I few years back I had opportunity to drive several JCWs (prior to the add ons including the new airbox, brakes etc...), and was impressed on how smooth the engine revved.

To those technically savvy with the JCW, what is it about the factory package which enhances the engine to this level - when compared to your run of the mill (pullied/ecu mcs)? Can the JCW head provide such differential, or is it their pulley/ecu combo?

Thanks in advance


p.s. This is more of a question on the why... I have no intention of starting another debate on which is better.

 

The JCW kit includes a mildly reworked head. This would add major $$ to your standard pulley/ECU job. Peak numbers may not be that much different, but the head work could change the shape of the curves (and thus the "feel" of the engine) significantly.

 

How about the whole package - 14.6% s/c reduction pulley + CAI + head + larger injectors + DME re-program + cat-back exhaust? A complete package (that has been tuned for everything to operate together) is better than the sum of the individual parts.

 

I'd say it's largely because they have the ability and engineering support to make it a complete package. With official development support from MINI, their package works in a more complimentary manner than most independent tuners can afford. However, that engineering does come at an obviously higher monetary cost.