I was talking about this on another thread and didn't want to jack it so I started this one. I asked how could I get or if I could even get 210- 230 WHP realiably on a 2006 JCW MCS. The replies that I got on the other thread were, I'm not going to get 230 out of the S/C and that I probally wouldn't even get 200WHp with out head work. I don't know if the person that posted that realized that I had a JCW or if I need even more head work. Like I said in the other post IK know there is a fine line between high peformance and realiability, and I don't want to be pushing it. (not yet any way) I thought about a upgrade IC, a headder, MTH ECU upgrade, and possibly a 2% crank pully. Any input is welcome.

 

In order to get closer to 200 Whp you are going to need to overcome what I think is about a 16% drive loss, ideally you are trying to reach 230WHP so that puts you looking for 266 bhp; there are reports of 275bhp without having to TC. There is even a German tunning package for the MINI that offers a 275bhp package, and Mini-Maddness has a 265 bhp kit.

In order to get to that point you will need to upgrade you SC pulley, crank pulley, head (JCW is better than stock but could still use work),cam, header, and a high flow CAT, proably wouldn't rule out a cat-back system to reclaim some of the power, ECU will make the most of what is already there MTH seems to be the most reliable large gain ECU tunning. Upgrade the IC (be careful with this as bigger isn't always better, and you will likely have better results from a front mount.), injectors, and TB. Don't forget you'll need to control all of the power so definately a brake upgrade even if its just pads an fluid would be wise. Hope this helps to give you an idea, remember there is much more to the MINI than just a high hp #; this should get you closer to that HP though.

 

Thanks motor on I'm starting to think 200 Whp is a more realistic idea, I got the JCW brake upgrade so maybe I'll change the pads and fluid soon after the brake in period. Do you by any chance know if there's a company that makes sloted rotors that would replace the factory JCW's. I'm going to probally add a header and MTH tune soon after I get it. Does any one have any idea on the realibility of the 2% or 3% crank pully. Lastly my Idea behind the larger IC was more for safty of the engine and the add HP was more of a bounus, I realize that larger IC decrease Boost.

 

Like I said last time its not about the #s but the fun of the driving experiance that is important, I've seen a few here mod mod and had to move on to another car because they took all the fun out of the MINI. Not sure on the rotors, but a search or asking in the Brakesa nd tires forum and I'm sure you could find some one that makes the rotors. There is a pulley reliability thread floating around here that pretty much logs who has what and if they've had any issues, 0% and 4% seem to be the most trouble prone, 2% the most reliable, I think the biggest thing is to have it installed properly as the only first hand issue I've seen with a crank pulley was from improper install.
Hope this helps.

 

Thanks, Yea I 'm not trying to get to crazy with it. Thanks for all the advise.

 

BEFORE you do anything, read https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=55669

Read carefully what Spider and others have to say. You already got the basics. BUT, to really gain anything, you need to do the head first (that seems to be the experience of those who went first) ... otherwise you may add, for example, a TB and gain nothing.

Read the thread, save for a head ... then look at headers, new sw. etc.

 

I just went back and re read my post and.... I agree with myself....imagine that.

 

DUH YOU Da MAN

(at least in MINI mods)

 

Why spend $6300 on the JCW Package if you aren't satisfied with the performance level of the engine tuning and stopping ability of the brakes

 

I haven't got the car yet it is waiting for tranport to the port to be shiped to the us. I bought it because I can finance the parts in to the price of the car. I don't doubt it will be quick and fun to drive. I Figiured that the exaust would be good and I wouldn't have to change it, I figured that the JCW port and polish head would be good and wouldn't really need work, I figure the bigger injectors would come in handy and the the bigger brakes would be plenty to stop a little mini. So that about sums up why I picked the JCW. After reading alot of post seems like it may or may not have been the best idea. I think over all most of the JCW parts will stay.

 

1) The JCW exhaust has been shown to be inferior to most of the aftermarket exhausts.
2) Intake as well.
3) Head as well.
4) Brakes as well.
5) Injectors, well injectors...

