OK guys, I need some opinions. This has been bugging me for a few weeks. Who here with an 02-04 JCW car has installed the upgrade kit and had the ECU flashed with the 39.2 software? I'm wondering because my local dealer Crown MINI of Richmond will not flash my ECU (I have V36) and claims it will have a negative impact on performance whereas other dealers have flashed customer JCW cars with the new software when doing the upgrade.

My car runs fairly strong except for some yo-yo which I would like to eliminate.

 

MCM--

v.39.2 will not eliminate the Yo-Yo. The trigger that produces the Yo-Yo effect cannot be eliminated by normal MINI ECU updates. That being said, on my '04 MCS (build date 9-18-03) moving from v.36 to v.38 lessened the Yo-Yo effect. Updating the ECU to v.39.x lessened the Yo-Yo effect even more. It's still there, but it's more like a "ghost" in that when it appears it's barely there.

At this point I should metion that there has been a mixed reaction to v.39.x. I have motored over 2,000 miles since my v.39.x update and the car has never run better. It is stronger, smoother and more efficient than it has ever been. However, there have been others (for whatever reason) whose cars have suffered after the v.39.x update. At this point there is no consensus on the cause of these folks' problems: it could be the code (unlikely), the person's particular car, the MINI tech, the procedure...any number of causes. There are also folks like myself that feel their car has never run better! And, least you think I am numb to the nuances of sports car dynamics and performance, I have drivien/raced them since 1966. However, you need to do the research and make an informed decision.

Ryephile has two mechanical methods of masking the Yo-Yo's effect from being felt. Both involve the supercharger bypass valve. Ryephix #1 involves zip-tying the SC bypass valve closed (very easy to do!). Alternatively, Ryephix #2 involves replacing the bypass valve diaphragm spring with a "stiffer" version (must have good mechanical ability!). Both the Ryephixes are discussed under "The Yo-Yo Chronicles" thread. There is another thread in "Beneath the Bonnet" that is devoted to the ordering/support of Ryephix #2.

As far as the JCW kit and ECU updates...I can tell you more later this month after I have the JCW Kit and JCW Upgrade put on my MCS. In any case, you may wish to contact Ryephile at Detroit Tuned to inquire about the UNIChip ECU daughter-board product. He can create a custom map for you that will extract all possible HP from your setup.

FWIW,

Theo

 

I had my '03 JCW upgraded ("210") and flashed last week (I assume with the latest software version). It feels almost like a different car. It is easier than it has ever been to get a nice smooth start, the car pulls strongly, and the yo-yo is much weaker than before. Honestly, I am more impressed with the improved driveability of the car after the software upgrade than I am with the additional sound/power that produced by the upgrade overall.

My gas mileage has been sucking, but it's so easy to drive "briskly" now that I have tended to do that on recent trips.

 

I had my '04 (Jan) JCW MCS updated last week, and no probs so far...

 

03 JCW MCS upgraded to 210 with V39.2 software car runs really great no problems

 

Mike

I had my 02 JCW upgraded to 210 with V39.2 and have had no problems. I had it done at Century MINI in Greenville, SC. Both of the MINI techs at Century are excellent. Have Crown give them a call.

 

Some have noted an RPM difference in the two version of JCW software. What is your current max RPM?

 

Had the upgrade done to my '02 last week. (I pulled off my UNIchip and ALTA CAI.) I have never had any stumble or yo-yo issues, so I can't comment on any of that. The biggest difference between the UNIchip / ALTA combination (running 100 octane) and the '05 JCW upgrade (also running 100 octane) is that there seems a just a bit more "torque surge" between the gears with the '05 JCW upgrade. The car was buttery smooth and fast with the UNIchip and ALTA, but without a reasonable measure of "seat-of-the pants" excitement. It seems just as smooth and fast with the '05 JCW upgrade, except I feel a bit more torque between the gears with the '05 upgrade. Red-lining is effortless and easy in both configurations.

(FWIW, there seems to be even more low-end grunt / torque with the JCW Convertible, which I suspect is due to the different gear ratio.)

ftbt

2005 Works Cooper S Convertible, Sn. 6808; DS-w- White Bonnet Stripes; Clear Bra.

2002 Works Cooper S, Sn. 1165, + '05 JCW upgrade; DS/W; Sport + Premium + H Sport Springs, Competition Front & Rear Sway Bars, Rear Camber Control Arms + 17" Team Dynamics Pro Race 1's; 215-45-17 Kumho MX's + AP Racing Formula Big Brakes, XDrilled Rotors, Goodridge SS Lines + Clear Bra + Cobra Daytonas + Schroth Harnesses and a full tank of 100 octane ... life is good!

2002 Cooper CVT LY/W

 

minicoopermike: your dealership doesn't have the technical capacity to determine the functionality differences between ECU versions; any excuse they're giving you is not factually-based. Get the latest software; you're entitled to it, and at the very least it'll improve the cruise and DSC operation.

The Yo-Yo, as Koopah pointed out, is something I've worked on for a while, and have created a couple relatively simple "Ryephix's" (as coined by Greatbear!)

With my relatively minimal exposure to JCW's, I've had a tough time with the currently available UNIchip mapping. A custom map is possible, and will extract the most power possible from your current configuration, but requires the expertise and time of a UNIchip Custom Mapper. (read, more $$) I've had much more success with adding the Schrick camshaft to the JCW - impressive gains actually.

Anyway, call up your dealer again (or perhaps one better accomidating) and get V39 installed.

Good luck,
Ryan