If anyone is interested, here are the differences between the JCW intercooler and the JCW GP intercooler (see pic below):

The GP is 1.25" taller than the JCW and has 12 rather than 10 rows of similarly sized fins. The effective surface area therefore appears to be about 20% more.

 

I have the GP intercooler on my 05 MCS also... just an FYI, the stock JCW IC is the same as the stock MCS IC.

 

Looks great! Now where to get one...

 

Yep, the only thing that changes regarding the intercooler for the JCW kit is the plastic cover. The stock black one is replaced with a silver one that also bears the JCW logo. That's it.I believe Helix is considering obtaining another batch from overseas... they've got my name, as I'm definitely interested. Perhaps if you and others show similar interest, it will sway their decision to go ahead and actually get them in.

[rant mode]
Screw MINIUSA again for witholding stuff. And not just GP stuff... absolutely any part that was never available on a USA MINI. Even BMW doesn't get that retartedly uptight about it. I'm in the process of likely ordering a new windshield from Canada because I want a particular one that was never offered on a USA MINI. Could MINIUSA allow me to order it? Of course. Will they? Hell no. I have even seen the computer showing that there are 4 of them in the USA at the moment, but MINIUSA refuses to release them. They were probably ordered by mistake, but once they're here, why not allow them to go as requests occassionally come in? Sheesh.
[/rant mode]

 

How much were they? I'd be interested if they got them!

 

I thought so, but wasn't certain. Apparently the only difference between the the JCW and MCS IC is the cover.

 

I believe the quote I was given is $675 (parts only). Add labor if you want them to install it for you or add shipping if you want to do it yourself or somewhere else.

I'm pretty sure that it includes all of the extra accessories & hardware (the new air diverter, new IC cover, bolts/screws, etc).

 

No need to add labor. Takes no more than half an hour to do and is simple to do yourslf.

 

That's fine, I did realize it was easy, I was just stating it in case someone didn't want to do it themself. I didn't hear Helix offer a free install, so I assume there would be a labor charge involved if someone drove up and asked for it to be put in.

Incidentally, where did you get yours?

 

the gp is a great alternative to aftermarket intercoolers, Eric from helix would suggest that before anything else

 

The thing that gripes me is that if you could get them at Mini the retail price for the whole thing is a little over $400.00....

 

It is very easy to install. Keep in mind, you lose easy access to the spark plugs, but the benefits seem worth it. I got mine from the "Austrian connection" (AKA Peter) for around $685 express shipped.

 

How much extra time would you say it takes to check your plugs?

 

I tried to contact Peter using the only way I knew how - from one of his previous GP IC sales on eBay. eBay rejected my message to him because I did not have an existing business connection with him (i.e. I hadn't bid on any of his stuff before. And of course I couldn't create a business connection by bidding, because the item was already sold! Catch-22. ).

Can you send me his contact info in a PM? I have no idea if he can get more GP ICs, but one way or another I'm going to find one.

 

But that JCW cover has to add.... what? Like 20 hp?

Agreed on the "you can't have it" stance. Unless it's something that is illegal for some reason in the U.S., they should let you order the parts.

So, what's special about the Canadian windshield??

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co....php?p=1671203

 

k_huevo needed some cash, so I bought his. Occassionally they pop up on this forum or on eBay. They are very elusive. Occassionally someone imports a batch of grey market ICs they acquire from an overeseas dealer.

 

Yes, someone such as Helix.

 

PM sent.

 

Thanks.

I've managed to make contact with him (Peter) now.

 

It takes me around 10 minutes to remove the intercooler, so I'm guessing around 20 minutes extra all told. It's not a big deal at all.

 

Oh that's not bad at all, good excuse to spend a little more time with the Mini! Can you PM me the contact info?

 

And thats why we love Helix

 

And here........is my bling.