New factory JCW - Best first Mods
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
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From: San Diego, CA
New factory JCW - Best first Mods
Hi everyone,
I'm currently waiting for my JCW to arrive at Port Hueneme. In the mean time, I'm looking for the best way to spend about $1k on initial upgrades.
Currently I am looking at ST Coilovers, but do not know what other hardware I need to buy along with those.
Next I would be looking for an air intake. The problem I see is most intakes for MINIs are hot air intakes rather than cold air. Also, I live in CA so it would need to be C.A.R.B. exempt for a 2012 JCW.
If anyone can lend some advice about where I should start, please let me know. Your input is very much appreciated.
thank you,
B
I'm currently waiting for my JCW to arrive at Port Hueneme. In the mean time, I'm looking for the best way to spend about $1k on initial upgrades.
Currently I am looking at ST Coilovers, but do not know what other hardware I need to buy along with those.
Next I would be looking for an air intake. The problem I see is most intakes for MINIs are hot air intakes rather than cold air. Also, I live in CA so it would need to be C.A.R.B. exempt for a 2012 JCW.
If anyone can lend some advice about where I should start, please let me know. Your input is very much appreciated.
thank you,
B
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 5
From: Laguna Beach, CA
It's going to be really hard to find a C.A.R.B. exempt intake other than going with something from K&N, and according to their site it seems like there's nothing. The intake I'll be picking up pretty soon from Defenders of Speed isn't exempt, and we live in the same place where it's a lot more restrictive; our only options are really to not modify, or modify and take the chance.
You shouldn't need anything else with the coilovers besides the equipment that comes with them. You might want rear and maybe also front sway bars too, unless all you're really looking for is a drop. The sway bars will really bring the handling of the coilovers to an even better level.
You shouldn't need anything else with the coilovers besides the equipment that comes with them. You might want rear and maybe also front sway bars too, unless all you're really looking for is a drop. The sway bars will really bring the handling of the coilovers to an even better level.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
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From: San Diego, CA
Thanks for the reply.
I knew it would be hard, the only CARB exempt one I see is the NM one, but I'm not sure its exempt for a 2012 JCW. Normally, I would just take the chance, but I work with the CHP, and some of them are ***holes.
I had read somewhere that I need the rear endlinks and possibly spacers. Rear sway-bar is definitely something I'll pick up in the future.
Thanks for your help, and clean JCW you got there =]
I knew it would be hard, the only CARB exempt one I see is the NM one, but I'm not sure its exempt for a 2012 JCW. Normally, I would just take the chance, but I work with the CHP, and some of them are ***holes.
I had read somewhere that I need the rear endlinks and possibly spacers. Rear sway-bar is definitely something I'll pick up in the future.
Thanks for your help, and clean JCW you got there =]
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 1
From: New Lenox il
TRUST me on this one, the very first easy mod is
http://www.waymotorworks.com/nm-engi...nt-insert.html
Easy cheap and TOTALLY changes the shifting in the car.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/nm-engi...nt-insert.html
Easy cheap and TOTALLY changes the shifting in the car.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
Congrats on the new JCW! Here is the direction I'm going, maybe it will help.
1)NM Strut Brace- good insurance against strut tower mushrooming. Takes out a little flex, improves chassis stiffness.
2) NM RS Alpha Springs. Lowers 1.2", improves handling, gets rid of 4x4 ride height.
3)H-Sport 19mm sway bar (Way Motor Works), do this while you're doing the springs.
4) Defenders Of Speed CAI. Maybe the best system out there. (10+ HP.?,improved throttle response)
This puts you right around $1000 for parts. Doing the springs will also give you a big "visual" upgrade as well.
I find the new generation of run flats to be much improved, so much so, I might even run mine until they're done and go with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
-Steven
1)NM Strut Brace- good insurance against strut tower mushrooming. Takes out a little flex, improves chassis stiffness.
2) NM RS Alpha Springs. Lowers 1.2", improves handling, gets rid of 4x4 ride height.
3)H-Sport 19mm sway bar (Way Motor Works), do this while you're doing the springs.
4) Defenders Of Speed CAI. Maybe the best system out there. (10+ HP.?,improved throttle response)
This puts you right around $1000 for parts. Doing the springs will also give you a big "visual" upgrade as well.
I find the new generation of run flats to be much improved, so much so, I might even run mine until they're done and go with Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
-Steven
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
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From: San Diego, CA
Jibber- I actually planned on that one already, just didn't list it.
Thanks for the ideas Steven.
