I just got it about 2 weeks ago. I was quite disappointed to see the exhaust is really just the muffler plus a little pipe. I was hoping that for this proce it would go further back withe piping a little wider than stock. The intake is really nothing more than a K&N filter in a hosing much like stock (again, disappointed with this one) The only plus side is that the software seems to have given more zip ( I think more boost) and the exhaust note is nicer. For 2200, this is a not much bang for buck. Just wanted to share my opinion.

 

Those are some very Expensive Ponies

Should have done a RMW tune with a M2 Powerhouse downpipe and made 215 whp.

 

did you at least get to keep your old muffler and intake?

 

yes I did.....and yes, some very expensive ponies. Part of me wish I would've went aftermarket. For the same price I could've gotten alot more. Yes I did keep the warranty and that was the main reason for getting JCW. But it really is a lot fo money for not a lot of gain. So for those of you who are thinking about it, keep that in mind!

 

I got my Stage 1 a couple of weeks ago and quite happy. Nice improvement in power (coming from a SLK 55 AMG so it would have to go above 1HP to 10LBs to really impress which is not going to happen). Sound is much more aggressive (any louder and it would be too much). The best part about the MINI is it feels faster that it is and the added sound from the Stage 1 is a big plus to the experience. 100% MINI warranty (if you ever had a serious problem it would pay for itself). Also did you get the laser engraved tail pipe tips?

 

I did get the engraved pipes and they are nice. And my point is not that you do get gain in HP and torque. My biggest beef was with the bang for buck. the intake is practically the same! The only thing making it feel faster is the software an dI do think that it's pretty good. But when it comes to hardware, there are way better stuff out there for cheaper. Just my .02 cents.

 

Saw those tips on ebay for 160 obo

 

yeah you can buy them separately ....

 

What does the stage 1 include? I'm assuming intake box, full exhaust and ecu program?

I drove a JCW today after driving a S a couple days ago. I didnt see how it was worth an extra a5-6K over the cooper S pricing. I think I may go the S route and mod it myself, but I'm also worried about warranty. Its a bummer the JCW team is not a little more aggressive. I'd say the improvement is minimal at best.

 

put a downpipe on a Jcw and it a different animal

 

I did the same exact thing when I was looking for a Mini. I drove the Cooper S and the JCW back-to-back with 4 people in the car. I didn't really notice too much of a difference except for the brakes and launching. Freeway pulls felt the same.

I don't remember how I convinced myself to get the JCW. Probably peer pressure

 

Where does one find a M2 Powerhouse Downpipe?

 

I have the prototype on my car now.

 

yes it has an intake box (almost same as stock with a K and N filter) NOT a full exhaust , bsically the muffler and about 2 feet of pipe, and a ECU program

 

How is the CEL situation on that?

 

in order to make 28whp, I'm sure the m2m DP would have no cat, so CEL would def be on

 

The tips won't fit a stock MCS exhaust though. I just ordered a Stage 1 but havent installed it yet though. Already have the CAI and I switched the inlet tube for the JCW inlet tube. Looking fwd to the install

 

why did you switch it?

 

Just cause I could. I had a $50 coupon from my dealer when I bought my MINI that was nearing expiration so I thought it was good timing. Some folks claim they can feel the difference, especially around 4000 RPM. If you 'feel it' then it must be true, right? Since its the stock tube on a JCW it can't be a bad thing.

 

Overall your paying for , i dunno, factory stuff... that they will warranty, and wont hassle you for. But as it goes you can get a LOT more power for that money if you wish. live and learn

Its like the $1200+ factory blacked out headlights.... easy and OEM, but theyd look 100% the same for $20 and a bit of effort

 

Be careful that you have a secure installation. The diameter is different and could work loose, causing turbo failure.

http://www.totalmini.com/forum/51-20...e-install.html

 

RKW, I really appreciate the heads up!!!

I rarely am on TotalMINI, and wouldnt have spotted that without your help.

Two questions I have:

1) Is the diameter of the seal from the stock MCS tube different then the diameter of the JCW (inlet tube) seal? I've heard people take the rubber seal from their original inlet tube and put it inside the new rigid tube.

2) If I check the metal hose clamps overtop of the rigid tube (at both turbo and cold air intake ends) am I still at risk of it coming loose and causing damage?

Any thots would be appreciated.

 

Don't forget the resale value will likely be higher on the stage 1 car. The after market stuff doesn't fare so well in the pre-owned world.

 

true to an extent,but you would hope for more for 2200 thats all....

 

I've learned with my R56 is that you need to go with what makes you happy. I initially went the aftermarket route with an intake, boost tubes, exhaust, etc. However, I wasn't willing to go with an aftermarket tune. For me, it wasn't worth the risk. For many people on this board it is. To each their own. I recently took off all of my aftermarket stuff and added the JCW stage 1 kit. I am happy with the power and with the fact that I have a JCW MINI. I know you can get more ponies aftermarket but I like it and I wish I didn't spend my money on aftermarket up front. I should have just gone with the JCW because it gave me the MINI I wanted.

I am sure that I am the minority opinion on this board but there is value with sticking with factory.