You're really buying a conservative, fast little machine. Play with the JCW for awhile and see if you really need that power because you're giving up a huge piece of mind once you start modding. If you still want to mod you're JCW and your sure, I would seriously think about getting your MA to move your deposit to another non-JCW vehicle and using the extra money to build a 230whp MINI.

 

I would vote for "not."

 

From a founding member of Team Craptastic no less.

 

What about drive a JCW MCS and see how it is before working for a number??

 

You guys are right I know people that live around me that Have honda/acura that make 680 on race gas on the dyno are are driven every day ( no lie). The truth is there are just dyno queens they can put the power to the ground and they are just detuned when they come off the dyno (pump gas turn down boost and switch programs), So in reality I shouldn't be looking to make big HP because to an extent its just a waist of energy. However I want my car to be competetive as a pocket rocket, I don't necessarily have to be in the front of the pack but I dam sure don't want to be at the end. Honestly the only reason at this point I don't go mod crazy is I'm new to the BMW thing and I don't know what to expect realibility, the last 2 cars me and my GF bought stayed factory for a few hours, but I know Honda/ toyota reliability so I wasn't worried in the least. When ever I get comfortable and get more credible info on the quality the weekness and what not I'll deffintly mod the car (the smart and thought out way) But for the enjoyment in doing it not because I want a certian HP number. Thanks again for all you guys and girls help. So I've determined that the suspension is first along with the custom euro front plate, and wheels I have just new wheels that I have already.

My next question is on the 06 JCW what would be the first thing that you change intake, headder, short shifter, program.

 

As far as lightened crank pulleys go, there was a post a while back about someone who was working on a harmonically balanced lightweight (not as light as alta) underdrive pulleys. Unfortunately I did a search and couldn't find it or i'd post the link. I wouldn't want to run a crank pulley without a harmonic balancer, although quite a few people here do.

Definately test drive your JCW mini before moding it, I understand paying a premium to be able to finance the customization, but thats a big premium to then go and risk scrapping the warranty. A good header should have little impact on warranty, I've been thrilled with MTH tuner, but then I run stock S, and don't know how it works with the JCW package. A good intercooler can be swapped in less than 30 minutes incase you need service, but then again its not really a thing that should void your warranty, just be careful if selecting one of the pressure drop and cooling efficiency.

 

The more I am in this the more I like the JCW for this reason...... if you want a truly fast car for cheap get an aftermarket turbo and get close to 300 whp from a...... MIATA....the whole car with turbo can be had for $10K you will have you hands full driving a baby Viper.

The Mini is much more than that.... it is a very refined little car with some very special driveability properties which makes it incredibly fun..... if you want to mod a Mini I would buy used 02, 03, even 04 and start ...... highly modding a new 06 is a rich mans game (maybe you) Do you really want to start out with an expensive car and then take away a bunch of the value and warranty..... if you are going for a new car at this point knowing what I know I would seriously think and test drive JCW...... if you have to mod buy an older car and go to town...... if money is no object then all bets are off..... and if you just want fast and money is no object...go visit Eric at Helix and get a demo.......ant way you slice it the Mini is a blast and welcome to our world

 

Urban, read this thread over on MINI2: http://www.mini2.com/forum/engine-dr...ht=jcw+upgrade

I think it would be worth your while to contact the thread originator and discuss ideas with him; he's already been down the path you're taking and should have some good experiences to relate. Keep us posted!

 

interesting read

 

I'm at 195@ the wheels. I have CAI, Custom exhaust, Custom headers, JCW Injectors, Apexi Select, 17% pulley.

 

There is no need to change the intake. You will get pittance, if any, difference in HP

Adding a header will give the most benefit after the head work.

Changing the exhaust will also give you little or nothing (Except for Maybe Randys new exhaust). There is a thread on MINI2 where someone dynoed the JCW exhaust against the Borla Sport and there was only 2 HP difference.

Again, I would listen to Spider who has been there, done that. You may end up spending thousands more for a few HP you will never notice until you fix the fundamental problem of the head/cam.