2 JCW questions I haven't heard
 

1. Motoring File has the install PDF availible has anyone done it on their own? Between the install PDF and GBMINI's blong the install doesn't look like it is too extreme (IMO); having only to go to the dealer for the software which runs 1 hour instead of 16 hours of labor costs.

2. I have an 05 MCS, will JCW still be selling the package after the R56 comes out or do we loose the kit when MINI makes the switch (or shortly thereafter)?

I haven't seen these asked yet, if I missed something in my searches please just provide a link.

Just thinking, I noticed my dealer has a 05 JCW demonstration vehilce on the lot, I think I may go back and ask for a test drive later in the week.

Check out the last MF entry entitled 'Bring You The Answers'
 

Here it is, verbatim:

MF: Once the next generation model is released, how far down the road will the current accessories and parts (from e.g. the JCW stuffs, aero kits, etc.) be continuing for sell?
Stracco: Nothing but net. That’s a pretty broad question, but generally, for parts, a supply of 15 years is kept….or something incredibly long like that. For accessories, likewise, not much of an issue. Remember the Convertible will be continuing with the same body and engine for a few more years. If a particular accessory sells, Aftersales will likely keep it in stock.

In my (former) industry...
 

we were obliged to support a product for 7 years after it was discontinued.... But I don't know if that was by agreement with our larger customers or what.

Matt

okay so it will still be around for a while, I figured it still had a few years as JCW still has to develop a new kit for the turbo, just didn't have an idea of how much time. Anyone have an answer to the first question?

I think a couple have..
 

I've seen the kit for sale on eBay. But Mini doesn't give you the warranty coverage unless they instal it......

Matt

Well I only have 6k left on the full warranty and am almost 1/2 way through the powertrain major malfunction warranty; but I think it would be one of those things that I'd
1. be capable of doing
2. Would be able to learn more of the MINI details
3. It would still be a notorized #'d JCW kit (I hope) (may even ask if I could join craptastic at that point)
and
4. Save me a good sized wad of cash (more to spend on gas to go motoring with, or do the JCW suspension swap while the MINI is up on jacks)

But it would be nice to hear the impressions of someone who did this out side of the dealer network, impressions, unexpectede challenges and the like.

I'd love to do th 225bhp JCM kit but the make you go to JCM and require that they install it; and resfuse to ship.

I think the JCW kit is a car that provides a significant gain from stock, I like the idea of pedigree, and think the exhaust sounds refined but better than stock. Even if I went the JCW route I'd likely keep my ALTA CAI, and even consider dropping to a ALTA 15% pulley as well.

I have read on other boards of ppl wanting to buy the kit. Besides the costs, their is shipping if you get it discount. But, the biggest thing dissuading ppl is the core charge. In other words, you pay far more for the kit than you think and then ship back to the dealer the head (or they keep your money). I think they said it comes in two pallets?

I knew about the core charge, I only thought is was something like $500 (which if I'm already spending 4500 or so wouldn't be too much more); and unless I fugure out a use for the spare head (coffee table?:wink: ) I could recover it in a week out two, and could just give the head to the dealer when I go in for the software (may have to ship head to factory not really sure). The JCW tuning kit, in GBMINIs blog was pictured on one pallet, I wouldn't be suprised to see two if adding other parts (like suspension, brakes, aero kit, and so on). Well I still haven't driven it yet (think I ought to call the dealer and schedule a ride) and if I could do the install on my own, I might just consider it and pick up a second job in the summer to pay for it then do the work in the fall, I think this is something that could easily be a weekend project, and as best I can follow everything seems to be mostly bolt on.

http://forums1.roadfly.com/mini/foru...6624701-4.html

$4775, $1000 core charge for head and sc. That was one year ago.

okay, well at least I know now and can plan for it, I forgot the SC was also carrying a core charge.

If you;re concerned about money..
 

go aftermarket. Get a JCW airbox or injectors (so you can join Team Craptastic) and be done with it.....

If you really want, you can add the badges... But you know what they say about badges:wink:

Matt

:) :lol: I've looked at that too, and I don't thik of JCW as "stock" like some do; but I like the idea of Pedigree the car has and am willing to pay a little more fo that (although I already have and would likely keep he ALTA CAI on there) and I like working on my own cars, so wouldn't mind saving the money, esp since the warranty would no longer being a concern. Like I mentioned before my big decider will be a test drive, and then I'll decide if its worth the money and time.

Interested in the software
 

I am very interested in trying the JCW software with my setup. Does anyone know the details of getting the JCW software installed?

Will the dealer's only install the software if you purchase the kit from them?

What if you don't have a JCW kit can you get the JCW software as a seperate purchase?

PM me if you work at a dealer:wink:

Well I test drove a JCW this morning, and well I was unimpressed, I expected to feel more of a differance. I did the drive in the JCW and then about 10 min. later I did it in my MCS (stock +ALTA CAI and VGS). I could tell the hp gain pulling onto the highway, but the ride felt sluggish and lacking torque around town, then wonderful on the highway. The car had just the tunning kit no suspension or brake kit, though te MA said that didn't make a huge street differance. I did love the sound of the exhaust, the ride felt very refined esp. with the flap closed under 4.5k. In the end its a MINI and I had fun driving it, and liked what it offered, and it was a smooth ride; but unlike when I test drove my first MINI and it became a matter of when not if, I didn't leave with that same impression or conviction.

So I'm on this undecided bit right now, I feel my current simple setup is more fun to drive, but the JCW would enhance what I already have. I think I'm going to do some more reseach into just what the Cosworth has to offer. Like I said I'm on the end of the warranty period so that is not a factor I want something with a little more response and a tad more pull. But I'm also looking for something that will be reliable (a racing history is a plus) and not engineer the fun out of driving a MINI; because to me its all about having a smile on my face every minute I'm behind the wheel.

I asked two places...
 

One said no way, that it's Mini polacy to not sell the JCW software, another dealer said sure, they'd had several people come in with their own pulley and injectors installed, and just charged labor for the SW upgrade.

Matt