Can you do any mods post JCW that would still keep the warranty? Does it come with a reduction pulley already? $6150 is what I was quoted to install and trying to determine if it gave me more room down the road to increase the HP yet more flexability with the warranty.. Any ideas?

 

>>Can you do any mods post JCW that would still keep the warranty? Does it come with a reduction pulley already? $6150 is what I was quoted to install and trying to determine if it gave me more room down the road to increase the HP yet more flexability with the warranty.. Any ideas?

You'd have the same kind of issues with mods and warranty, wether you have JCW or not.

JCW comes with a 15% reduction pulley amongst other things.
The JCW kit is well designed, with all mods tailored to work with one another. If you change one of the JCW components, you might be affecting performace in a negative way, at least theoretically. You could still go for other mods such as air intake, suspension mods etc..., but would have the standard warranty issues.

 

Well I comes with a reduction pulley. You could add a high flow Air filter set up like the K&N Typhoon, Mini Pilo Intake, Alta, or Madness for a couple of extra horses. you can also add a header, ignition wires, and coil. They should not void the warranty. You could also add a camshaft. And if you want to go all out you can Add some Nitrous.

 

I suspect that very few JCW owners will do performance mods to their vehicles. The security blanket of the warranty is the biggest selling point of the kit and I cannot imagine owners jeopardizing it.

 

...and $6150...I'd shop around. I got a quote
today significantly lower than that. Good luck
with it. I drove the Works S today and it is much
smoother than stock S although I didn't think, for
that much dough, that it was worth it for the hp gained. IMHO.

 

I have the JCW kit w/ along w/ a pro-mini air intake, a soon to be modified center exhaust resonator, and several suspension mods. wheels etc. IMO it's important/essential to run lightweight wheels (12-14 lbs wheels being a good goal, such as the SSR competetion) to appreciate the power gains from something as expensive as the JWC kit. My JCW car is fast but it's also a relative light weight (both in mass and in unsprung weight via Brembo brakes & SSR wheels.)
-Many people are "test driving " the JWC cars in far less than ideal situation (cars w/o proper break-in, lot's of added accessories, OE tire/wheels, sunroofs and generally heavier Coopers) and frankly lot of folks want to bash the set-up anyway.
-As for mixing metaphors: In December Steve Dinan will be introducing packages for the Cooper & the Cooper S (wide throttle body, aggressive ECU re-mapping, true cold air intake, complete exhaust system, intake manifold, maybe a shorter final drive Diff. , etc.) As the happy owner of an all Dinan BMW I can't wait. I plan to add many Dinan items including the ECU since it's well know that Cooper Works ECU is only marginally changed (fuel flow parameters.)
-It may be a bit of an overstatement to say JCW consumers are "only in it for the warranty". There is a lot of product RD, time and testing in the Works kit that goes beyond what ANY tuners are currently doing. The cylinder head mod & the re-worked Eaton SS being good examples. Skeptics need to keep reading the abundant european press reviews & the few of the domestic automotive journals that have ALL given the Works a hardy thumbs up (IE. Works car beating the snot out of the much touted Hamann package in an EVO article which described the Hamann car as a jerky boys joy ride.)
-The Works is a smooth, seamless, powerfull and a very effective performance kit. It is imperative that any additions to the Works package be carefully choosen to enhance the Zen-like the synergy of the whole (personally I think several of the Dinan products will be a nice "fit" but I doubt Steve Dinan will see it this way.)
-Hell yes! The JWC warranty is nice but it's just a matter of time before people start playing w/ the goods. I can't wait!!!

 

"smooth, seamless, powerful"

That was exactly my feeling driving it. It
feels like a different car altogether. Not
gobs of speed but....smooth. Exactly.

