I just got through reading the latest Evo magazine article called "Monster MINI Shoot-out". Not much of what was tested is available in the US, but it was still a hoot to read. They started w/ a stock Cooper, went through 2 Cooper mod kits-the Works and Janspeed. Their verdict: don't bother modding a Cooper. Next came a stock S, followed by no less than 7 other companies' mod kits. The cheapest kit was done by AMD, making 210 BHP and almost but not quite matching the JCW in performance. Considered the best value. Hartge, Digi-tec were both given good reviews. The fastest, making 218 BHP and 206 ft/lb of torque, was done by BBR. Best acceleration of them all, and about a 1/3 cheaper than the JCW, but Evo thought there might be issues up the road due to higher engine performance levels. Very close in price and performance to the JCW was Schnitzer's kit, which they liked very much. The kit claiming the most BHP (GGR) got the worst review. Final verdict: The JCW was second overall in performance, and while not the cheapest or the fastest, Evo liked that the JCW kit was so thoroughly tested and that it had an upgraded supercharger. The fact that it comes with a warranty probably also helped it beat out all the others to become Evo's final pick. I've got a CR/W JCW MCS coming in about 8 months. It's going to be hard to wait!!!

 

Is this article available on the web?

 

I couldn't find it on Evo's website, but they do have some great shoot-out type articles on MINI's in their roadtest archives. Here's the website:

Evo website

I believe you've got to subscribe to view stuff, but it's pretty painless.

 

they have another good article with the Schnitzer Cooper S vs WRX, Focus RS(not sold in US) Golf R32 and an Alfa and a couple others. Have to look at previous issues on line to find the article and others.

 

Kind of dissapointing. They really knock the Schnitzer, saying that it isnt much better than the stock S. I think they made a mistake with 205/45/17's. With 200 hp why stay with the stock 205? Most people on this site that have mods or no mods have went with 215/45/17. They also say that the Hartge had more high end zip.

One thing about our MINI is the discrepancy of 0-60 times. They have the stock S clocked at 7.7 sec and the 200 hp Schnitzer at 7.3 sec. No freakin way!
Car and Driver have the stock S at 7 sec flat and Sport Comp Car had it at 7.3 i believe stock! They must have some serious stumble issues with their tester Oh well.

 

Man, this is a good site. Lots of comparison articles. For all those Honda haters, heres one for you.

 

Its the Civic Type R that they are referring too.

 

fms,
Thanks for posting the link and the excerpts from the article. I't nice to see the positive comments about the JCW kit. I'm looking forward to seeing more direct comparisons between the different aftermarket kits. As weaverpsu pointed out, different testers (Not to mention different track conditions, weather, tires, tire pressures, and number of practice runs made) always come up with different ETs. I like the JCW kit for its factory authenticity and extensive testing and development.

Has anyone seen back to back dyno pulls between a stock S and a JCW?

DesignIt

 

Thanks for breakin down the article for us....

The other forum neglected to talk about the article much.

Schnitzter and JCW.... theis is onlyt the beginning folks.

Lets wait till March 2004 I gotta see Dinan's numbers.

Im predicting an explosion of tuners in 2004. Prices may even come down a hair on components. I base my theory on this Mini growth explosion; and overall growing interest in the aftermaket culture.

 

>>Is this article available on the web?

yep....

EVO - November 2003.pdf - 5.6MB!!!!

Best wishes,

Ram

 

The verdict from the article justified $5520 that I invested on JCW.

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04 IB/W JCW MCS