JCW My 2008 MCSa transformed after JCW mods
#1
My 2008 MCSa transformed after JCW mods
Got the JCW stage 1 tuning kit and JCW suspension kit installed last week by Morrisstown MINI and the car has been completely transformed. $4200 total for all the parts, labor, and alignment. Was charged 5 hours for the tuning kit labor and the $470 special for the suspension labor. I know, I know, this visit was not cheap. But for the peace of mind for the warranty, to me it's worth it.
First impressions, it's got more pep. Even in non-sport mode, it gets moving quicker when you tap the gas. Then in sport mode, it holds the revs higher before going into the next gear. And then there is the exhaust note. SWEET! To me, not too load and not too soft. It's just right. BTW, I just turned 40. So my tastes are changing. :-) I don't like it too too loud anymore. And then to the suspension. It's alot stiffer and tighter. It might be too much for most people. But I love it!
And back to the exhaust. Total love the look. I'm so glad the tip recall doesn't apply here. It sticks out alot. And I love it that way. Screw the people burning their legs. LOL.
That's it for now. Need more seat time.
Some pics:
First impressions, it's got more pep. Even in non-sport mode, it gets moving quicker when you tap the gas. Then in sport mode, it holds the revs higher before going into the next gear. And then there is the exhaust note. SWEET! To me, not too load and not too soft. It's just right. BTW, I just turned 40. So my tastes are changing. :-) I don't like it too too loud anymore. And then to the suspension. It's alot stiffer and tighter. It might be too much for most people. But I love it!
And back to the exhaust. Total love the look. I'm so glad the tip recall doesn't apply here. It sticks out alot. And I love it that way. Screw the people burning their legs. LOL.
That's it for now. Need more seat time.
Some pics:
#2
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Your Worst Nightmare :)
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Welcome to the JCW auto brotherhood, man I didnt get the full JCW suspension but I did get the tune kit and JCW rear sway bar plus the strut brace on my 09 auto. Car tracks straight and true now, the torque steer is more manageable, and talk about silly-sick quick!!!
Now, if I could keep the cops from pulling me over out of curiosity...
Oh and my tips stick out a LOT further than yrs...
Enjoy! You will!
Now, if I could keep the cops from pulling me over out of curiosity...
Oh and my tips stick out a LOT further than yrs...
Enjoy! You will!
#3
Welcome to the JCW auto brotherhood, man I didnt get the full JCW suspension but I did get the tune kit and JCW rear sway bar plus the strut brace on my 09 auto. Car tracks straight and true now, the torque steer is more manageable, and talk about silly-sick quick!!!
Now, if I could keep the cops from pulling me over out of curiosity...
Oh and my tips stick out a LOT further than yrs...
Enjoy! You will!
Now, if I could keep the cops from pulling me over out of curiosity...
Oh and my tips stick out a LOT further than yrs...
Enjoy! You will!
#4
I think they changed that several months ago (made JCW kit for the MCSa that is). Maybe the configurator didn't get updated, but dealers can do it.
#6
Grats. I just got the tuning kit installed yesterday myself. Did a little shakedown drive this morning on some 2-3rd gear twisty mountain roads. Luv the exhaust sound and extra oomph when you step on the gas. The JCW suspension and aero kit are next on the list. Just not sure which one to go with first.
#7
Join Date: Aug 2004
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No worries. Once they redesigned the JCW exhaust mount points late last fall, it was available for all 09s (except Clubman, and I hear that's coming soon.)
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#8
#9
As for the JCW kit, I've said this before so here's the quick list: test drive if you can, if not, don't expect anything huge in terms of difference. Expect great, liveable sound, flat, smooth torque curve and eagerness to rev past 5500 rpm. In the automatic, I bet the differences are more noticeable.
#10
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And altho I drive in manual mode most of the time, it's really fun now just to put it in D, Sport mode on, DSC off, and let her rip; that's how the guys at the track do it. That's where one feels the shift point remaps.
Also, y'll get a genuine Certificate of Authenticity signed by Michael Cooper himself, it's so much more cooler, in a in-my-hands tactile sort of way, than a special VIN #--that's all the factory guys get.
Last edited by sequence; 04-05-2009 at 10:29 AM.
#12
#13
I still think it's worth it because the characters of the car has changed away from the "grocery getter" mild ride. You're paying for an increase in "fun factory". It just went up a few nothces. :-)
#14
I was referring to the upcoming mid-life update coming to the MCS which is expected to carry a small performance increase. Clearly the JCW is a ton fun...