 

I have the JCW kit w/ along w/ a pro-mini air intake, a soon to be modified center exhaust resonator, and several suspension mods. wheels etc. IMO it's important/essential to run lightweight wheels (12-14 lbs wheels being a good goal, such as the SSR competetion) to appreciate the power gains from something as expensive as the JWC kit. My JCW car is fast but it's also a relative light weight (both in mass and in unsprung weight via Brembo brakes & SSR wheels.)
-Many people are "test driving " the JWC cars in far less than ideal situation (cars w/o proper break-in, lot's of added accessories, OE tire/wheels, sunroofs and generally heavier Coopers) and frankly lot of folks want to bash the set-up anyway.
-As for mixing metaphors: In December Steve Dinan will be introducing packages for the Cooper & the Cooper S (wide throttle body, aggressive ECU re-mapping, true cold air intake, complete exhaust system, intake manifold, maybe a shorter final drive Diff. , etc.) As the happy owner of an all Dinan BMW I can't wait. I plan to add many Dinan items including the ECU since it's well know that Cooper Works ECU is only marginally changed (fuel flow parameters.)
-It may be a bit of an overstatement to say JCW consumers are "only in it for the warranty". There is a lot of product RD, time and testing in the Works kit that goes beyond what ANY tuners are currently doing. The cylinder head mod & the re-worked Eaton SS being good examples. Skeptics need to keep reading the abundant european press reviews & the few of the domestic automotive journals that have ALL given the Works a hardy thumbs up (IE. Works car beating the snot out of the much touted Hamann package in an EVO article which described the Hamann car as a jerky boys joy ride.)
-The Works is a smooth, seamless, powerfull and a very effective performance kit. It is imperative that any additions to the Works package be carefully choosen to enhance the Zen-like the synergy of the whole (personally I think several of the Dinan products will be a nice "fit" but I doubt Steve Dinan will see it this way.)
-Hell yes! The JWC warranty is nice but it's just a matter of time before people start playing w/ the goods. I can't wait!!!

 

>>"smooth, seamless, powerful"
>>
>>That was exactly my feeling driving it. It
>>feels like a different car altogether. Not
>>gobs of speed but....smooth. Exactly.

You have the pulley right? How would you compare the two set-ups having driving both?

 

Hey, Congrats on the WORKS KIT. I just wanted to correspond with you since you have the JCW kit on your MINI S. I got mine installed about a month ago or so now. It had problems with the tuning within the first week and went in for some adjustments. It runs fine now. Yes, I love it. For a period of about 3 weeks before having it installed, I ran my MCS with the reduced pulley from Alta. I loved that too. When I first heard and researched the JCW, I expected a reduction in fuel economy such as a loss of a few miles to the gallon but all the articles published in the different magazines quoting MIKE COOPER, and what MIKE COOPER said in his on-line interview is that the fuel economy has not changed with the addition of power. Furthermore, he states that it can improve under normal driving conditions. This has got to be B.S. for me, this is not true. I am not driving any differently or taking different routes but I am experiencing 5-7 miles to the gallon reduction. My tanks of gas do not carry me as they used to. A post somewhere else also suggested their mileage had reduced drastically. So I want to know are you and other owners experiencing the same thing, or is my MCS WORKS not optimized, as it should be. Please respond

 

How about a whole remapping of the ECU for the works kit?...I'm sure, that stronger SP,and reworked overhead, can take much more power than a regular S..Any ideas from the tunners out there?...Randy,where are you?..

 

I've been running my MCS with the JCW kit for 10 days and about 600 miles. Observing the same smooth power gains with only drop of a mile or 2 on GPM. This is by observing the computer GPM, I'll check it on the next tank of gas.

 

I never knew the JWC came with a reduction pulley, so I guess there is no point in changing that for Alta? Has anybody redone the JWC KIT ECU??????? Here's a good website that tells ya how much HP in mod's http://www.mcshp.org/data.html

 

