingly the same article kept stating how great a value the stock S was because there was little if any difference at low end and only at the top end of the rpm range till the increased performance of the modded supercharger jumps out and not as much as one might think...they also questioned the price since the stock S in their opinioned performed very nicely....but as quantum physics clearly states, perception is what you are looking for or wishing for, the performance numbers don't seem to be showing much difference...but again it's your money, buy whatever turns you on, just seems MINI is asking you to bend over before they install the JCW kit, laugh....
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
Just test drove & found out what $28K will buy you today and it was pretty damn impressive....
test drove the new RX8 6 speed at the dealership...they just got in their first shipment... 9 for the weekend....I was very impressed...I was expecting the terrific performance, but what blew me away was the handling with the sport suspension and 50/50 weight distribution.....if the minis are 10 on the handling scale, then the new RX8 is at worst a 9......the RX8 is much more fun drive than the G35 Coupe...it was a real hoot and the sport seats are to die for...ergonomically for the driver and passenger it is a thing of beauty & couldn't believe the amount of room in the rear seats given that it is identical in size to the 911.....but go take a test drive even for kicks as the cars just keep getting better and better.....read last night new Focus and new R32 Golf will both have 300 + hp...amazing for 4 bangers...cheers !
test drove the new RX8 6 speed at the dealership...they just got in their first shipment... 9 for the weekend....I was very impressed...I was expecting the terrific performance, but what blew me away was the handling with the sport suspension and 50/50 weight distribution.....if the minis are 10 on the handling scale, then the new RX8 is at worst a 9......the RX8 is much more fun drive than the G35 Coupe...it was a real hoot and the sport seats are to die for...ergonomically for the driver and passenger it is a thing of beauty & couldn't believe the amount of room in the rear seats given that it is identical in size to the 911.....but go take a test drive even for kicks as the cars just keep getting better and better.....read last night new Focus and new R32 Golf will both have 300 + hp...amazing for 4 bangers...cheers !
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota, FL
>>Just test drove & found out what $28K will buy you today and it was pretty damn impressive....
>>
>>test drove the new RX8 6 speed at the dealership...
I was told the RX-8 will sell in the mid to high $30s.
>>
>>test drove the new RX8 6 speed at the dealership...
I was told the RX-8 will sell in the mid to high $30s.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
I think the trouble with the Works is that it's been hyped so much that people have ridiculous expectations. Truth be told when I first test-drove the Works I wasn't blown away. I walked away disappointed, for some reason I was expecting more. 
I really really loved it. Maybe temperature plays a part for some of you but for me this car was no slouch. My advice to anyone thinking of buying the kit is too have more than one test drive. Second time round it just felt like a different car.
I've had the kit fitted to a new S that I've just bought. And I couldn't be happier. Yes there are cheaper even quicker conversions on the Market. But for me I can drive in the knowledge that my warranty is intacted and my TLC (servicing package in the UK) is valid.
The kit isn’t cheap, but neither is 3 years of research and development. It also could be rarer and if it was just for the UK market it would. But it's the price we pay to have the kit sold globally.
For me there is no good/bad conversion – it’s all down to personal preference. It’s the beauty of freedom of choice.
_________________
I really really loved it. Maybe temperature plays a part for some of you but for me this car was no slouch. My advice to anyone thinking of buying the kit is too have more than one test drive. Second time round it just felt like a different car.
I've had the kit fitted to a new S that I've just bought. And I couldn't be happier. Yes there are cheaper even quicker conversions on the Market. But for me I can drive in the knowledge that my warranty is intacted and my TLC (servicing package in the UK) is valid.
The kit isn’t cheap, but neither is 3 years of research and development. It also could be rarer and if it was just for the UK market it would. But it's the price we pay to have the kit sold globally.
For me there is no good/bad conversion – it’s all down to personal preference. It’s the beauty of freedom of choice.
_________________
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
I was told the RX-8 will sell in the mid to high $30s.
not even close...the base model is $26 plus and change with the 250 hp and 6 speed manual, the automatic with 210 hp and F1 paddle shifters is slighty more for the base.....so the base is similar to the MCS base, 6 to 7 K difference....RX8 base comes standard with limited slip differential, 18" wheels and larger front brakes which I was surprised
you can add 3 options to the base, the 1. Sport Package (self-leveling HID headlights, fog lights, DSC which adds to the base price 2. Touring Package (includes the sports Package plus 300 watt 9 speaker Bose sound system, sun roof) or 3. Grand Touring Package (includes Touring Package plus leather seats, 8 way power drivers seat, heated seats.
Of course they have the other extras like navigation, 6 disc CD player and other accessories...
Totally loaded with all the packages, looks like you could get it up to $32K, the one I drove had just the Sport Package and was under $30K.