Won't the nm springs lead to a rough ride? This will be my daily driver, and i'd like to not sacrifice too much ride quality while lowering and improving handling. I also understood that you need to get Koni Yellows when you go the spring route.
The DoS CAI isn't CARB unfortunately. I work with the Highway Patrol, and if one of the officers decided he wanted to see under the hood after work I'd need to have the car up to spec. (I only worry because they've given me crap about my previous car having the front window tinted, 20% all around)
Thanks all for your suggestions.
this forum is pretty awesome.
Thanks for the ideas Steven.
Won't the nm springs lead to a rough ride? This will be my daily driver, and i'd like to not sacrifice too much ride quality while lowering and improving handling. I also understood that you need to get Koni Yellows when you go the spring route.
The DoS CAI isn't CARB unfortunately. I work with the Highway Patrol, and if one of the officers decided he wanted to see under the hood after work I'd need to have the car up to spec. (I only worry because they've given me crap about my previous car having the front window tinted, 20% all around)
Thanks all for your suggestions.
this forum is pretty awesome.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
My springs are still in the box, waiting for a day off to install. From what I have read, the NM springs ride very well. I will be using mine as my DD, so I share
your concern on comfort. TerminalVelocity has them installed on his Coupe and had very good things to say. He is running them with the "sport shocks" from the factory. Maybe check his thread https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...jcw-coupe.html
Too bad about the DOS CAI not being CARB compliant
Thought about the Alta AccessPort?
-Steven
your concern on comfort. TerminalVelocity has them installed on his Coupe and had very good things to say. He is running them with the "sport shocks" from the factory. Maybe check his thread https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...jcw-coupe.html
Too bad about the DOS CAI not being CARB compliant
Thought about the Alta AccessPort?
-Steven
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
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From: San Diego, CA
Steven,
Thanks for the tips. I ended up stealing some of the things from that list.
I had previously been looking at the NM springs anyways. I think the determining factor was that I don't plan on tracking the car, and therefore have no reason to spend all the money on coilovers.
I'll have the parts here way before my car gets here, unfortunately.
Thanks for the tips. I ended up stealing some of the things from that list.
I had previously been looking at the NM springs anyways. I think the determining factor was that I don't plan on tracking the car, and therefore have no reason to spend all the money on coilovers.
I'll have the parts here way before my car gets here, unfortunately.
What do you hope to gain by messing with the factory CAI?
The stock setup works fine, and the JCW unmodified has plenty of power for most driving situations. There's a lot more to be gained by addressing some of the handling issues (lose the runflats, upgrade the rear swaybar) and then the interior (hunt & kill rattles!)
= Mike
The stock setup works fine, and the JCW unmodified has plenty of power for most driving situations. There's a lot more to be gained by addressing some of the handling issues (lose the runflats, upgrade the rear swaybar) and then the interior (hunt & kill rattles!)
= Mike
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
honestly, i know is already a pretty good intake. I guess I was looking to hear the BOV a little more. Also, having the extra 10 or so HP would be nice.
I also just heard from NM-ENG that they should have their CAI CARB approved by July-ish
I also just heard from NM-ENG that they should have their CAI CARB approved by July-ish
Love the res delete. I thought the exhaust was lacking something and doing that took care of it. Some say theirs drones at 80, but I don't think its that bad. Louder yes, but nothing the stereo can't blast over. Just a warning, if you don't like the pop, bang you get on run over now, then you will hate it post resonator.
Drive the car for a month before you decide to make changes like getting coilovers.
+1 on ditching the run flats.
A rear sway bar, NM torque arm insert and maybe a Craven SSK are all nice first cheap mods.
+1 on ditching the run flats.
A rear sway bar, NM torque arm insert and maybe a Craven SSK are all nice first cheap mods.
Last edited by onefish2; May 29, 2012 at 10:38 AM.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia
NM Torque Mount Insert - This is your first mod. It really transforms the shifting and feel of the car. It get's rid of that annoying delay. An....it is so cheap you don't even have to really count it against your budget. 
Runflats - get rid of them. switching to regular performance tires will really help your ride quality for an everyday driver. This is pretty major.
Here's where you have start deciding what you want to do:
NM Springs - I have them and think they are great everyday driver springs. They give you a good ride, lower the car a reasonable amount without slamming it and provide a more sporty feel. However, I am running them with Koni Yellows. I know a lot of people don't but, I've never had great experiences running performance lowering springs without changing the shocks on other cars. Maybe, it's OK for the mini...
