Anybody care to comment on the following comparison:

JCW package tuning vs. RMW tuning?

I've read that the JCW tune, while dynoing nice gains may also accommodate things like an aftermarket intercooler better. Any truth to this?

I'm basically trying to decide which tune to get in addition to a bigger Intercooler and downpipe.

Anybody with experience with a JCW package and those 2 components (IC and downpipe)?

Thanks.

 

Well I don't have either but I do have every power bolt-on u can think of shy of turbo and tune but I do know that the jcw stage 1 is a very good little tune and is basically an aftermarket setup... A bit more expensive but it's basically an intake tweek, catback and basic tune... Alrho if there was something to look into, see if u can get jcw factory exhaust... That one has only one cat rather than the two of normal mcs.... Option two I would suggest exhaust depot's downpipe... Better flowing (I think) and doesn't flow check engine lights... I think it's 2.5 inch rather than 3 inch of alta, but gains would most likely be had...

Intercooler, well I'm on my third one and all I can say is alta or helix 13... I personally am a helix guy but then again I am a Philly guy :p an intercooler is always a good mod especially for running more boost...all in all I'm surer ull have a great set-up either way

remember, no matter what anyone else says it is YOUR mini! And ur mini should be an extension of who u are... That's y mini's rule so much! No two are exactly the same!!! :D good luck with ur decision!

 

Why 3 intercoolers? have they all been the same or did you switch?

 

I test everything and combo to find the best setup for my driving... As u see in my sig those parts are the best combo for me at this point.... Not to mention it's easier to say the difference between this ic and that ic if I actually had them vs just paper and pic comparisons.... Like I can tell u the alta ic gives you a peaky feel to torque, powerful but peaky... Helix's ic isn't as thrust u to ur seat but it gains power EVERYWHERE and is a lot smoother in how it adjusts power... Once I dump it I'll throw up a direct comparison between my setup with alta vs helix... Same thing with swaybars and exhausts... I can first hand tell u the difference between stock, borla, milltek and alta

 

its a waste of money dont buy it just get the rmw.

 

Depends - you want some power increase and warranty or lots of power increase and possible warranty issues?

 

more like very likely warrantee issues.... unless your dealership is REALLY really nice. or worse, they never check, thne one day something happens they reflash your car and bye bye 700 bucks or however much Jan asks for the tune....

 

Here's my story, take it for what it's worth. Last year people were buying cars (I work for an automaker) and I got a bonus from work that was almost exactly what it would cost for a JCW Stage I kit. So I got it - got a great deal from MINI of GR, too.
Fast forward to now. Lewis (MINI) has been back at MoGR for a month now. I took him in for a new clutch since they agreed that the throwout bearing was bad. Then they replaced the flywheel at the same time since it had a few hotspots. Then they did the chain tensioner since they finally got the measuring tool. When they put it all back together the car freaked out - check engine light every 26-40 miles. In the end it has a new wiring harness, camshaft position sensor and the real problem was the DME (controller). I just dropped the JCW software CD off last night.
I KNOW that MCM would have denied warranty for the clutch to begin with if I had any aftermarket tuning. Even at this point MoGR hasn't questioned anything, it's all warranty, my JCW stuff is all back on, and I have free gauges for my trouble. It pays to have a good relationship with your dealer (and spend money there once in a while).
That's not to say that they can't be cool with aftermarket stuff - I have some of that too and they look the other way. But I would have lost a tune at the very least if not paid for all of this.
And the bottom line is I really like the JCW kit. I still don't see how people say it's more expensive when good exhaust is $700 + $700 for a tune + $300 for an intake + pay someone to put it on = more than I paid for the kit.

 

You just said it a GOOD exhaust, a GOOD tune, A GOOD intake = more that the 12 extra hp

 

Agreed if I'm spending that much on the JCW satge 1 I want more than 12hp. They shoudl hit at least 25 more hp to make it worth it. but oh well.

 

189-172 = 17hp by my math.

Adding more than 25hp that wasn't durability tested by the people that made the car didn't make me terribly comfortable - considering I want to keep the car for a while. But that's just my thoughts - do whatever you want with your own car, that's why you buy a MINI, right?

 

Since your in Indiana your in luck since I do Custom Tunes for the MINI both R53 and R56. What I would do for for you now is give you My WMW quicktune which is similar to a JCW stage one map, just modified slightly. Then you can mod your car with your intercooler and other parts and still be safe. When your ready for the FULL tune we can do that, and I don't charge you the full price because I've already done the Quicktune. I only charge $450 for the Quicktune, beats the hell out of the JCW price.

 

I think Jan @ RMW is tipping the scale quite a bit on this one HA HA HA! Why wouldn't you go with Jan? Well over 30bhp gain on a stock R56. JCW definitely doesn't come close. It only get's better if you mod more and have him do a custom tune.