So, we are looking at picking up an '06 and are trying to decide whether to spend the extra on the factory JCW package. Sorry for the n00b question, but is it possible to use a 15% pulley on the JCW, or is it so good it doesn't need more (or does the kit already use that trick)? I am not worried about warranty, so leave that out of the discussion....we have an '05 Subaru Legacy GT modded to 340hp . I like the other parts of the kit like the brakes, exhaust and airbox, but I realize $6200 is a premium for these parts (and warranty is the difference).

Thanks for any pointers.....

 

I've never driven a JCW MCS, but I can hep you with some points...

The JCW kit uses a 14.xx% reduction pulley, so swapping a 15% on a JCW would give any HP. (or if it doesm it would be very low)

You can get an aftermarket kit that would be around 210-215hp, with good brakes and suspension, for under the JCW price.

 

The JCW pulley is a 13.8% pulley, so yes you could use a 15% pulley. You might even consider a 16% from M7. The issue of whether or not to spend the $$ for the JCW factory kit or go aftermarket has been beaten to death on NAM. You mentioned you are not concerned about warranty, which would point you towards the aftermarket in terms of bang for the buck.

OTOH, if warranty ( and out of pocket $$) is not a concern, if you want to be able to buy the pieces you mention (brakes, exhaust, etc.) already installed with the JCW and thus avoid the hassle of doing it in a piecemeal manner, the JCW is a good way to go, and you can still enhance the JCW package. I can steer you to a good thread on MINI2 where an owner modded his JCW with a tuner, with really good results. And, he kept the JCW parts, and enhanced the car around those parts.

Bottom line, it depends on your preferences. If you like to do your own modding and the warranty is no issue, go aftermarket. If the warranty is secondary, but you don't really want to do a bunch of modding, the JCW will supply the parts in which you expressed interest, and you can enhance the car from that point.

P.S. Here's the MINI2 thread: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...ht=jcw+upgrade

 

There is a post on a recent thread (past 3 weeks) that talks about swapping out the JCW pulley. It seems to be pressed on differently than the MCS pulley, so it is a major undertaking to remove it.

You have to decide whether you want to drive your MINI or be under it. Something to be said for both. If you're a driver, buy the JCW. If you're a "frigger" get the S and mod the hell out of it.

 

I just ordered an '06 with a factory installed JCW. While I previousely thought that the dealer installed kit was way overpriced, I feel that factory installed kit with the Brake kit and the LSD is well worth it. Maybe not as cheap as after market, but for me at least, it made sense. Warranty is important, as it will be a daily driver. And while I am planning on keeping the car for a long time, I figured 15-20 years from now (if I decide to sell) a "'06 MCS JCW" will carry more weight than "'06 MCS Polyak/[insert tuner name here]."

Flame suit on. Let me have it.

 

All good points, thanks for the replies. I have caught much flak from my fiancée (lol...using her account here, since she has the '05 MCS-C) for spending too much on mods for the Subaru, so going with the JCW means a higher car payment but no additional high $$$ purchases over the first year to get the car where I want. I, too, like the idea of an '06 JCW vs. MCS + aftermarket stuff.....resale after the car is paid off will be higher for sure.

Thanks all...
-Dan

 

The primary reason of going JCW versus aftermarket is warranty, not performance related. If you modify your JCW by adding a 15% or greater pulley, you've effectively cut your own throat, warranty wise. If performance is what you want, skip the JCW and get it all aftermarket. If the warranty is really important to you, get the JCW and don't mess with it.

Just my $0.02.

 

The decision to JCW or not is about buying a car 99% completed vs. 85% and then spending money out of pocket to go from there. If the JCW offered a higher starting level from which to mod, then that's a bonus (think std. Subaru WRX vs. WRX STi model and you'll understand where my head is). Warranty would be nice, but I understand the costs involved to negate it.

 

There really isn't much difference. Get a standard MCS with LSD, and then go mod the 'ell out of it. You'll be ahead in both $$ and overall performance.

 

While true, it is a bit misleading. You will be ahead in $$ until you try to sell the car. I don't think there has been many successful stories in recouping the cost of the mods. I am not advocating one over the other. Every one should make their own decisions. I just feel that this a multifaceted topic that goes beyond the usual how much you will spend and how fast you will go.

 

Likewise, the JCW kit hasn't really resulted in an appreciation of MCS resale value either. I don't see it as an advantage over the aftermarket, once the obvious benefit of a factory warranty is removed.

 

The few MCS JCW I have seen for sale did go for more than a standard MCS. I agree that you do not get your entire JCW investment back, but you do get a good portion of it, which is usually not the case with aftermarket mods.

I agree with your statement of: "I don't see it as an advantage over the aftermarket, once the obvious benefit of a factory warranty is removed." But, that benefit is there and important to some people who otherwise would not consider the upgrades.

Edit: Also, as I posted earlier, I think the factory installed option for the '06 with the LSD and the JCW break kit included presents a much better value than the previous years' dealer installed options.

 

this jcw vs non jcw pullied really is old...

both have merits, and people should do want they want without judgement... thoughts others may have not provided include:

I say if your cool to modify your cooper s along the way, putting a bit of money to get around 200 horsepower, then do so, it will be less expensive

if you want to finance the wholr deal and can't come up with cash, time, or energy to work on your car, or have it worked on by Non dealer MINI experts, then consider JCW

Also is the auto insurance a factor here now? Will liability, compulsatory insurance be higher on the factory jcw car... where previously rates weren't higher for a assessory jcw equiped car (at least in Massachusetts)... kinda like a bmw 330 costs more to insure than a bmw 325

 

and yet it's not the subject of my post. I wanted to know if a JCW car has the same mod potential as the non-JCW car (see pulley question). Seems not to be the case, so it comes down to a simple decision of whether or not to get the pkg.

 

Did you read the link I posted?

 

This is an oldie but a goodie topic as it always brings out emotions.


Speaking as a guy who went the "mod" route, I think it depends on how hands on you want to be with your car. If you like "set and forget" cars get the JCW. If you want to "tinker" and enjoy the uncertainty of different performance combinations and the cars performance is a hobby for you and putting out the $ at one time is an issue, do mods.
If I buy another MINI there is a very good chance I will go the JCW route because not having a warranty has bitten me in the butt a few times. I have a lot of respect for the JCW logo. I also have a lot of fun picking new parts and trying them out. I will say that I am glad that I have a second car because in putting this one together I have had a rash of "lights" come on...headers gone bad....sensors gone bad....stumbles and bumbles....disappointing dynos.....lots of $ spent chasing down problems....and that was the "fun" days. I love my car and it is running very strong now but unless you are committed to "chasing'" the performance I think the JCW is a reasonable way to go for a fun car with a little extra.

 

Thats not true. See https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=33923
the JCW pulley is 14.4%. Changing it wont do much. However, you can still do anything else you want (e.g., TB, headers, cam, etc.) The pulley is only one aspect of the total means to gaining HP. You can also go with the lighten flywheel, etc.