I am a proud owner of a 2011 JCW 2dr. with about 4,000 miles and looking real soon to add some more hp`s. Heard about Revolution Mini Works (having trouble finding them) and Helix in PA. I am in the northeast only an hour from NYC.

I understand there is a flash tool available from Alta, through RMW. Will someone please advise and share experience with me? ie; Can the oem clutch handle the new hp and do I need to replace anything, perhaps the intercooler. If I want to go more conservative,
how about possible hp gains from a better air filter (K&N?) and a new exhaust from the cat back, possibly stainless steel? Big bucks though I guess.

Thanks for past help as well.
Rick

 

Rick, the best bang-for-buck modifications on the N14 engine (S / JCW) are:
* ECU programming
* intercooler
* exhaust downpipe (not cat-back exhaust)
Almost everything else you purchase gives only little or no gain.

There's a long, long, long thread on the Alta AccessPort ECU flash programmer. You'll find that in the 2nd-Gen 'S'-model Drivetrain subforum.
Both S-model and JCW owners have used the Alta unit with good results; see the archives for more detail.

Keep digging, you'll find JCW owners with some power-modifications that have zero issues with the clutch and powertrain.

- Erik

 

Eric,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.

Since I tend to be pretty conservative even though I want to really improve upon my JCW`s performance, is there a way to limit the added hp`s the flash tool offers by programming more modest improvement, rather than maximize the benefits it offers and if so would I still need to incur the cost of an intercooler? I imagine over the long haul this will put far less strain on the stock clutch as well.

By the way, can you share with me who you suggest I make the purchases from? I will contact Helix in Philadelphia to do installation work. i am not in the least mechanically inclined.

 

For example, stage I from Alta's Accessport isn't "pushed to the max"; it designed to safely increase power through fueling and boost levels.
Neither are stage II or III per say as well.
It's not at a threshold to where you're at the physical limit of the turbocharger and engine.
Problems ensue when the owner cheaps out on octane ratings, or thinks they can squeeze every powerful ounce burns out a piston.

You can run a stage I programming even if you have supported hardware for stages II or III.
Personally, if you're bumping engine timing and boost, you'll want the intercooler regardless.
However, you aren't required to have ECU programming for using an intercooler; that make senses?

That's really down to the driver and how the clutch is operated.
There are JCW owners with major power modifications with the OEM clutch unit...
And there are other who ride the pedal and don't properly use neutral and burn out the clutch even without any power modifications.

The ECU programming through an Alta Accessport is something that can be done at home.
If you're capable of reading instructions, hooking up the Accessport to your OBDII serial port, and pushing some electrical buttons, you can do it.
The intercooler, and downpipe are more mechanically involved for obvious reasons (disassemble and installation).

- Erik

 

Get the AccessPort from Alta. It couldn't be easier. Takes a couple of minutes to do the download and you can take it back to stock any time you want. It takes the AP a minute or two to recognize your car, less than half a min. to extract and store your stock tune, and a little less time to load your new tune. I would also recomend highly that you get either the NM Engineering Torque Aarm Insert or the BSH Torque Arm to reduce torque steer. The NM Eng. bushing is $60, the BSH arm is under $200, Way Motor Works sells them if you can't find them local. You don't have to have a larger intercooler or anything else to use the AP. Alta is easy to contact and I got my AP from them in two days, but I'm in Seattle and they are in Portland. You may also be able to get the AP from Cobb Tuning, Cobb writes the tunes for the AP.

 

The torque steer on my 11 JCW is nill. I heard that there was a different programming in later 11 cars that fixed it. As for the AccessPort. I have it. I currently have my car away for the winter, but I put the tune on the car one sunny day last month. I will tell you that this will make your JCW a monster. I could not get quarter mile times due to the fact that the car spins the tires in the first three gears.

 

Also, You may be close to me and I could help you with the AccessPort.

 

The advice from Erik is dead on!

I will also add the nm insert is an excellent mod and is only 60 bucks! I live in Philly and Helix has worked on my car. Give'em a shout honest nice guys and good work at reasonable prices in my experience.

Also, these cars respond very well to suspension mods. Ditching the run flat tires will also yield a nicer ride and a better handling car.

Congrats on the car and have fun!

Jack

 

Thank you Eric, Jack, Pez D. and Spice Orange for all your assistance and sound advice.

Are you guys in agreement that I do not have to replace the OEM intercooler if I limit my gains in hp to Stage 1 ? Not sure you all are on the same page with respect to the intercooler question.

Please advise.

Also does it make sense to buy both the Alta and the NM (torque arm) bushing from one vendor. ie; Way, Revolution or someone else? If I do decide to go aftermarket and upgrade the intercooler, what is my best choice?

Finally, how much labor is involved if I use Helix to install the NM bushing?
Ditto to install the intercooler?

I kind of like the "run flats" and of course it gives me peace of mind not having a spare. I have the factory sport suspension and the suspension cross-brace already on the car.

All the best,
Rick

 

Intercooler
- do you NEED one? No. That said, it will make your car run better, cooler, safer...and ultimately will make more power. Also, the power you will retain when it gets hot outside again is noticeable. So, if you can afford it at some point it is very worthwhile.
- best one? That's debatable. I think the Helix one is it.
- labor to put one in will be around $200 bucks I think. Helix can quote you if you call.

NM Engineering Bushing
- ridiculously easy to install....prob. $25 bucks to install.

Run flats
- If they give your peace of mind I get it. Stick with them.

The other guys can confirm their opinions.

 

Correct, you don't have to replace the intercooler if you do not want to.
But on hotter days, or when you're banging on the engine, the OEM intercooler will be insufficient and the ECU will retard timing due to combustion temperatures.

There's a couple of different companies that have a FMIC available for the R56 platform and they are (in no particular order):
* Forge
* Helix
* TyrolSport

Tire choice is your call; if you feel confident with the run-flats, stick with them.
But I will tell that the grass is greener on the other side; having a non run-flat tire will do amazing things in terms of ride quality and handling response.

- Erik

 

Thank you gentlemen for your honest opinions and carefully worded advice.

I sincerely appreciate the input and I think I have a pretty good idea what
I intend to do.

Have fun, enjoy your Minis and most of all, be safe.
Rick