I just bought an 08 S with the JCW tuning kit off ebay. Extremely stoked about getting it next week. The current owner has kept up the maintenance very well (which is a must for anything I'll consider). He did mention that when he took it to the dealership at 60k miles for water pump, timing belt, walnut blasting, etc. and the mechanic said it had a head on it that was different from the usual MCS. He didn't have any other details, but (just for kicks) did a dyno run. I'll get the data with the car, but it looked to be up on hp over standard JCW. Is there a different head people use and how would I tell if mine is not stock? Is there a visible casting number I can see or other indicator?
Thanks. This looks like a really great community!
Eric

 

I dont think there is anything out there except for one off's. Whoever had it first must have done some work. If it is a ported head, you have a good find there!

 

Yeah, I couldn't find anything about different heads in any of the forums. Maybe the mechanic was crazy (although supposedly very Mini knowledgeable). I'll have to see when I get the car. I'm curious to see the dyno data, first off. I'm sure I'll have more questions about it...