I haven't found this specific topic for JCW mod'd cars only, the discussions seems to be around smooth shifting in general...I'm getting my JCW soon and am also new to 6-speeds so I'm wondering about the shift points, what do y'all do?

 

This isn't limited to just JCW, since the MCS uses the identical transmission.

Gear, MPH at 6950RPM
1st - 44
2nd - 70
3rd - 93
4th - 114
5th - 137*
6th - 168*
*if you have the speed limiter removed; Read: aftermarket ECU

Enjoy,
Ryan

 

>>This isn't limited to just JCW, since the MCS uses the identical transmission.

Thanks...so it sounds like the JCW add'l torque doesn't impact the pattern....e.g. is it more practical to start off in 2nd?

 

Don't start in 2nd, the MCS has one of the tallest first gears there is (~44 mph stock, up to 50 mph with increased redline).

I try not to let the revs drop below 2k under load, and normally stay around 3k in normal driving.

 

>>Don't start in 2nd, the MCS has one of the tallest first gears there is (~44 mph stock, up to 50 mph with increased redline).
>>
>>I try not to let the revs drop below 2k under load, and normally stay around 3k in normal driving.

That is a pretty tall 1st, thanks guys...

 

In regular driving I will shift around 4000-4500 rpm in 1st gear (higher sometimes) and if I feel like having more fun I'll run it up close to 6000 rpm in second otherwise I probably shift into 3rd again around 4000 rpm or so. I've seen around 110 mph in 5th .

 

Interesting quote from the recent Edmund's review of the MCS/Works:

"As we continued on in city traffic, we enjoyed the subtle change in the car's behavior. Although the Works package is ostensibly geared toward enthusiasts, the average driver will appreciate the enhanced engine's more tractable personality. The car is quicker off the line from stoplights and able to catch more of the breaks when merging and passing in freeway traffic. When we took a trip up Interstate 5's Grapevine stretch, known for its switchbacks and rapid elevation changes, our Mini easily held sixth gear all the way up at an 80-mph pace. In contrast, our stock long-term Cooper S needed regular downshifts to fifth to maintain speed on this route."

Appears they found some differences 'tween the MCS and Works...

 

>>"When we took a trip up Interstate 5's Grapevine stretch, known for its switchbacks and rapid elevation changes, our Mini easily held sixth gear all the way up at an 80-mph pace. In contrast, our stock long-term Cooper S needed regular downshifts to fifth to maintain speed on this route."[/b]

This means that JCW MCS porduces more juice at lower RPM vs. MCS. :smile:


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04 IB/W JCW MCS