Here's the story:

Next summer I am going to be looking for a tune to increase the power in my JCW. This summer is to get all the handling and braking, etc sorted. I've narrowed my tuning options to PAW and RENNtech for my tuning solutions. However, I know once these engines are tuned there is some internal stress added and some folks have experienced blown engines. I would like to prevent this as much as possible which is why, before I tune, I want to install better internal parts.

*Please observe: I am not trying to achieve 300whp like some others are doing. My goal (which I believe is reasonable) is for 240-250whp and 270-290wtq. Also note that I am not asking for a parts list on what will achieve that power. I AM looking for suggestions on the best internal parts that will handle that approximate power. So, to provide clarity on some things here is exactly what I'm wondering about:

1) With those power goals in mind, do I absolutley need to upgrade the internals for reliability or would upgraded internals just be a 'luxury'? If the answer is yes,

2) What do I need to uprade? I am looking at Carrillo pistons and connecting rods and looking and Thumper and PAW to rework the head inorder to compensate for the new pistons. Am I missing anything big?

3) Are there better options (read as: cost effective) or manufactures for these parts

Below are links to what I have found for parts:

Rods
http://www.oxspeed.com/app/site/main...8-77F131F8B712

Pistons
http://www.oxspeed.com/app/site/main...2-732A13AD6E47

Head
http://www.thumperheads.com/content/...ou-build-power

http://www.pawmotorsport.com/parts/ (scroll down to about the middle of page to find their head options)

 

You don't "need" to but it wouldn't hurt. If your car is a DD I suggest sticking with the stock internals. They can hold that much power. Mine held 240hp for over a year and a half.

 

Gotta agree with MNIPWR --- if you take care of the engine, don't abuse it and drive sensibly (most of the time), stock internals should hold up with 250WHP. My last dyno showed 282WHP two years ago on OEM internals. Gotta love Thumpers head work!

Frequent oil changes, not a lot of boost on a cold engine, a little TLC now and then, all key to reliability. Workmanship on part replacement is also critical --- select your mechanic carefully, if you don't do the work yourself.

Tuning is probably most critical for reliability. Select a tuner that knows Minis and their ECU limitations.

Then enjoy the power!

 

Thank you both! I don't send my car to a track and I only do spirited driving maybe once every one to two weeks and that only lasts 15mins tops. I change my oil every 3-5000 miles and have only hit the 5000 mile mark twice when it comes to oil changing. I probably will go with Thumper and do some head work, but other than that I'll just save my money on those other parts. Saving money makes the Dutch in me very happy.

 

You really should track or at least autocross the MINI. It's unbelievably fun and its a MINI, it was meant to be pushed hard on the track.

 

Honestly don't waste the money till you need to. Oh and you can pick up a short block for like $3k so it might not even be worth it.

 

Well there ya have it. The money it would cost in parts and labor would be more than a new engine actually. You all have been very helpful. Thank you