Hi, all. Just picked up a 2009 JCW. It's basic insofar as only option is cold weather package and xenon headlights. No sunroof. No sport suspension.

Now that I've got it and have some $$ burning a hole in my pocket, I started looking over what mods to make. Of course, I want to do them all. Figured I'd take advantage of the "collective wisdom" and ask for opinions about what is smart and what would be less so. My driving style is spirited, but a notch below autocross and track day driving. Won't be doing either of those.

I have a deposit on the Helix FMIC via the group buy going on here at NAM. Heard that, if other tuning is in the cards, the larger intercooler is a good "base" mod to do. I'm scheduled for Jan to do a RMW tune in Rochester in early April. I'm considering the value of a M7 turbo heat shield and some form of CAI and hood scoop. PO of my JCW goobered the stock hood scoop somehow so primer is showing through. Suspension-wise, the car has stock JCW rims and Potenza 960 (not run flats). Been thinking about lighter rims as I understand the stock rims are about 24 lbs. each. Anyhow, appreciate everyone's thought's on what should be on the short list for a new JCW who wants to kick it up a notch but keep things nicely balanced and integrated.

 

I would ditch the run flats ASAP for stickier non run flats. Best mod I have done to my car. My teeth no longer chatter over every bump. I went with Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110's. They give good grip and ride nice too. I also looked at the General Exclaim UHP's. Both of these tires can be had for under $100 a tire.

 

Yep, I knew I wanted to switch out the run-flats if the JCW had them. Fortunately, the tires on there now are NOT run-flats. Had a nice 380 mile run back home from the place where I bought the car and I thought the ride was just about right — mid way between denture-rattling and boring smooth.