After 5 weeks w/ the JWC Kit:
-No observed loss of fuel economy. None!
-After 2000 miles of break-in: Much improved low-end torque. Seems to have far more power in 1/2/3rd (for me meaning in the range of 4000-5500 rpm.)
-Yes,there is more power to the extracted at very high rpms but I usually don't exceed 6000 rpm in "normal" condititions.
-I can make it to 60mph in 6.2 seconds & might be able to it in 6 seconds or just below if I were willing to be a bit more agressive (I do not like to dump the clutch, drag race & drive in "straight-line" competetion style.)
-Top speeds: My Mini will get up towards 130 MPH in a hurry. I do not have the need or desire to exceed this speed but I suspect the little car would do an honest 140MPH before the wind resistance would become unbearable/rough/loud/freaky. Yes, where i live there are roads that afford these pleasures!!!
-There is an ever-so-slight "lurch & lag" in first gear that can be avoided w/ very carefull throttle modulations (a light and delicate touch of the foot.)
-Exhaust sounds: seems to be getting "ripe" & deeper each day!! At first I was not so pleased w/ the polite exhaust note but it's improving (why?)
-All in all: the JWC kicks *** & I love to shut down the all too frequent smart-*** BMW 330,Lexus i300 & Infinity G35 coupe drivers who seem obsessed w/ daring & taunting my little MIni (I think they all saw The Italian Job or something.)

 

>>
>>You have the pulley right? How would you compare the two set-ups having driving both?

Without the pulley my last S did 0-60 in 6.72
$6gs gives 1/2 second?
With the pulley in the '03 I doubt a JCW would be
leaving me far behind. Total $400..
The only thing I noticed with the Works car I
drove was a 'smoothness' I don't feel in the
pullied S. BTW I now have over 6000 miles
on the '03 and have noticed increased MPG in
a heavier car..pulley installed around 400 miles.

 

Anybody know if adding a big-bore throttle body and air intake (Madness, K&N, etc) to a JCW S would increase the HP or would these mods have a negative effect given "package" setup ie working together in harmony?

Mike (waiting for JCW)

 

You'd be crazy to do any engine mods with the JCW kit. You're paying over $3000 - in some cases MUCH, MUCH MORE (around $4000) just for the engine to keep its warranty. If you want to mod it further, you're going to lose the warranty anyway. And if that's the case, go aftermarket for all of it and get 230+ horses for less than the price of the JCW kit.

Otherwise, if you get the JCW kit and then go aftermarket, you'll spend $10k+ for that 230 HP. And you still won't have a warranty!!!

 

I still say ,any improvements should be made to the ecu,(a more agressive remapping)and the intake...any thoughts?

 

JWC: measured 0-60 speeds have varied (based on US & European auto press) from 5.8-6.3 seconds. These numbers represent a lot of variables, to many to draw a firm conclusion. My car has a Pro-mini intake, H&R springs, Brembo brakes and very light 17" SSR wheels to name a few of the "Variables".
-I do not consider raw specs, 0-60 times, data & some other drivers "impressions" as the untimate indicator/reflection of the value of the JWC kit. Again, the Works Kit works VERY well & makes a $5000 difference to me (the Whole IS greater than the sums of its' parts!)
-Yes, I will consider a throttle body, improved CAI & ECU remapping (Dinan I expect) as the next steps I take. If it does not work it will be returned to JWC spec. The only loss is time & the expense of trying (yes, a $2K gamble is a lot but it's not too much for some people.) I will NOT try headers (many good reasons why) & I may do more agressive suspension work (also Dinan.)
- Anything added beyond the JWC Kit may create warranty issues but this is a "case by case" matter that depends on the BMW/MINI dealer, one's relationship w/ the dealer/shop and other things like Proof of Cause.
-FYI: My dealer/Mini mechanic/ & Mini service director are "Mod friendly": They encouraged the use of an aftermarket intake w/ the JWC kit (Pro-Mini), promote certain exhaust work (Suprsprint) and are willing if not eager to work with the owner in creating unique high-performance Mini's (they do have very high standards & seem to have good knowledge of the worst & the best tuner goodies on the market.)
-This is not a pissing contest: Anyone who drives a Mini can do WHATEVER they please to make their cars more pleasurable to drive, but along the way we need to promote critical dialogue, an appreciation for individual taste, and avoid being so judgemental. It all part of the fun of loving our cars!
-I WILL tweek my Works car: it's just a matter of waiting to see what Dinan has up it's sleeve.

 

I had to slug him, he was beginning to make sense! - Peanuts

Right On. If you JCW, you do it for the warranty, as there is NO rational cost effective basis for it otherwise. Mod a JCW and lose the warranty, "poof"! Better to mod your MCS up to 230hp for less $$ than JCW to 230hp, as "less is more".

p.s. If you have an uncontrollable urge to waste your money, but a timeshare.


