Hi all I'm new to the boards and new to mini's. I just purchased a black 2003 JCW with 18k miles. Ive read the posts about the JCW pulley which says its a 14.8 % over stock. My question is would it be safe to change the jcw pulley to a 19% pulley? From what i understand people that change to 19% pulley with a regular S have problems b/c the pulley gets too hot. Would i see a big difference in performance? Please let me know what you all think would be the best ways of upping the performance without too much cash. I have about 500 bucks. I was thinking helix CAI, 19% pulley with 19% belt, Helix SS kit. Thanks in advance
Jeff D
2003 Mini Cooper S JCW

 

just keep the original pulley, since yours is an 03 and assuming you have 200hp JCW kit and get the 210 upgrade kit (if you shop around it will cost you close to $650.00 installed). Then, get the MTH tuner file ($360.00), which will push you close to 220hp. That is my recommendation

 

Which JCW Kit does your car have ... the original 200 hp or upgraded 210 version with the JCW airbox and larger fuel injectors?

If it doesn't have the upgrade kit, install it and then add a 2% oversize crank pulley for more low-end torque.

 

In any case, you will love the SS kit. That is one of my favorite mods that I had done. Makes the shifts much easier, reduces the chance of missing a gear, etc.

This question is probably still going to open a big can of worms, and some searching will yield some strong opinions either way. With your JCW you've got basically all your typical mods (pulley, exhaust, etc) covered by warranty. If you're happy forgoing the warranty, and possibly having to argue when you need service, depending on how mod-friendly your service advisor is (assuming you use a dealer for service), then why not play? I can't comment on performance of JCW vs. a 19%, but I can tell you I would do my 19% mod again in a heartbeat. Huge difference for me. Has your JCW had the 210 upgrade? If so, you have the 380cc injectors, in which case a GIAC flash would complement the 19% pulley nicely.

If you'd like to stay in the $500 budget though, the CAI is a good move, and that SS kit is definately a good move. The pulley may put you over budget (will you do the install yourself?) with the work required to get it on there.

A lot of folks are going to have some strong opinions on how risky a 19% is, heat issues, supercharger wear issues, diminishing returns, etc, but I'm in the opposite camp. Listen to all sides and make an informed decision. Drive around a bit in that MINI and see if you really need more power. Whatever the case, have fun!

 

How can I tell whether I have the upgrade kit or not? I believe theres a logo on the Intake Box, but I don't see one on mine. So I'm guessing thats a no on the upgrade. I can take it to a dealer and get the upgrade?

Jeff

 

The airbox would have been installed, and to my knowledge, does have the JCW logo on it. The injectors would be replaced, and those have a blue plastic component, while the stockers are yellow. Peek under the intercooler and you'll see the injectors to verify which ones you have. The upgrade is something on the order of $500-600 I think.

 

Remember too that you could add a 2, 3 or 4% larger CRANK pulley and leave your existing JCW supercharger pulley, to get to the 17-19% total reduction you seek. That would also reduce the weight of the crank pulley by about 6 pounds, which should make the car rev quicker (like a lightened flywheel does).

I suppose adding a 3 or 4% crank pulley might involve replacing your SC belt with a STANDARD length version from a non-reduction setup, since the crank pulley adds back some of the travel path that an SC pulley takes away. The Alta or M7 guys could help you get a proper replacement belt since they built their crank pulleys with JCW owners in mind.

Disclaimer: Like ChainCooperS said, changing crank pulleys is also going to be controversial. I DON'T have one and can't comment on its value, I am just trying to let you know there are other alternatives.
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Yeah my injectors are yellow. Those injectors are quite expensive. So what is included in the upgrade from 200hp to 210hp? JCW intake, and injectors? Is that it? or is there an upgrade on the Chip as well? Thanks for the help. Right now I'm thinking the Helix SS kit & CAI. My car was made in December of 2003, So I believe that the Warranty lasts until december of next year correct?
Jeff D
2003 Mini Cooper S JCW

 

The upgrade kit includes the intake, larger injectors and an ECU remap ...

PN 11-12-0-395-131 - List $560 plus labor charge for 1.5 hours installation

You can probably get the kit from Classic Auto Campus for 10% off list ... shipping will probably be less than 8+% CA sales tax.

 

There's the info I was looking for to give you.

Your plan of SSK and CAI looks good like I said! IMHO, start there.

 

Synigod, you have a good setup now as is. If you are looking for more boost then you have different options. If you are considering a 19% pulley or equivalent setup you should get the oversize injectors and the sofware to run it. I drive a non jcw 03 mcs equipped with a jcw 210 upgrade kit. What that means is that I purchased the jcw airbox and oversize injector kit and took it to helix where a 19% reduccion pulley was installed and the giac software designed to run that setup. Eric at Helix is a good person to talk to. I started with a helix 15% pulley and an alta intake at 3,000 miles on my car with Eric's help, my car has never given me any pulley or belt trouble. Now I'm near 50,000 miles and no problems whatsoever with any of the modifications. Good luck to you and just keepin mind what your ultimate goal is when you mod your car. Cost vs. end results. If it is all for fun then keep it that way, don't loose sleep over it, there will always be sombody out there who has a faster car. I'm very happy with my setup, it is now better than the car I purchased from BMW. I wanted better driveabilty, that's what I got. I'm done jacking your thread, hope that helps.

 

Thanks for all the information and Help. I'm not sure what I will be doing but I'm sure I'll let you all know what I do.

Jeff D