So, I can finally post in this forum now... I'm now the proud owner of this 1st Gen 2006 JCW.

I bought it from the original owner who had it custom ordered from MINI back in 2005. Stock everything, even the clutch. He had the entire top end of the engine replaced @ 80k (sitting at about 131k now).

My questions are now this: since it's the stock clutch, it's pretty much ready to be replaced. What are some good, non-oem clutches that are sporty, yet comfortable? I've heard quite a bit about the Valeo single-mass flywheel/clutch kit.. Thoughts?

YAY, JCW!

 

If it was well taken care of, who's to say it needs a new clutch? I have 130,000 miles on my factory clutch...still holds like a champ, no issues at at. It's amazing how long a clutch can last if you actually know how to drive

You may want to just hold off until you find some other stuff to do under the hood and do it all at the same time.

 

It was well taken care of, however there is a lot of clutch chatter, and a bit of slipping under heavy load, so it's definitely getting close to being time.

 

Well yeah, if the clutch it slipping...it's time for a new one

 

Welcome
Looks like a good car as Dark Silver was what both my early R53s where. Our Valeo Clutch kit is a great option and what we use for clutch replacement in our shop.
But with that kind of mileage while doing the clutch go ahead and replace the front control arm bushings with the Powerflex Control Arm Bushings as the stock ones are totally wore out if they've not been replaced.

 

Congrats on the find!