Rear Sway Bar - Many people swear by them. My car already had one on it when I bought it so I don't know the difference unfortunately.
CAI - a panel filter in the stock air box will provide a VERY subtle change in sound. I don't remember mine changing much at all. If you get a cold air intake it likely be all about sound and less about power. It is a "feel good" kind of mod. I have the DOS. I think it's a great intake. The idea of how it get's the air is sound and it literally sounds REALLY good. So, I endorse that one. NM makes nice stuff so if their's will be CARB Excempt soon maybe that's an option. Another one would be to get the JCW Optional air intake. That should yield some more noise too and makes the CARB Excempt thing not important I suppose.
Front Mount Intercooler - This is a great mod as it will help keep your power. Con is it is kinda a budget killer.
Alta (Tune) - This clearly is one of the biggest bangs for your buck. However, I don't think they work yet on the new cars (not cracked yet). Also, the potential engine warranty revoke may be enough to put this one out of your mind for a while.
Great choice in car and have a ton of fun!
Runflats - get rid of them. switching to regular performance tires will really help your ride quality for an everyday driver. This is pretty major.
Here's where you have start deciding what you want to do:
NM Springs - I have them and think they are great everyday driver springs. They give you a good ride, lower the car a reasonable amount without slamming it and provide a more sporty feel. However, I am running them with Koni Yellows. I know a lot of people don't but, I've never had great experiences running performance lowering springs without changing the shocks on other cars. Maybe, it's OK for the mini...
Rear Sway Bar - Many people swear by them. My car already had one on it when I bought it so I don't know the difference unfortunately.
CAI - a panel filter in the stock air box will provide a VERY subtle change in sound. I don't remember mine changing much at all. If you get a cold air intake it likely be all about sound and less about power. It is a "feel good" kind of mod. I have the DOS. I think it's a great intake. The idea of how it get's the air is sound and it literally sounds REALLY good. So, I endorse that one. NM makes nice stuff so if their's will be CARB Excempt soon maybe that's an option. Another one would be to get the JCW Optional air intake. That should yield some more noise too and makes the CARB Excempt thing not important I suppose.
Front Mount Intercooler - This is a great mod as it will help keep your power. Con is it is kinda a budget killer.
Alta (Tune) - This clearly is one of the biggest bangs for your buck. However, I don't think they work yet on the new cars (not cracked yet). Also, the potential engine warranty revoke may be enough to put this one out of your mind for a while.
Great choice in car and have a ton of fun!
Ditch the run flats, my first mod.
I was going to do the resonator delete but found a Riss Racing DP for sale on eBay cheap so we are gonna try that first.
Also ordered the AEM CAI.
Definately go with the NM torque insert too, probably ordering mine tomorrow.
I was going to do the resonator delete but found a Riss Racing DP for sale on eBay cheap so we are gonna try that first.
Also ordered the AEM CAI.
Definately go with the NM torque insert too, probably ordering mine tomorrow.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
NM Torque Mount Insert - This is your first mod. It really transforms the shifting and feel of the car. It get's rid of that annoying delay. An....it is so cheap you don't even have to really count it against your budget.
Runflats - get rid of them. switching to regular performance tires will really help your ride quality for an everyday driver. This is pretty major.
Here's where you have start deciding what you want to do:
NM Springs - I have them and think they are great everyday driver springs. They give you a good ride, lower the car a reasonable amount without slamming it and provide a more sporty feel. However, I am running them with Koni Yellows. I know a lot of people don't but, I've never had great experiences running performance lowering springs without changing the shocks on other cars. Maybe, it's OK for the mini...
Rear Sway Bar - Many people swear by them. My car already had one on it when I bought it so I don't know the difference unfortunately.
CAI - a panel filter in the stock air box will provide a VERY subtle change in sound. I don't remember mine changing much at all. If you get a cold air intake it likely be all about sound and less about power. It is a "feel good" kind of mod. I have the DOS. I think it's a great intake. The idea of how it get's the air is sound and it literally sounds REALLY good. So, I endorse that one. NM makes nice stuff so if their's will be CARB Excempt soon maybe that's an option. Another one would be to get the JCW Optional air intake. That should yield some more noise too and makes the CARB Excempt thing not important I suppose.
Front Mount Intercooler - This is a great mod as it will help keep your power. Con is it is kinda a budget killer.
Alta (Tune) - This clearly is one of the biggest bangs for your buck. However, I don't think they work yet on the new cars (not cracked yet). Also, the potential engine warranty revoke may be enough to put this one out of your mind for a while.
