Ok, it doesn't seem like this should be an either/or thing, but let's say that for now, it is. Coming up to fall and winter, should I buy new 17 inch wheels with high performance tires (which would get taken off at the first sign of cold weather) or the JCW kit (ecu software, intake and exhaust, all installed under the factory warrenty)

I am leaning towards the kit, since it can be used all year round and would make the already quick MINI even quicker!

 

JCW kit no question.

What the crap type of 17's are you looking at for $2500 though???

 

I'm guessing R90's from the dealer?

 

The JCW will make the car a lot more fun to drive than the 17s.

And you can get tires and wheels for less later.

 

JCW upgrades no doubt, you won't notice to much of a difference with the wheels, but you will with the JCW package....Really you have to decide between looks and performance

 

~$2000 buys a set of Breyton Flame, Enkei or SSR wheels that all weigh between 14 and 17.5 lbs, with some sticky tires. I want to lose as much unspring weight as I can...

 

You could always remove the rear seats!

Seriously I still think that the JCW stage 1 kit will be your best bet, 0-60 in MCS is about 6.7 seconds, I think the JCW kit will get it down to about 6 seconds (I recall reading this somewhere, but I can't find it anymore)