Just had the JCW Tuning Kit installed on my 08 MCSa at Baron MINI. Those guys over at Baron are great. They gave me a helluva deal on the kit and install, as well as the center armrest, which I installed myself. Overall, the car is fantastic, and my man Bill, who installed the kit, said mine seemed pretty strong. This thing is ulta quick and ultra fast. And I love it.

 

Welcome to the club. I have had mine about 2 months, and loving every minute.

Kevin

 

Nigel will become one the JCW crowd next Tuesday [10/13] at Cincinnati MINI. I'm looking forward to having it complete.

For those of you who've had it done after some length of time after initial ownership, Can you give some impressions on before and after comparisons.

The one thing I regret not doing is getting LSD. I put 17's on with non-runflats and it seems to have cut back on some of the torque steer.

 

How much did they charge for that? I am planing on having Baron install the kit on my Clubman S this summer and am trying to get an idea on how much it will cost.

 

ddminikc:
Well, I e-mailed the parts manager and asked if they would price match Morristown MINI's price of $1680. He said he couldn't do that, but he could do it for $1735 for the kit (which is actually less than Morristown if you factor in shipping) and $250 or so for installation. I was very happy with that since I was expecting to pay the full price. Also, I have never had an issue with those guys with ANYTHING. They let me goof off in a factory JCW, go out in the convertibles, they're just great.

callahan00:
Since I had some of the same questions as you before I purchased, I will try and give you some answers. This is a seriously quick car. You can feel it pull in every gear, and what I love is the power that is now available abover 5000 RPM. I am VERY, VERY impressed with the mid-range power. It's like the motor is trying to bust out of the bonnet. On the interstate, I drive about 75 MPH (speedlimit here) and I've had the rare occassion of needing to make a quick move to get out of the way. Before the JCW kit, I always felt that if it had a little more power when I was making those moves, I'd be happy. And, now it does have that power AND it goes above 5000 RPM. Theres no feeling of loss. Also, the exhaust is PERFECT. Not too loud, not to quiet. I think it's just right. IMO, it is the best $2,000 you could spend.

Stig One:
JCW is a JCW!! Share the love! Welcome us with open arms!

 

Too bad we just can't just enjoy our cars, and share our experiences.

 

We can...

Stig was just trying to make the point that there is a difference, I know he wasn't trying to insult anyone, he just likes to differentiate between factory, orginal and others whether it be a porsche or a mini.

Having said all that, you guys will LOVE the Stage I kit. I put one on my '08 MCSa last year. If I had to do it again, I'd do an RMW tune instead and buy my own exhaust and CAI but nonetheless it's a DEFINITE improvement.

Welcome to the club guys, factory or otherwise, they're a blast to drive.



Mark

 

I'd only call someone a dumby for throwing on a JCW badge cause they put on a JCW shift **** or somethin'. Tuning kit is fine cause that's what it is, a kit tuned via JCW. Makes it JCW to me, just not a thorougbred JCW, and that's fine! We're ALL on a quest to make our rides better or faster or what have you... some were lucky enough to get the full bred JCW. Lord knows I was! I got a steal! ...along with $5k worth of goodies coming in, and more!

orangecrush: could you PM me and tell me more about this RMW tune?

 

Hey guys, just recently picked up my JCW....still learning about it, but I love it. This is my first turbo engined car...I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tidbits for me to keep in mind. Also, I've noticed after driving it "hard" that the fan comes on when I shut the engine off....I'm guessing this is normal?...does that act like a turbo timer?...any advice, tips etc. is greatly appreciated....

 

fan is normal.

Stay with the stock jcw exhaust, buy a downpipe( exhaust depot , riss racing or supersprint ) ,k&n drop in filter for stealth or a dos cold air intake for non stealth and a forge or helix intercooler, with these mods you will get 210 to 220 whp.

all the rest of the engine mods are pretty much eye and ear candy with little to no performance gains.


for suspension upgrades stay with made in europe or usa and stay away from anything cheap or asian.

 

Congrats Richie!

 

despite certain elitist posters trying to throw cold water on your new found fun, as a fellow automatic owner welcome to the JCW club! What a difference from stock, eh?

 

Just got a price from my dealer (about $160 more than dmarley1 paid) that's not too bad. Tempted to pull the trigger. How would you rate the overall sound improvement (intake and exhaust)? Also does the kit come with any JCW badges installed and if so where?

 

leave the badges in the box and have a sleeper.

 

Did you follow your own advice and debadge yours

 

No I own a real Mini built Jcw not a service department special


I would have bought a RMW tune instead of the mini can tune.

 

I understand that you own a "real" JCW MINI (that's why I said debadge) however I don't see the need to patronize someone for wanting to have the stage 1 kit installed. If you have a beef (and feel cheated) it's not with me, you should direct your complaints to MINI for offering it.

 

I dont feel cheated at all because on the tag reg and title the DMV has it listed as a Mini John Cooper Works


Does the DMV put Mini Cooper S with Jcw tuning kit on your tag reg or title after getting the canned tune?

 

You made a quick jump from patronizing to down right condescending. OK I get it. I own a lower than pond scum MINI S and you have the almighty JCW MINI. Now do you feel better?

 

Yes I do and every owner of a stage 1 kit should attend jcw annonomys meetings at least 6 days a week and have a sponsor they can call 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

 

Me thinks Stig One is having a good time with you "Stage 1ers." He made me laugh and you guys should just do the same.

Nothing beats the fun of a factory JCW but stage 1 is close and some have no choice but to get this option if they prefer an automatic transmission.

I have had my JCW for a year now and I love it more than the day I got it. I got a whole bunch of NM Engineering mod goodness coming to me via UPS in the next few days. The fun never stops.

 

Hope you did not buy the nm exhaust. will not bolt up to jcw downpipe without fabercating a new mid pipe.

 

Thus the reason for getting an Exhaust Depot!!!




Mark

 

I know that these tunes are very tempting but virgin Mini owners should carefully consider how an aftermarket tuner tune might impact their warranty coverage. Additionally, there is no value in tuner tunes in the automotive resell market and they actually reduce your resell value. I would guess that 99.9 out of 100 potential buyers would run the other way if they found out that a particular pre-owned Mini had one of these aftermarket tuner tunes. Caveat Emptor...

 

or a super sprint