What are some reasonable power mods to an 04 JCW; please note that the kit includes: head, gen 5 SC (14.3%?), cat-back, software. I'd like to get more ponies to the wheels -- would the following component list be a reasonable upgrade path? Are there other mods I should consider?

+ 4-2-1 header <-- not sure on manufacturer
+ M7 400cc injectors
+ M7 DFIC
+ Unichip or MTH software?
+ Exhaust?

I don't have a WHP number in mind. I haven't even dyno'd my car, so I don't have a baseline to start. I just want to get the most for my money.

 

With thoes mods, you probably won;t need the larger injectors...

 

^^^I agree, you don't need the injectors. Spend some time exploring options for tuning - talk to DMH and Fireballed and Lucky Dog Garage, they all have differing custom tune options. The more you can get out of your ecu tune, the better off you'll be.

 

Excellent feedback! Could someone rank the components in bang for the buck priority? As far as ECU tuning packages go, should I move toward Unichip or MTH?

 

Its a stretch to call the JCW head much better than a stock MCS head. They do such little work to it....I also wouldnt waste the money on the injectors, you already have the 380cc's your money is better spent elsewhere The tuning and header would probably be your best bangs for the buck.

If you really wanted to make some power, slap an aftermarket head on there and sell the JCW head.

 

but with an aftermarket head you would need injectors?

 

Does the '04 JCW package have the "squirtier" injectors? I thought they were the same as the standard S. Or, does the '04 S have 380's from the factory? I'm confused.

 

This has been discussed several times, I suggest you read here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=bang+buck

Consensus is a head ...

 

Thanks for the link .. eventhough I work for a major search company, I still suck at searching this board.

 

yeah, I have seen a stock head, a JCW head, and heads of aftermarket MINI vendors. The JCW and Stock heads look dam near identical, they do only minor work to them.

 

Bang for the bucks..? Head!! It has been proven , after the Head.. everything comes together!! then you / WE need a good tune!! there is a bunch of power in tune. When you add all that free flowing "stuff" then the STOCK ECU , can only do so much!! The HP we get from our Head mods will only go UP from current when the tune is added...
A 215(+) Wheel HP MINI's are total FUN to drive!!

Just me...................................

Thumper

 

Are you advocating a stock ECU tune with MTH (or whatever OBDII injected solution), or a piggyback component?

 

I dont think he is advocating any one in particular - just one in general. The stock MINI tune usually leaves the car safe or very rich, which can cost you power. Lean it out to the mid 12's get some more power.

 

Zackly... Thanks TampaMCS !!

Just me..........................

Thumper

 

Beauty. Thanks y'all!

 

No wonder I cant find anything on the internet, and I have to come here to ask questions

 

LMAO!