I also posted this over at the S drivetrain section.

Ok so I am planning on buy a R58 S or JCW.

I plan on changing the turbo (prob Atla's upgrade or send the stock unit to G-pop), intercooler, downpipe, hotside boost tube, exhaust manifold and exhaust.

My question is I know the JCW engine and trans is "beefed up" but will the S engine hold up or am I better off doing this to a JCW?

Now I understand the N14 is easier to tune with an AP but I think I can also just send my ECU to NM-ENG.

My real concern is if the S engine can handle the upgrades.

I only ask this is that the JCW is $5K more and if I plan on changing almost everything anyway so all I am getting for the extra money is a "beefed up" engine/trans and Brembo front brakes.


So is the JCW worth it in my case?

 

I'd go JCW, here's why, you really need three things to handle the power.
1) Clutch
2) Transmission
3) Brakes

I would feel confident the S (N18) can take a lot more power, but that is just one side of setting up a car properly. Mini has and still is racing the N14 JCW motor in the Challenge series. My guess is it is pretty stout. My 2 cents.


-Steven

 

my modded S blew a piston so i would say JCW.

 

Was it the new N18 engine? How much power and torque are you making and what other mods did you do to the engine? That seems a little unsettling, especially since I plan to do some engine mods to my S!

 

nah it was an 07 build S. just had the basics, tune, FMIC , DP and exhaust.only modded for about 7000miles. i got a new engine under good will as apparently there was a manufacturing defect on the piston. i don't trust the car enough to do it over again now but. i am hearing a lot of horror stories like mine these days.

 

The internals of the stock S motor will hold power just like the JCW motor, it is not that vastly different. However, the JCW turbo is upgraded and can produce more boost without having to have it upgraded, the exhaust is a bit more free flowing, the brakes are FAR superior in my opinion, however the stock s brakes will stop you nicely, and it has a clutch and pressure plate which can hold more power. If you were to do these mods to a R56 with a good clutch upgrade, a billet Alta turbo and a big brake kit, you would spend every bit of the $5000 you would to get the JCW. Plus the JCW will be in warranty and come with the Aero kit as well stock. I would say just go with the JC, you can't go wrong.

 

Having had both a 11 S and now 12 JCW, the JCW is worth the premium for just the brakes and exhaust. Many JCW guys only remove the resonator and upgrade the down pipe and call it good.

 

Are you planning to buy new or used? If used I am not sure the JCW premium is anywhere close to the $5K delay of the new car. I speak from having bought both a used 2009 Clubman S and a used 2009 Clubman JCW within the past 12 months - in my case the price of these two cars was very similar. I'll be interested to see if this comment starts a firestorm of disagreement among other members.

In any case I am a big JCW fan if only for the brakes which as about the best I have experienced on any car at any price - and my other car is a Porsche Boxster S which has the 911 brakes and is known for it's feel and modulation.

A second point and this is purely a ego check - would you rather have your hot rod having a JCW badge or a MCS badge. Some owners will crave the JCW badge, others would never give it another thought and finely a few would rather be driving a sleeper as they enjoy surprising their opponent during the stop light drag race.