I've decided I'm going to upgrade my 2008 MCS R56 with the JCW Stage 1 kit...however now that the 17inch JCW brake kit is out, I'm starting to think it might be worthwhile throwing a set of brembos (which is what they come with) as well.

Anyone have this kit on their R56 yet? The other option would be the JCW suspension kit...however that is something I could possibly leave until the Spring 09.

Here are my options to upgrade now:

JCW Stage 1 kit & JCW Suspension Upgrade

OR

JCW Stage 1 kit & JCW 17inch Brake kit

OR

JCW Stage 1 Kit (now)
and put the other kits on in April 2009 (brake and suspension)

I mainly use the car as a car for the weekends and am planning on taking it to recreational track days in 2009. I'm just worried that some of these JCW kits won't be available anymore next year in 2009, in particular the brake kit.

 

Definitely do the Stage 1 kit with the suspension, that will make for an all around well performing car...the stock brakes are really good, and with the brake upgrade kit, you'll really only notice a difference after making many laps on a race track.

 

Definetely go for the stage 1 first. That will definetely be a good start.

 

Depends on what you are using the car for. I personally hardly ever get to the track. So, for me, the JCW suspension may not be the best choice. I really like the ride/handling compromise with the stock suspension. But it depends on what you are using the car for. Even then, I would get the JCW engine kit and then go from there. I would also drive a car with those options on before you pull the trigger.

 

I have the JCW engine... it's WOW !!!!!!
that is a MUST.

then, mmm, I'd go for brakes. Because they're freaking sweet
But since the brakes on minis are wonderful already and it will take a LOT of a driver to out-brake their car ... suspension probably is a good way to go.

But! ... I too love the ride/handling balance of the stock suspension, so I would probably go for the brakes happy motoring

 

Thanks guys. I've decided I'm going to get the jcw stage 1 then just see how I go as I forgot to mention I already have the sport suspension upgrade.

The jcw exhaust sounds awesome!

 

Completly agree with Scott48 about his remarks on this subject.I had the Stage 1 installed on my 07 MCSa today and am more then pleased with the results.Q

 

psychout since you already have the SS upgrade why not just get a JCW 18.5mm rear sway bar and throw that on? They are very reasonable, around $100 for the parts, and would be a good OEM upgrade (my dealer is installing one on my new R56 and it's about $248 total P&L.) Nice thing about this is that U don't compromise road comfort, yet you will still get less lean in the twisties. Other Nammers have done this simple upgrade and are raving!

 

I have the JCW tuning and suspension kit. The car is very well balanced! I agree with the earlier poster that said you won't notice the new JCW brakes as much day-to-day. The biggest plus (or minus depending on your perspective) is red brake "bling" and reduced brake fade for track days. Don't get me wrong, I think the new JCW brakes are great but I think you will get much more bang for the buck from the other JCW upgrades.

 

Just read a stage 2 kit is in the works to upgrade the MCS to JCW specs. No price yet, but I imagine it'll be mucho dinero...

Maybe I misread

 

I beleive U did misread: what they are working on now is the tuning kit for automatics built after July 2008. Plus, there are officially no JCW "stages": it's either the dealer-installed tuning kit for manuals and automatics (some call it Stage 1) and the factory built JCW (some call it Stage 2).

That's all, at least for now. I did hear rumblings about a factory JCW with the automatic and integrated electronic lsd as options but that's a way down the road, at least next year if it is done.

hope this helps

 

I believe you did misspell...

 

yeh my speling is nt thet guud