So I have been collecting parts for about 2-3 weeks now and it's time to finally put them on. I have my 30,000 mile service check at the dealership Saturday and after that I'm going to install my parts . I, like most users read this forum quite often for advice and reviews on upgrades so I figure I would add my contribution. Below are the parts I'm going to upgrade this Sat/Sun:

1. DDM works Street intake
2. Helix Forge Bov
3. Helix Front Mount Intercooler (FMIC)
4. NM engineering discharge pipe (aka hot side boost tube)
5. Alta Accessport

I haven't grown fond yet of upgrading the OEM exhaust on my JCW. In order to run stage 3, according to ALTA I'd need either a 3" turbo back exhaust or a 2.5" catless cat back exhaust. Maybe if I'm bored of this tune and upgrade, that will be my next. More than likely I want to incorporate the ATP 28rs turbo kit next. All in time though. I will have some pics up as well as some videos and a review after I install. I found it hard to find reviews on the ALTA accessport for a 09 JCW when purchasing so I'm going to post the review that I wish I would have found when debating purchasing it or not. I had the Cobb Accessport on my 04 STI when I had it so I know its an amazing product; I still want to get an official review on it for NAM. Anyways enjoy!! I forgot to mention, going from an STI to a mini, I'm amazed at the handling capabilities and I love the fact that people underestimate it....little do they know Feel free to add comments and suggestions.

 

Good Luck, let us know how it goes. Pictures and Videos sound great!

 

Can you do me a huge favor and let me know EXACTLY what the dealer does at the 30,000 mile service check? My maintenance is up at the end of this month and I'm 3,000 miles under the "required mileage" to get everything done.

I don't mind doing the work but I just need to know everything that should be done besides spark plugs.

Thanks!

 

I have my JCW going in next week for the 30,000 mile service as well. I am just under at 29,400.

3 things show up for service in the computer. 1 is exhaust with a date of 9-2011. 2 is oil and the 3rd is showing the car on a lift which I will assume is an inspections.

I changed the brakes pads to Carbotech Bobcats and rotors myself last year so no brake service will need to be done.

I will report back when the work is done.

 

So I took the car to the dealership for the check, it took all of 30 min and I was out of there. If you look in the service manual book, there is a list of what they check on the car. The sparkplugs I thought had to change at 30,000 miles but when they checked the info on my key they said that it wasn't needed for another 5,000 miles.

UPDATE on the install: Everything is installed and running great. The helix fmic was a pain to get on only because in the instruction video they don't account for the aero kit that comes on the JCW so I had to get that taken off first to get to some of the pop tabs. After it was off and the intercooler was in the place, the bumper seriously went back on in 20 min. The grill hides it pretty well so to anyone taking a quick glance at the car they would assume its just a plain mini .

The hot side boost tube was only a pain because of that one screw holding it in place. It was just a tight squeeze to get to it and I didn't have a small sized screw driver. What worked for me was I went underneath the car and put my finger on the screw while my friend placed the screw driver on my finger from above and I guided it in and took over from there and it worked like a charm.

The intake and BOV took all of 25 min to install. As for the stage 1 on the ALTA accessport, it's running great and I love it. The car def sounds like a beast with the open air filter and it pulls crazy hard. I want to run stage 3 so I ordered a 2.5" non cat catback which should go on in the next 3 weeks. As for pics I have pics on my iphone and will get them up tonight as well as the pics of the exhaust.

 

You do not need to buy a new exhaust to run stage 3.Jcw exhaust is almost 2.5 inch diameter.

 

Don't waste your money...

Much better route's to go, but all are going to cost ya $$$.

 

What he said +1

 

Buy a riss non catted downpipe or a akrapovic catted downpipe,have the jcw turbo modded by a turbo shop , run the small schrick cams and a water/meth kit then you will have a very fast JCW with very little loss in drivability.

 

Thanks for the advice. I have a downpipe on the way with exhaust. The stock exhaust on the jcw is 2 1/8" with even smaller pipes coming out the muffler. As much as I don't want to replace the oem, I have to to avoid the back pressure and open up the flow.

 

Enjoy

 

Please correct me if I'm wrong on the exhaust size.

 

Last time I looked it was larger than the akrapovic exhaust.

 

The factory JCW exhaust is one thing you should not replace if looking to increase power.

If you are looking for more sound have the resonator removed.

I have tested almost every exhaust offered by the aftermarket on a dyno and have seen very little to zero gain,some even lose hp and tq.

On a Cooper S replacing stock exhaust with aftermarket will show a gain because of the second cat on the stock system is removed.

 

I took your advice, I'm keeping the OEM JCW exhaust and just adding the downpipe. The tune should be fine with that adjustment. Pics are coming, the rain is preventing the finished pics from being taken. I must add that the customer service from Hector at exhaust depot has been fantastic!

 

I would have purchased a akrapovic.

 

Take a look at VIP Customs exhaust.... Amazing work comes out of their shop!

 

Yep. Get a water/meth kit, akrapovic down pipe, accessport, FMIC (helix is good), and avoid the GT28RS like a disease, and leave the JCW catback. JCW turbo is more than capable. Camshafts if you can be bothered will be a nice upgrade. Oh and get an oil catch can, will catch a lot of crap.

 

I have to look in these cams and oil catch can. Also do you guys just switch back in the original downpipe for inspection?

 

I'm sorry, that's incorrect. To run a stage 3 ALTA map, you have to have either a 2.5" catless complete turbo back exhaust installed, or a 3" complete turbo back with a high flow cat. Running a stage 2 or stage 3 map on the stock exhaust will give you CELs, drivability issues, and possibly damage your car.

 

Just curious what type of numbers these mods added to the car? Any dyno figures or at least your seat of the pants review?

 

Yes! I'd be interested to hear as well. If you have time to write a few thoughts that would be great.

Thanks,

Jack