#15
i got the stage 1 and jcw suspension right when i bought mine. I also got the strut brace in the bonnet.
however i just test drove the new vert which didnt have the stage 1 and stock sport suspension.
It is definitely different on the butt dyno. Just seems like there is more response right away and more fluid throughout the acceleration with the Stage 1 kit. I thought the suspension would be too stiff, but not for me. It is a huge difference.
I DID make the mistake of driving the 09 JCW car, but it had the sport suspension. Again this car you can feel even MORE difference.
welcome to the club.
however i just test drove the new vert which didnt have the stage 1 and stock sport suspension.
It is definitely different on the butt dyno. Just seems like there is more response right away and more fluid throughout the acceleration with the Stage 1 kit. I thought the suspension would be too stiff, but not for me. It is a huge difference.
I DID make the mistake of driving the 09 JCW car, but it had the sport suspension. Again this car you can feel even MORE difference.
welcome to the club.
Last edited by MINIspud; 04-06-2009 at 11:15 AM.
#16
I am curious as to how much different the auto tranny reacts with the JCW tune? Is it quite noticeable? thanks.
I drove mine pre- and post-kit installation and the two differences that are noticeable are the auto's aggressive shift point remapping via the ECU flash (y'll get a CD specific to yr. VIN#) and that the power doesnt drop off at 5000-5500K-- def more ooomph on the top end. With the auto there's a slight lag when upshifting, esp in 2-3rd and 3-4th, but it's no big deal, just keep yr. foot on the gas to keep the boost constant--and watch for THE MAN.
And altho I drive in manual mode most of the time, it's really fun now just to put it in D, Sport mode on, DSC off, and let her rip; that's how the guys at the track do it. That's where one feels the shift point remaps.
Also, y'll get a genuine Certificate of Authenticity signed by Michael Cooper himself, it's so much more cooler, in a in-my-hands tactile sort of way, than a special VIN #--that's all the factory guys get.
And altho I drive in manual mode most of the time, it's really fun now just to put it in D, Sport mode on, DSC off, and let her rip; that's how the guys at the track do it. That's where one feels the shift point remaps.
Also, y'll get a genuine Certificate of Authenticity signed by Michael Cooper himself, it's so much more cooler, in a in-my-hands tactile sort of way, than a special VIN #--that's all the factory guys get.
#17
I got my Stage I kit installed a week after they released the kit for the automatics.
Just for the record, there is a NOTICEABLE difference.... it's just like installing a pulley on the supercharger on the older minis.... a definite seat of the pants increase.
After that, I too installed a cross brace, JCW brakes, JCW suspension (springs only), JCW aerokit (for looks), 22mm rear sway bar and the car now runs the way it should have from the factory.
Having said that, I'm still waiting to see if someone comes out with a reprogramming kit to make it even better.
Mark
#19
#20
The software is programmed... anotherwards, VIN specific. Once ordered for a VIN number, it can ONLY go on that car.
Still a good price. Though I bought mine the first day they came out, I paid 1700 installed.
The more you drive it, the better it gets.
Mark
#21
"quote"
Somebody told you a lie. They can't order a kit for a customer and then use it on another mini.
The software is programmed... anotherwards, VIN specific. Once ordered for a VIN number, it can ONLY go on that car.
Mark
Sorry your are wrong in your accusation. They can order a replacement disc with your vin number info and program it correctly which only took them 2 days to get.
Somebody told you a lie. They can't order a kit for a customer and then use it on another mini.
The software is programmed... anotherwards, VIN specific. Once ordered for a VIN number, it can ONLY go on that car.
Mark
Sorry your are wrong in your accusation. They can order a replacement disc with your vin number info and program it correctly which only took them 2 days to get.
#22
"quote"
Somebody told you a lie. They can't order a kit for a customer and then use it on another mini.
The software is programmed... anotherwards, VIN specific. Once ordered for a VIN number, it can ONLY go on that car.
Mark
Sorry your are wrong in your accusation. They can order a replacement disc with your vin number info and program it correctly which only took them 2 days to get.
Somebody told you a lie. They can't order a kit for a customer and then use it on another mini.
The software is programmed... anotherwards, VIN specific. Once ordered for a VIN number, it can ONLY go on that car.
Mark
Sorry your are wrong in your accusation. They can order a replacement disc with your vin number info and program it correctly which only took them 2 days to get.
Okay, well if they're ordering a replacement disc, then they basically ordered you the kit anyways. I just meant they couldn't use someone else's software on your car.
Regardless, end result is the same... you got a great kit at a great price.
Mark
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