hey guys,
i don't know if i post this on the right section? but i didn't see they talk much about modding in JCW sections
anyways i just got my jcw yesterday, just wondering should i change the jcw intake for an aftermarket one or no?
beside, what other mods that you would do?

 

An intake probably won't net you much gain just more noise / different sound.

Imo
Sway bar - h-sport
Blowing off valve - forge
Short shifter - craven speed
Intercooler - forge

There are more just depends on money. These are a great start.

Way at Way Motor Works is a great dealer

Jackson

 

for the suspension... i thought the jcw's suspension is pretty damn good already???? do i still need the sway bar and stuff???
sorry don't know much about suspension :(

 

Sorry on phone
Should have said Rear sway bar

Do a search in the forums... But a quick reply.. YES! One of the first mods you want will be a rear sway bar.

Jackson

 

Also if you get springs to lower car.... This changes your alignment and you will probably need rear camber links to go with a new alignment / springs

Fyi

 

On a JCW...

Get a tune, intercooler, and downpipe....your power needs will be more than satisfied

 

where do i go to tune the car? dealer or from alta accessport thingy?

 

I have an Alta Accessport ... BUT if I I could do it over, and I eventually will. .... I would get a custom tune from Way Motor Works in Atlanta. I would also buy his module to put it back to stock whenever I wanted.
Of course the smart way to get a custom tune is to first have your mods done so your not constantly changing your tune.

IMO a custom tune is the only way to assure yourself that your not hurting your motor.

Again just my opinion. Call up Way and ask him some general questions. He might be blunt but will never sell you something you don't need and will advise you to take the right path.

I did get a good bump in HP & TQ with Alta. But I don't leave the tune installed all the time because I don't feel 100% safe that its the Right tune for my car. Its more generic and could or could not be badly affecting my motor m. It is fun with the tune installed just wish I knew it was 100% safe.

Good thing it is easy to switch maps and takes no time at all.

Jackson

 

thank you Jack$0n for all the info i'm kinda clueless over here

 

Fyi with Alta you do get several maps and stages that you can pick from depending on your mods ... which is helpful. But how safe?????

 

From my reads and searching ... (I was in your shoes not long ago) everyone told me rear sway bar to start.
I can agree that your MINI will handle a lot better with a 19mm h-sport rear sway bar. It helps with understeering.
Its pretty easy to install if you have a little mechanic skills. It is also cheap compared to some other mods.
BOV (blow off valve) was good for me because it now holds boost better and doesn't really have any turbo lag. Power is more consistent.
Intercooler and down pipe will net you some good power but not cheap. I would do an intercooler first before tune. I did it backwards.
Just a down pipe will help by itself. But if you have the funds.... you should do both together.

Hope this helps. Make a list... compare to funds available .. post your plan and see what others think of your plan?

 

BTW
I see that this post is in Cooper S section

There is a JCW section that I would stay in.

I would direct you but I'm on my Android
shouldn't be hard to find though

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...talk-2009-303/

 

Sorry for all the posts.... just trying to help.

Also when I say rear sway bar I am assuming you might track your MINI and or love the twisties like I do. If you just play around town and just want power than skip RSB.

 

There is a funny post that I saw not too long ago about your best first mods.

This is soo true...

Premium Fuel & Oil Changes!

I'm sure you already know but had to say it. LOL

 

thank you for all the info

 

i don't track my mini... i just love the twisties....

 

Sorry, I don't know you, but for 99.9% of people, the car is way better than you are.

The best money you could ever spend modding the car is better spent modding the driver.

Join the BMW club, take the car and you to a driver education event. Probably the best money you could ever spend, and it's transferable to ANY other car you buy or drive.