I'm sure there is a post here somewhere about this but I can't find it. I assure you it is not for lack of trying...

What is the best option for chipping an 09 JCW? Is there one that won't leave it's stamp if I have to remove it?

I'm sure this has been covered in the past but, like I said, I can't find it. If someone could point me in the right direction I would really apreciate it.

 

RMW can do remaps.

 

Thanks etalj. Pardon my ignorance here, but could you explain what that is a little? I realize that it's a reprogramming of the computer of some sort. Will I have to actually bring the car to the tuner? Or is it a plug and play sort of thing?

I would imagine if I were to go this route, I would want to do any other mods prior to the remap, so it could be done accordingly?

And lastly, what is the cost of this?

I'm sure this is elementary for most here. I come from an early/traditional hotrod background. This is my first time modding a newer car. I actually bought it intending to just leave it alone...

Thanks

 

Tune generally runs $600 for second gen and roughly $100 for dyno. Yes you will have to bring it to him for the tune or get one of his remote tune boxes.

 

Thank you. I want to do an alta intake, tubes, and adjustable relief valve followed by the tune mentioned above. I'm hesitating due to the factory warranty though. I really don't want to wait 3 years though.

I'm also looking at the MN strut brace and Votex? hood scoop.

 

I think the warranty concern is probably valid. I recently had the window dipper problem. This little problem has apparently inflicted many JCWs. It requires a warranty chip update, which may cause even other problems (such as lowering the boost). Who knows what other issues could come up in the next two years.

I want to do some of these mods as well, but I am a little reluctant for the time being. I did install the Alta 22mm rear sway bar and rear end links and the H&R RSS coliovers, but these mods are less likely to interfere with engine and mechanical warranty issues. I think that unless you have a really cool dealership, when it comes to warranty issues your discussion with the service department may turn into the blame game. If it is plausible that a mod had something to do with a warranty issue then how do you think the service department will react? Tough to say in my location.

 

I had the same problem with the windows. Having that problem with a car that is only a couple of months old makes me a little nervous about not having the warranty in tact. Not to mention after it's three years old and the warranty runs out.

 

Yes, someone that remaps the ECU will likely change the ignition timing, fuel delivery behaviour, maximum turbo boost pressure, throttle controller behaviour (to affect the throttle response), cam timing (if they can), and even traction control settings. Ask Jan at RMW for specifics on what he does, I'm no expert

As mentioned above, the tune will run you around $700. It's also best to get a road tune as well as a dyno tune (where you drive on the road in a variety of conditions and aggression ).

I would imagine that a Forge or Helix intercooler would be very beneficial. And get yourself a larger diameter catless downpipe to get yourself 20hp. Also, a Defenders of Speed Cold Air Intake (with or without a sound baffle).

 

I talked to the dealer this morning, and my performance dreams have been dashed a bit. Considerably actually...

I'm reduced to sticking with the bolt on stuff I guess. I'm going to go with a CAI, Hard top tube, boost tubes, and the adjustable BOV. At least I can let it get a little more air I guess.

One more question: Will an Alta CAI and BOV make a noticeable difference in turbo noise? Will the BOV give me that whoosh after a shift?

Oh, one more question, again... Is there a good market for the stock JCW parts I pull off?

That DOS intake is a great looking Piece too. Too many choices...

 

I just had my car in last week for window's third dipping problem. I asked what the reprogramming fee is when my car is out of warranty. $96 or one hour of labor. You might want to keep that in mind if you don't want to have to pay for it till your warranty is up.

 

Yes... and it will give you that sound every time you reduce throttle. The loudness will depend somewhat on the rpms and the amount of throttle reduction at any given time. If you go full throttle and let off full throttle it will make the loudest noise (more pressure to release).

Here is a link to a youtube video of a BOV. Personally I do not like the sound. Maybe if they made them with a deeper tone I might like them more, but all of the ones I have heard are too screechy. You can search youtube by using the words Mini BOV; or JCW BOV; or cooper BOV to get more examples.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z6-p_6iLUQ

 

Thanks, that's the sound I was looking for But I'll keep the stock one just in case I get tired of it.

I went ahead and ordered the CAI, hard top tube, and BOV from Alta tonight. I'm going to hold off on the boost tubes until I get the inter-cooler. The salesman suggested that it would be easier to install them with the front bumper already off.

In the next couple of days I'm also going to get the M7 Vortex scoop. I love the aggressive look of it. My Dad is a fairly good painter. I'll have it shipped right to him for a nice satin black finish

 

What window dipping problem. I've got an '08 JCW Convertible and havent seen a window issue yet. Can you describe the issue?

 

On the Mini... when you open the door the window will automatically "dip" (roll down a half inch) to allow you to open and close the door easily without pulling on the weather stripping. My passenger side dipper function quit and it wouldn't dip any more. I had to take it in and they reflash the computer to update the ECU and it fixes the dipper issue but some people say the reflash may also de-tune the engine, providing lower performance.

 

I know that you already have the Alta, but I prefer the DoS, but that's just me. I'm from the hotrod ranks too, and this will be my first adventure into doing some modifying a JCW, next Fall is my schedule.

I don't know if this is the place to mention this, but I was given a nice ride in a truly nice Black JCW this past week. Greg drove and actually scared the sh** ot of me in a round exit ramp to an alternate interstate. Full circle, well almost. 90 mph coming onto I-80. He's a good driver and could handle it, and actually the JCW held it well, even with Blizzaks on.

The one thing that bothered me is, that it didn't seem to have the "in your face power" that I enjoy with hi performance cars. His was pretty much stock, he had replaced the air filter with a K&N unit, but I don't know if this helps all that much. I did notice that that back panel under the hood looks relatively easy to take out to replace when I do go with the DoS CAI unit next year. That and the eliminating the intake muffler should help in the power department then.

I'm like a lot of guys on this list in that I want to be certain that I don't kill the warranty as let's face it, this is a $30k+ car that we have here. Plus, it will be my daily driver, not my toy. The 38 Ford sedan (1961 style hotrod) will be my play car, but will be driven frequently too.

Any others know what I mean about the lack of seat in the pants performance and the best way to eliminate that feeling? I will say that my ride got us into the triple digits fairly quickly, at least it seemed like it. Maybe I'm just asking for too much and should just go the new Mustang 412 hp unit instead. They're about the same price but mpg is 8 mpg different.

 

Yeah I figure you need a rear wheel drive to get that seat in the pants performance。

 

This is an old post of mine, before I knew much about Mini's. LOL! I have since swithched to the DoS setup, and know that for performance, I'll have to call Jan one of these days...

 

You should call Clint at DoS and talk to him about ECU tuning. He knows his stuff on that too