There's numerous threads about the JCW Stage 1. Is it worth it or not? Is it better or worse than other aftermarket options? etc, etc, etc. The subject has been (and is being) discussed. That's not what this thread is about.

I have the JCW Stage 1 kit and the JCW suspension. I plan to upgrade the brakes with the JCW Brake Kit that comes out next year and getting track wheels and tires.

So while I'm dreaming of track days in 2008, I'm left wondering... What else can be done to increase performance without being redundant (to the JCW kits) or breaking the bank?

Let's hear your ideas!

 

Well, you said wheels and tires. If you're going to spend a lot of time on track, then a dedicated set of wheels and R-comp tires will be very nice. Completely flush out your brake fluid and add ATE Superblue or Motul 600 (or another high quality high-temp fluid). Aside from that, I wouldn't do much else... just keep paying for track days and seat time, THEN start with the performance upgrades. No point in buying extra HP until you need it for better lap times.

 

ALTA ECU piggy back. It should work pretty well with your setup and easliy taken off with the PnP version.

 

Intercooler and piping.

 

ALTA downpipe. Big performance gain and it gives the JCW exhaust note more growl.

 

I've been instructing for a few years now. Brake fluid is done and, like I said, I'll be getting some dedicated track wheels and tires in the next couple months.

Now that's what I'm talking about! What else?

 

Downpipe, intercooler and possibly ECU are the only current mods I can think of that would reap significant gains. Of course ALTA will be offering their larger turbo kit and water injection soon as well.

Also I know you have the JCW suspension but you many wanna consider lowering your MINI with Mach V Technic springs or others. Better aerodynamics and I'm sure they'd help out even the JCW some.

 

I have the same set up and agree that the Mach V springs or some equivalent would make a nice difference for you. New wheels and slightly larger non runflats made a huge improvement for me, virtually eliminating torque steer. A front spoiler pulls my front end down at higher speeds which surprised me because I thought it would mainly be just bling. I would wait to let vendors work out the kinks of the ecu's as they are brand new and ask your dealer about the other stuff as it pertains to your warranty, but you may not be concerned about that since you are going to track. You might consider the rear diffuser M7 is developing. Your car looks great!