Trying to plan out a turbo upgrade, but finding some interesting informations... At first, I thought I wanted a Borg Warner Airworks turbo upgrade, but, not I'm not sure... Do I want an Airwork turbo, or an N18 JCW turbo?

Borg Warner Airworks "upgraded" turbo:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-borgwarn...space-0146~bw/

Borg Warner N18 JCW Turbo:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-borgwarn...1657649496~bw/

You can see, there is a big price difference between the two options. I know the Airworks turbo is a long time upgrade for even the N14 JCW turbo, but how does the N18 JCW turbo compare? According to the Borg Warner website, the Airworks is a 210hp turbo, but the JCW N18 is a 218hp turbo. That would tell me that the N18 JCW turbo is the better option for upgrade over my S turbo. I'm having a hard time finding the actual specs for these two turbos to compare, so I wanted to pose the question to the forum.

Anyone have any insight into the differences or advantages of the Airworks vs the N18 JCW turbos?

 

With full peripherals and proper tune with N18 turbo you can go up to 270-280 if you are lucky...
With the other turbo you can hit 300 maybe even more with w/m.
Its up to what you want to do with your car/project.
If i were you i would go either for a used N18 turbo to save money or for a turbo from @Lou@Prototype-R .
Hope this helps you out take a decision !

 

I "think" I would be happy with ~250hp. My current Manic tune is probably ~190-200hp at the wheels, and feels plenty fast, but I'd like to get a bit more on the top end. The S turbo like to rev out to 6500rpm, but feels like its wheezing above 5000rpm.

 

If your current turbo is still good you can always get it rebuilt to hybrid spec for less money than buying new.

 

it is my understanding that the JCW compressor is 37mm vs the upgraded you listed the compressor is 41mm thus more powerful. It is also recommended to get a turbo line kit since you’re taking everything off. I believe this is the same 41mm upgraded turbo at a better price.

https://www.lmperformance.com/112243...p-upgrade.html

 

cooper s n14 and n18 turbo is 37mm, jcw n14 and n18 turbo is 40mm. afaik...
the airwerks turbo is a special upgraded, 41mm turbo, inconel turbine housing, rated up to 300hp, really good build quality. Got myself the airwerks turbo for my 13' MCS and the upgrade is big with remap, holds 21psi strongly, the stock MCS 37mm runs out of breath quickly. I got the airwerks 41mm for 800 bucks

 

that’s a great price! Would love to know your source!!

 

yes awesome price! Local turbo store, employee discount

 

I run a K04 JCW turbo rebuilt, ported head, stage 3 RPM tune, supertech valve springs, no problems, quick spool and holds 22psi all day long!

 

can anyone help me understand how to do this? I’ve got a working MCS N18 turbo, but…
its 2025 now and this post 2021 was before a lot of big inflation hit USA.

 

Hi, I didn't rebuild the turbo myself but used a service from here as I'm UK based

https://tteglobal.com/mini/r56-coope...=SW10084.3&c=9

You can send if your old unit or opt for a new unit for different price point.

I'm sure USA will have similar options available.

 

Same JCW turbo both N14 and N18??

 

From what I've read N14 & N18 uses a different turbo, not sure what the differences are.