Good afternoon all... First time Mini potential purchaser this weekend with a couple questions I have been unable to find answered as of yet.

Firstly.. Major car enthusiast - Coming from Lotus Exige, Z06, Audi S4 and Honda S2000 "project car" backgrounds. Have been loving the Cooper S from afar for quite some time now, and recently presented with the opportunity to own one.

Car in question is a 2 owner, 2002 MCS with JCW Tuning package. Under 100k miles, clean carfax.. (At the moment I have only seen pictures and general discussions with the owner, will be looking at it this weekend.) In my ignorance of only what I have read and by the limited pictures I currently have, I see the JCW plate on engine with number, the JCW badge on the lower right of front grill. Still no pictures yet of exhaust tips, rear hatch or other badges/items/etc.. This is my only confirmation so far that it is in fact equipped with JCW package.

My questions:

1. I have heard a lot of different words about what the JCW package includes; everything from the larger SC, exhaust, brake kit, suspension, etc. I know many of these options might only be included in later versions, but simply trying to confirm which items this one would include as an '02 JCW package?

1a. If suspension is in fact part of the JCW package at this year, is it recommended to continue to run Run-Flats?

2. Pulley size. Has it been altered through JCW tuning kit? 15% pulley still recommended with this package?

3. Limited slip available on this model, and if so how to tell upon inspection?

4. Confirmation on HP/Torque from the factory, post this JCW option? (I have heard a few different numbers.)


Enough for now to boost my confidence as to what I am looking at once we meet.

I thank you all in advance for the assist, and am excited to join the community!

 

Wow.. 24 hours later and the "enthusiasts" cannot answer even one of these questions..? With over 90 views?

 

Sorry I was one of the 90, but know nothing about the JCWs. At least 90 people have tried to help. Why don't you repost under 1st Generation MINIs: JCW Garage. Bound to get better answers!

 

I did that.. Thanks.. Unfortunately, the mods didn't find this post worthy to put there apparently...

All questions were answered unfortunately at another community.

 

While an '02 MCS might be a nice car, I don't see it matching your
list of previous drives. There is however a 2006 MCS GP listed on ebay.
Might be a more satisfying buy for you, just my .02!
Good luck with whatever you buy.

 

Do yourself a favor and take the VIN to a local Mini dealer. They can tell you exactly what the car came with from the factory, they can also give you a detailed history of what was done by any Mini dealer.

 

Like others advised, a later 05-06 would be better, plus the latter car resolved some design issues like fan relay and pump. As well as better gearing, lighter crank pulley, LSD, larger injectors and cold air intake, oh and nicer steering wheel.
The GP is the only one that came with the JCW suspension and brakes from the factory. As well as lighter trailing arms, larger intercooler and aero aids, in addition it has deleted rear seats, trimmed sound deadening, and spartan options (none). It's 215hp. Here's more info on GP:
http://gpmini.net/wp/introduction/
I think you did not get many replies cause many on site now are 2nd gen owners, many long time 1st gen enthusiasts check in NAM only 2 or 3 times an week now and skip 1st Gear and General MINI Talk threads. And it was a lengthlyish post, too.

PS: Sorry about the caps, I was not shouting but just trying to make it simple for you or someone who reading info to differentiate from the question as well. That is why I bolded and highlighted it to.