>>You'd be crazy to do any engine mods with the JCW kit. You're paying over $3000 - in some cases MUCH, MUCH MORE (around $4000) just for the engine to keep its warranty. If you want to mod it further, you're going to lose the warranty anyway. And if that's the case, go aftermarket for all of it and get 230+ horses for less than the price of the JCW kit.
>>
>>Otherwise, if you get the JCW kit and then go aftermarket, you'll spend $10k+ for that 230 HP. And you still won't have a warranty!!!

 

Hi:
I have had my MCW since early June. It has London Stainless header, ALTA intake, big throttle body, and water/air intercooler is on the way from Randy. I did H-sport springs, madness bar, and SSR's/Es100's. These mods have only made a great car better, and the ride is MUCH nicer than our previous MCS with S-Lites and Paradas. The Works kit left room for removal of flow restrictions in the airbox, TB, and header. I actually did all these mods to a new car, but did try the London header before my works kit arrive, and the header makes a huge difference even without the Works.
None of these mods void the warranty, as they are passive, unlike the blower pulley or removal of head/headwork. I bought the works because it is a developed package, and the blowers are NOT cheap....
I don't feel the Works is a "waste of money", but it is expensive. I don't complain about the extra $ M charges either, and I am just grateful I can afford it.
Lee

 

Thanks for answering the question of fuel economey with the JCW kit. My JCW MINI S is not reacting well with the fuel Miles per Gallon.
My question is this to other fellow JCW owners: In all the articles I have read in magazines and listening to the on line chat/interview with Mike Cooper, the following quotes from MIKE COOPER appear: "the gas mileage/ Fuel consumption is virtually the same, and might well improve upon normal driving conditions." I do not know about anyone else but my fuel mileage has dropped by approx 7-8 Miles to the gallon. (That’s a lot). Now obviously if I really step on it my consumption is way down. So I want say that without any change of my driving habits since conversion my fuel consumption now averages around 18-20 miles per gallon. Before the JCW kit install my average MPG was 25-28 Miles to the Gallon. If I stepped a little harder, I got the 23-MPG and if I cruised like a normal person, I would get 28-30 Miles to the Gallon.
When I say I get this mileage, it is based on the same amount of driving highway approximately: 75% Highway & 25% City. Now to clarify my MILES TO THE GALLON I am talking actual MPG. IE: fill-up tank and travel X amount of miles and Fill up again. Then divide distance traveled to gallons filled. I am not taking the fuel consumption average from the on board computer.
For employment records, I have all my mileage and gas receipts recorded dating back to September 2002. I know what my average miles were before JCW install, and what I’m getting now. I really do not mind a small decrease for performance, but if other MINI S with the JCW are getting close to the mileage or the same mileage as before JCW conversion then something is wrong with my tuning or the parts. Anyone out there with the JCW conversion please respond to me as to your experience so I have something to compare it to. I have gone in to the dealer 3 times so far with no change. They tell me they talked with technical headquarters and do not have enough background information on the kit and feel that my experience is probably the way it should be. If someone can tell me how to start a new thread dedicated to this issue I would appreciate it. I am encouraging other JCW conversion owners to please post their experience weather or not they have dramatic decrease (18-19 miles to the gallon) or is it about the same mileage as before conversion even when driving a little harder. Thanks to all who respond.

 

>>I don't feel the Works is a "waste of money", but it is expensive. I don't complain about the extra $ M charges either, and I am just grateful I can afford it.
>>Lee


hey lee post some pics of the M cars and italian stuff

you def have great taste

 

Hope this works(Works?)
My mileage is awfulf since I use WFO all the time, but it didn't change much from old car. My guess is you have a vacuum leak @ airbox or blower/exhaust, which is causing your drop off in mileage. Big drops like that seem to be from leaks, not equipment. Have your dealer check it out.
Lee

_________________
Diggy
JCW, M-cars, and eyetalian stuff

 

didnt work

u can email me te links at lafun2@yahoo.com