I am toying with the idea of purchasing the JCW Tuning Kit for my 2004 MCS. The dealer cost is near $5K, not including installaion. The stats suggest 207 hp. Here are my thoughts:
Pros:
1) By adding the JCW kit, my warranty (what's left of it) will not be affected
2) Proven quality parts and results with the JCW
3) Improved performance with a more aggressive (but not obnoxious)exhaust note. (I know some of you enjoy the Fast and Furious sound, no hard feelings, it's just not for me)

Cons:
1) Cost $$$
2) Warranty

Does anyone have any input on this? What would you do? What aftermarket products would you add to get comprable increases in performance?

What are the changes in the upgraded supercharger in the JCW anyway? Is it just a change in SC pulley and pretty little JCW cover?

Thanks guys/gals!

 

I would go aftermarket, especially since you're already at least half way through your warranty. You could do intake, exhaust, 15% pulley, ECU and DFIC for about half the price of the JCW.

 

I agree, aftermarket ( Ihave JCW). The warranty is half gone and you are not getting half off.

Also you are not financing the JCW, the other bene of doing the JCW.

Unless you dont have a good mechanic locally and only have a Mini dealership I wouldn't go JCW.


Paul

 

I just sold an 04 car with the JCW and one of the surprises was that the dealer, and used car books in general, did not recognize the JCW kit as having an influence on the value of the car. This will change with the 06 Factory equipped cars. I was able to re-coup some of the cost by selling to a private party, but expect to take a huge hit if you trade the car. I would think seriously about selling your 04 car and ordering an 06 with JCW factory installed. You will also have the benefit of the new (05) final gear ratio and the availibility of LSD. Just my $0.02 . . .

 

Thanks for the feedback. Some points well taken. Selling the 2004 MCS is not an option at the present seeing as how I have only had it for 1 week. Only 20K miles on it so it has a long life ahead of it. Sounds like aftermarket is the consensus. Makes sense anyway. Can't wait to go shopping!!

Thanks again!!

 

I believe the aftermarket has proven itself to be reliable with excellent results. That is if you don't get too radical.
I would suggest you go aftermarket... start with a 15% and an air intake. This sill cost you around $600 installed and you will be 90% of what the JCW brings in terms of performance. You can then go for an exhaust system to suit your sound tastes. Then you can enhance your performance with tuning, injectors...etc..
The money you save will pay for any mishaps that you might enounter... but chances are you will not have any problems...

 

Matt, I got all the crap .... more crap than I know what to do with and also have a 2004. In a couple of month, that becomes a three year old car. IMO, at this point the warranty is no longer an issue.

JCW installation is looking at $6200 easy.

What aftermarket products would you add to get comprable increases in performance?

IMO (and I would do this if I were you in the same situation)

1. Do any 15% pulley
2. Get any of the CAIs, there is very little difference in performance between the better ones. JCW CAI is fine if you want OEM and be under warranty for it. The sell those separately.
3. You can buy the JCW cat back but its expensive. Look on the for sale boards here. Some come up for sale every once in a while and you can get a used one for maybe half price. Otherwise Miltek is quiet but good (if you want quiet). Borla street is also quiet (not as quiet as JCW) but still mellow and top quality too.
4. After that you will need a chip, sw before getting anymore real benefit ... I wouldnt bother with headers IMO without head work.

What are the changes in the upgraded supercharger in the JCW anyway? Is it just a change in SC pulley and pretty little JCW cover?

For your car is there is a difference in the SC. Its in the internal coatings I believe but its the same SC as in 05 cars.

The cover your talking about is for the IC and that is just bling

Good luck!

 

Any suggestions on the ECU upgrade?

 

I'm in agreement with everyone that suggests aftermarket. My opinion is save the money of the JCW, you can practically pay for a whole motor rebuild with the money you save, and that is only if something breaks, as everyone else here has said, the warranty is barely an issue due to the warranty period being nearly up.

 

There are many, many threads on that. Its all a matter of personal preference whether to go with piggyback chip or something like MTH. Do a search because there are many discussions on that.