It's a lot of car for 28K IMO....the one thing I will have to give the Japenense credit for is the many extras they include on the base models like this RX8 I drove as well as the new EVO I drove....the only true negative I felt driving it is like the MCS it has under 200 ft lbs of torque, so you need to keep the rpms up in the higher gears for quicker performance.....but to be honest this car felt easily like a $40K plus car. I also didn't think I would like the looks, but it really looked much better than I thought...I would buy it in a heartbeat over the G35, because similar to the mini it puts a smile on your face which I really didn't find with the G35 as it took more effort to drive....worth a test drive as I said even for kicks, but my bet is Mazda has a homerun here as they sold 3 while I was there in a little over an hour...
not even close...the base model is $26 plus and change with the 250 hp and 6 speed manual, the automatic with 210 hp and F1 paddle shifters is slighty more for the base.....so the base is similar to the MCS base, 6 to 7 K difference....RX8 base comes standard with limited slip differential, 18" wheels and larger front brakes which I was surprised
you can add 3 options to the base, the 1. Sport Package (self-leveling HID headlights, fog lights, DSC which adds to the base price 2. Touring Package (includes the sports Package plus 300 watt 9 speaker Bose sound system, sun roof) or 3. Grand Touring Package (includes Touring Package plus leather seats, 8 way power drivers seat, heated seats.
Of course they have the other extras like navigation, 6 disc CD player and other accessories...
Totally loaded with all the packages, looks like you could get it up to $32K, the one I drove had just the Sport Package and was under $30K.
It's a lot of car for 28K IMO....the one thing I will have to give the Japenense credit for is the many extras they include on the base models like this RX8 I drove as well as the new EVO I drove....the only true negative I felt driving it is like the MCS it has under 200 ft lbs of torque, so you need to keep the rpms up in the higher gears for quicker performance.....but to be honest this car felt easily like a $40K plus car. I also didn't think I would like the looks, but it really looked much better than I thought...I would buy it in a heartbeat over the G35, because similar to the mini it puts a smile on your face which I really didn't find with the G35 as it took more effort to drive....worth a test drive as I said even for kicks, but my bet is Mazda has a homerun here as they sold 3 while I was there in a little over an hour...
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
I think the trouble with the Works is that it's got such a factory feel to it, that it doesn't feel like a modification. The exhaust at normal speeds sounds no different to stock.
LMB....I think you hit the nail on the head. The article I referred to said the same thing that the Works felt more connected than the Hartage, even though they felt the Hartage felt quicker. They did say the exhaust of the hartage was definitely much louder while the Works felt more factory. Now I'm going to go drive it again and really scare the bejesus out of the passenger to make sure I get the full effect, laugh !
LMB....I think you hit the nail on the head. The article I referred to said the same thing that the Works felt more connected than the Hartage, even though they felt the Hartage felt quicker. They did say the exhaust of the hartage was definitely much louder while the Works felt more factory. Now I'm going to go drive it again and really scare the bejesus out of the passenger to make sure I get the full effect, laugh !
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
I hope the RX-8 looks better in person because it looks UGLY in photos, IMHO.
yeah...I didn't think much of the photos either, but in person, I thought it looked terrific.....just my opinion, but the AC was to die for, probably why I was most impressed after the MCS AC I suffer with at over 100 degrees in Phoenix and it had a solid sun roof cover, did you hear that MINI USA...lol !
yeah...I didn't think much of the photos either, but in person, I thought it looked terrific.....just my opinion, but the AC was to die for, probably why I was most impressed after the MCS AC I suffer with at over 100 degrees in Phoenix and it had a solid sun roof cover, did you hear that MINI USA...lol !
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AlbertaO3
Good Day,
Having ordered a JCW kit for my 03 MCS I was very interested to test the dealer car as the first kit was allocated to the dealer, and, well, frankly, I was expecting more. The car does have more horsepower no question but not a lot more and if you don't push it you wouldn't know....it does pull away with less of that hesitation you get with a regular MCS.
I drive my MCS hard so maybe I was at my cars top perfromance and not quite there with the dealer car but still expected more of grin out of the cost...
The sound was also disappointing, if you want quiet you will like it, otherwise it is only marginally louder than the stock exhaust even when wound up.....
Will I still incurrr the $7,800 CDN installed cost? Not sure, but the JCW would serve as a good base for 230-240HP which is where I want to end up....I had a 99 Z3 M Coupe with 244 HP that is the right amount and the S has better suspension and electronics....
Having ordered a JCW kit for my 03 MCS I was very interested to test the dealer car as the first kit was allocated to the dealer, and, well, frankly, I was expecting more. The car does have more horsepower no question but not a lot more and if you don't push it you wouldn't know....it does pull away with less of that hesitation you get with a regular MCS.
I drive my MCS hard so maybe I was at my cars top perfromance and not quite there
with the dealer car but still expected more of grin out of the cost...The sound was also disappointing, if you want quiet you will like it, otherwise it is only marginally louder than the stock exhaust even when wound up.....
Will I still incurrr the $7,800 CDN installed cost? Not sure, but the JCW would serve as a good base for 230-240HP which is where I want to end up....I had a 99 Z3 M Coupe with 244 HP that is the right amount and the S has better suspension and electronics....
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ECSTuning
Vendor Classifieds
7
Jan 4, 2019 12:51 PM
ECSTuning
Vendor Announcements
0
Aug 12, 2015 01:24 PM
ECSTuning
Drivetrain Products
0
Aug 11, 2015 11:58 AM