Hey guys

I have an 04 JCW (dealer installed) S which is new to me, with 24K miles. I am trying to get my arms around just what I have, and what I could do to improve performance. It's a nice swift car, but I'm coming off a WRX STI which was all about throttle response.

The car presently as an ATLA CAI. As I understand it, there is a $500 dealer installed option (210HP kit) which is new injectors, airbox, and an ECU flash. Is this a good bang-for-the-buck addition?

Also, what is my stock pulley given the dealer installed JCW kit? Is it already 15%, or is there something to be gained by upgrading to say an L7/Webb pulley?

Any suggestions for a next step that doesn't nuke my remaining warranty would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

David:

First welcome to NAM and the world of MINIs; it's a different experience than in Subie-land and I'm sure you'll be happy with you new toy.

The injectors and ECU flash will make a bit of a difference - this upgrade would bring your JCW package up-to-date with the current JCW offering. The JCW airbox will be quieter than your Alta under 4K RPM. The JCW has a flap that opens at 4K RPM to let more air in. I don't think you'd notice much of a performance difference either way. The JCW uses an $80 replaceable paper element. You can buy a foam replacement for around $80 from MyMINI.

On the pulley - the JCW pulley is 14.8% undersize, so a 15% pulley won't make a difference, really. A 17% or 19% pulley will, but if you go that route, you may want to consider a belt replacement and possibly an upgraded idler pulley from DMH and an underdrive alternator pulley. If it were me, I'd leave it as-is for a street car.

Now - we need to get you involved in some MINI stuff around here! Check out The Ocean State MINI Club. It's a fun and crazy bunch - we really enjoy the events they put on. Pete (bwroofchex) is sponsoring a run and lunch next Saturday starting in Worcester, MA; details on the OSMC forum. Also MAMA based in NH - they do several fun events a year.

 

This question has been asked many times

read here https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=bang+buck

Consensus ... if you got JCW, next thing is a new head. Anything else wont do much

BTW, if you got the Alta CAI, no need for the JCW upgrade kit because its just the JCW CAI and new injectors.

 

Thanks guys

I did search, but I didn't think of the good search terms that chows suggested, thank you Chows

I guess the programming and injectors ala-carte from my dealer (if they'll do it) would be good then, I'll not need to mess around with pulleys.

And thanks Carnut for the info too. I owned an 02 CooperS when they first came out (got the 4th one from my dealer in CT) and owned it for 2 years. It was leased so I didn't do anything "special" to it Now, I can play as needed. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction both of you!

 

NP and besides, with an Elise ... no need to mess around with the JCW ... you already got the right car there

 

Heh, the elise is a real PIA to work on. I just did a Larini exhaust on it, and cut myself to ribbons, not to mention I think the boys at Hethel were hitting the local ale the day they made my car

 

But I bet it sounds great with that exhaust