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JCW GarageInterested in John Cooper Works (JCW) parts for your 2nd Generation MINI? This is where JCW upgrades and accessories for the MINI Clubman (R55), Cooper and Cooper S (R56), and Cabrio (R57) MINIs are discussed.
I just picked up a 2013 factory 2013 JCW Hardtop. I read the previous (2014) thread about about upgrades, all very good information.
I would like to get everyone's input on the mods I'm planning on doing, since it's been a couple of years, so any input given will sincerely be appreciated !
Motor: JB+ and a BMC (?) Air filter. What type of filter am I looking for ? Cone, Panel etc. ? If I can't find a BMC any other suggestions ?
Tires: My last mini had Michelin Pilots and I loved them, still good or what's better ?
Definite Maybe's: 19 mm sway bar - Intake - or ?????
As in the previous post from 2014, my JCW is a daily driver as well.
If your car doesn't have the Sport Suspension option get the rear sway bar for sure. Most people like the JB+ or the similarly designed NM unit for performance. I don't have it myself, I'm pretty happy with the JCW's motor/turbo as it is. I came from a 2007 MCS and it's way faster than that. How bout a few pix?
I know very well the K&N air filters and they are excellent products. I have one for years with proper cleaning maintenance performed on a classic 240Z. This is a great product.
But, I read a few treads a long ago that they can damage a MINI sensor because of the oily content of their composite material.
Hi, Steve! You are correct. The 2013 JCW and all of the Gen2 Minis uses a Hot-Film Air Mass Meter just after the airbox. The film, or membrane in the HFAM, can be coated with excess oil from the filter and cause erratic readings affecting engine performance.
However, there are no issues if the oil on the K&N filter is used as per their instructions and applied sparingly. If you have any concerns regarding excess oil, then you can blow the filter with a 'light' compressed air source to make sure none of the oil will blow off. The filter only needs to be 'dampened' and not soaked. Hope this helps and happy Mini motoring!
1. Intercooler (Helix Version 2, Forge, Wagner)
2. High flow catalytic convertor Downpipe (not of fan of totally catless versions)
3. 22mm solid rear sway bar (NM or others) or the 25mm hollow from Hotchkis
4. Engine torque arm bushing insert (NM has a version for sale so does Powerflex)
5. Manic Tune - flashed via the OBD2 port at a Manic dealer
6. Methanol injection - Howerton/Aquamist, Snow, Devils Own
7. Not sure if you have the JCW sport suspension or not, but I like the car lowered a tad from stock, either coilovers or lowering springs.
Intakes are not power adders they are more for the sound. The stock intake on the MINI is actually very good. I have a DOS intake (no longer available and does use a KN cone filter) and I love the sound but I can't say that I noticed any additional power.
Get the Manic tune over the JB+. I've had both. It's more expensive but well worth it.
Hi, Steve! You are correct. The 2013 JCW and all of the Gen2 Minis uses a Hot-Film Air Mass Meter just after the airbox. The film, or membrane in the HFAM, can be coated with excess oil from the filter and cause erratic readings affecting engine performance.
However, there are no issues if the oil on the K&N filter is used as per their instructions and applied sparingly. If you have any concerns regarding excess oil, then you can blow the filter with a 'light' compressed air source to make sure none of the oil will blow off. The filter only needs to be 'dampened' and not soaked. Hope this helps and happy Mini motoring!
I disagree with your comment. This is a wet filter and you never blow it out because it will be damaged forever. They are expensive and need regular maintenance with the recommended kit.
I used K&N for more than 15 years on classic cars. The air box gets dirty with oil residues.
It should be the same on a Mini and the reason it is recommended to avoid if sensors are at risk to fail.
I just picked up a 2013 factory 2013 JCW Hardtop. I read the previous (2014) thread about about upgrades, all very good information.
I would like to get everyone's input on the mods I'm planning on doing, since it's been a couple of years, so any input given will sincerely be appreciated !
Motor: JB+ and a BMC (?) Air filter. What type of filter am I looking for ? Cone, Panel etc. ? If I can't find a BMC any other suggestions ?
Tires: My last mini had Michelin Pilots and I loved them, still good or what's better ?
Definite Maybe's: 19 mm sway bar - Intake - or ?????
As in the previous post from 2014, my JCW is a daily driver as well.
Thanks in advance for your input - Steve
Last edited by malibujoey; May 8, 2016 at 09:14 AM.
Hi, Steve! You are correct. The 2013 JCW and all of the Gen2 Minis uses a Hot-Film Air Mass Meter just after the airbox. The film, or membrane in the HFAM, can be coated with excess oil from the filter and cause erratic readings affecting engine performance.
However, there are no issues if the oil on the K&N filter is used as per their instructions and applied sparingly. If you have any concerns regarding excess oil, then you can blow the filter with a 'light' compressed air source to make sure none of the oil will blow off. The filter only needs to be 'dampened' and not soaked. Hope this helps and happy Mini motoring!
Last edited by malibujoey; May 8, 2016 at 09:15 AM.
You don't get the performance benefits of the K&N but dry filters certainly are effective and inexpensive. Starting @ $19.59 less the 12% discount for this month.