Great choice in car and have a ton of fun!
Runflats - get rid of them. switching to regular performance tires will really help your ride quality for an everyday driver. This is pretty major.
Here's where you have start deciding what you want to do:
NM Springs - I have them and think they are great everyday driver springs. They give you a good ride, lower the car a reasonable amount without slamming it and provide a more sporty feel. However, I am running them with Koni Yellows. I know a lot of people don't but, I've never had great experiences running performance lowering springs without changing the shocks on other cars. Maybe, it's OK for the mini...
Rear Sway Bar - Many people swear by them. My car already had one on it when I bought it so I don't know the difference unfortunately.
CAI - a panel filter in the stock air box will provide a VERY subtle change in sound. I don't remember mine changing much at all. If you get a cold air intake it likely be all about sound and less about power. It is a "feel good" kind of mod. I have the DOS. I think it's a great intake. The idea of how it get's the air is sound and it literally sounds REALLY good. So, I endorse that one. NM makes nice stuff so if their's will be CARB Excempt soon maybe that's an option. Another one would be to get the JCW Optional air intake. That should yield some more noise too and makes the CARB Excempt thing not important I suppose.
Front Mount Intercooler - This is a great mod as it will help keep your power. Con is it is kinda a budget killer.
Alta (Tune) - This clearly is one of the biggest bangs for your buck. However, I don't think they work yet on the new cars (not cracked yet). Also, the potential engine warranty revoke may be enough to put this one out of your mind for a while.
Great choice in car and have a ton of fun!
-Steven
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: On the road with my border Collie Katie
Hi, I have a 2012 factory JCW 57 and I think the run flats aren't as bad as they use to be. I was thinking about doing a swap but decided to see if they were as bad as everyone said. Seems that all the folks who hate them have 09s. I have 5k on mine and will run them till their life is up. Then I'll swap. Have fun with your new baby
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
Hi all,
I was doing some research on the NM Engineering Hi-Flow intake. I never really seriously considered this system before, because of where they locate the filter...what I always thought was a "hot air" location. Turns out, their tests prove otherwise. This dyno pull has it making some of the best numbers I've seen. Food for thought
-Steven
I was doing some research on the NM Engineering Hi-Flow intake. I never really seriously considered this system before, because of where they locate the filter...what I always thought was a "hot air" location. Turns out, their tests prove otherwise. This dyno pull has it making some of the best numbers I've seen. Food for thought
-Steven
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
I guess I'll have to see how I like the run-flats. I have a second set of wheels I could use instead.
I'll wait for NM to confirm their CARB exempt this summer. I work with the California Highway Patrol, and there are some *** holes here when it comes to your car being DOT compliant.
Already have the alta short antenna from my last R56. As soon as I get the car home it'll go back on.
I spoke with my MA yesterday, and we have penciled in delivery for Monday June 11th in the morning. Afterwards the first stop is around the corner to the clear bra shop.
Thank you all for the great input! NAM is such a great community to be in.
I'll wait for NM to confirm their CARB exempt this summer. I work with the California Highway Patrol, and there are some *** holes here when it comes to your car being DOT compliant.
Already have the alta short antenna from my last R56. As soon as I get the car home it'll go back on.
I spoke with my MA yesterday, and we have penciled in delivery for Monday June 11th in the morning. Afterwards the first stop is around the corner to the clear bra shop.
Thank you all for the great input! NAM is such a great community to be in.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 975
Likes: 15
From: Cathedral City, CA
I guess I'll have to see how I like the run-flats. I have a second set of wheels I could use instead.
I'll wait for NM to confirm their CARB exempt this summer. I work with the California Highway Patrol, and there are some *** holes here when it comes to your car being DOT compliant.
Already have the alta short antenna from my last R56. As soon as I get the car home it'll go back on.
I spoke with my MA yesterday, and we have penciled in delivery for Monday June 11th in the morning. Afterwards the first stop is around the corner to the clear bra shop.
Thank you all for the great input! NAM is such a great community to be in.
I'll wait for NM to confirm their CARB exempt this summer. I work with the California Highway Patrol, and there are some *** holes here when it comes to your car being DOT compliant.
Already have the alta short antenna from my last R56. As soon as I get the car home it'll go back on.
I spoke with my MA yesterday, and we have penciled in delivery for Monday June 11th in the morning. Afterwards the first stop is around the corner to the clear bra shop.
Thank you all for the great input! NAM is such a great community to be in.