Depends on what you are looking for, but no question it is worth it. The kit gives the engine enough power that the car always feels quick. All the inconsistency with the power delivery in the stock car is gone. And now, there is such a strong top end, that you get the great combo of the low-end torque surging towards the electric top end. You might be able to get more power elsewhere, but the JCW kit is so harmonious with everything in the car that it feels better than the sum of its parts.

 

it is worth the $$. I have over 9K miles on mine (auto) and it just gets better

 

Not to mention, it's not really that expensive.

If you bought the components separately, you'd spend 200-300 for a cold air intake.

You'd spend 800-900 for an exhaust and 500-700 for a tune.

That's roughly 1500-1900 bucks (the same as varying Stage I kits).... so add a couple of hundred for installation and you keep your factory warranty, no issues, no problems and fantastic quality.

It's a no-brainer for me.

Mark

 

I am vvveerryyy curious to see the reacion of all those waiting for installation.

I think you are all going to be surprised, in a good way. ( remember--it takes a while for the computer to re-adapt after the ECU flash)

 

How long is a while? So if I go straight to the dragstrip after the install, I may not see the all the new HP right away?

 

I'm curious, why does it take any time at all? I thought the learning curve was when you modified something and the ecm had to make adjustments for the modifications.

When we install the retuned ECM, the parameters are already set so there shouldn't be any learning, no?

Just wondering.


Mark

 

I don't disagree with you all but I experienced the same thing. For a couple hundred miles, the power didn't feel all that different. I loved the sound improvements, so I was happy. But just recently, it seems like the engine was "broken in" again and now there is more power than I expecting. I don't know why, it should just be a flick-a-switch type thing with instant improvements. But judging by my own experiences, as well as the comments of others, you won't see the full gains until you break the kit in.

 

I have been driving my car more in manual shift mode lately. When I go back to auto, it feels alot quicker than before. Seems as if it picks up the higher shift points of the manual shifting as if the car was being driven more agressivley all the time. Just a gut feeling.

On the flip side, after my wife uses the car for a few days--it needs to re-learn my drving style. I think the ECU has a "learning curve" up and down.

 

Kit arrived today at the dealership. I'm driving 4 hours to Charleston, SC to go to Charleston Mini to have it installed.

I'm going to try to sneak out Friday early so I can have it installed Friday afternoon.... and since I'm halfway to Fla, I'm going to drive to Tampa, FL to visit my parents. (no really, I do want to see them... I'm not just looking for an excuse to drive...lol.

Mark

 

I am very anxious to hear your opinion of your "new car" after the install

 

definitely can relate to mpowerf1 and emtrey .... I have no idea why, but my kit did not perform with magnificent power until about 20-30 minutes into the ride home ... THEN .....

WOW
MAJOR worth it ...

 

samroberto, can you give me your impression of how the JCW Stage I affects the shifting in full auto mode? How close does it come to what the Sport button does and does it hold shifting too long when you are just at partial throttle?

Thanks,

sd

 

The dealer emailed me today. My kit is in. Will schedule for asap install. I will post you all on it.

 

Me too...I called my tech at home and we're going to try to schedule it this Friday.

I'll have a thousand mile trip home after that to test it out....

Mark

 

well be patient for the first bit of miles... like 20-30 min of driving. THEN you will definitely love it even more ...

-sdavid .... I have a manual transmission 0=) and the sport button i awesome on it.

 

I cant wait , i am hoping that my kit will be here tomorrow and fitted on thursday

 

Can anyone with a NEW JCW Kit for the auto trans answer my earlier question?

Thanks,

sd

 

Okay, made my appt. for Friday at 1:30pm. I'll have it installed and then drive to Tampa. By the time I get home to NC, I'll have put a thousand miles on the new kit.

Mark

 

To answer your question.

In non sport mode, the difference is more noticeable if you hit the throttle harder than before JCW. There is much less throttle delay even in non sport. Pressing the throttle hard will hold gears longer before upshifting.

In manual shift mode (w/o shifting) the gears are held alot longer even under normal throttle. Shifts out of gear between 3-4K. You can also hit the pedal for a downshift. Rocket sled from there....

Manual shift--you are on your own but it will only shift out by your hand or near redline. No downshift w/ throttle.

Sport button raises the shift points like manual mode ( perhaps a bit more) but downshifts a bit abrupt unless initiated by driver. I don't find the sport button that usuable as long as you are in manual shift mode. Throttle quicker and steering a bit heavier w/sport button engaged.

My normal usage

1. manual mode but let trans do the shifting ( shift back to full auto on highway)
2. full manual non sport button --use paddles
3. full auto

 

Just a quick comment on this... The day after I had my kit installed, I drove the car 500 miles from LA to Phoenix and I think that the constant 80 mph for at least four hours meant that the car took a little longer to "break in". Only reason I am saying this is that in my experience, it took a little while for the engine to really come on strong. Be patient my friend.

 

Emtrey,

 

Emtrey, At partial throttle, in full automatic mode, does the trans shift more like the non-JCW sport mode or more like the non-JCW full auto mode? I like the non-JCW full auto shifting and partial throttle shift points and am trying to get an idea of what the change is. Not knowing if the current ECU software is the same as your early release, I'm trying to get an idea from the newer JCWers to see if your software is any different than yours.

Thanks,

sd

 

can not give you a truly accurate answer BUT I would say more like the non JCW sport mode or close to it. Its not just the trans--its how much the engine reacts quicker providing a faster rev build up, hence different shift points.

I have a "sneak thru" kit so I can not speak for the approved kit. Right now, I am wondering what will happen if I have to have my car re-flashed--will it be better or worse. Its very quick as is- I am not inclined to go backwards unless give no choice.

If unsure if you will like it---try to get a test drive before comitting. I did not have that luxury.

 

Only thing I can say is, YOU WILL FREAKING LOVE IT!

 

My dealer has my kit and I will be getting it installed this Thursday