Greetings Fellow Mini Enthusiasts!!!

I own a 2004 Cooper 'S'. We've kept the mileage down on it, (about 20,000 miles over last 3 yrs.) I'm thinking about having the 'John Cooper Works' Kit installed at the dealership. IS IT WORTH IT???
I want someone to describe the difference in performance to me, (it better be night and day!) And if so, are there any other mods. that need to be made to compensate for the added horsepower???(brakes, suspension, limited slip diff., etc.???) If other upgrades are reccommended as a result of the JCW's Kit, I will pass. On the otherhand, if the Mini can hold it's own with what it's got, i say AWESOME then!!! Thanks youse guys!!!

MINIS FOREVER!!!!!!!!! Rick T. aka Mini Estate

 

The big draw for the JCW package seems to be the warranty aspect. Since you have an '04 and less than 1 year left on your warranty, I'd say pass on the JCW. For the money ($6000-$7000 installed...?) you can do a lot more by going aftermarket at this point. Cruise around this forum a bit adn you'll find threads on going turbo, head work, larger superchargers (M62), and your basics like pulleys, CAI's, and cat-back exhausts. FWIW, I've spent about $1500, with install when needed, for my speed mods and I make more power than a stock JCW car.

 

For what its worth, I have a 2006--drove it for one year, and added the JCW package. I'd already done the suspension and brakes before adding the engine kit (I waited on the engine kit until the 2007 came out--wasn't sure if I'd keep the 2006 or buy a 2007, I've opted to keep the 2006 after seeing the 2007).

It makes a big difference, at least on the 2006. I was prepared for a minimal difference, seeing what I've read, but its substantial. Its alot of money, there are aftermarket solutions that are cheaper (not necessarily as smooth though), but I'd do it over again--its worth it to me. If money isn't an issue, I'd do it.

I can see how someone who compared them directly (I've seen many posts by people deciding between an MCS and JCW, comparing the two after a single test drive, and not noticing that much difference), who's never driven a MINI before wouldn't see a huge difference. But after driving the stock MCS for a year, then adding the kit, its a noticeable difference--you'll notice it too.

For spirited driving, the little lag I had in first gear--an ever so slight stumble--is gone. Its linear acceleration out of first gear now. You can feel the increased torque at lower revs--very nice. The sound of the car in low RPMs is slightly quieter but lower and smoother; its a very nice sound, although I wish it was just a bit louder. It burbles a bit more too when you let off the throttle, which I also like. The sound when the car hits 4000-4500 RPMS is awesome; when the airflap opens and supercharger is howling, its sublime. In fact, I've got to force myself to keep the car in gear longer--you catch that noise, feel the acceleration, and you think its time to shift earlier than you should; the noise at 5000 RPMs with the works is similar to 6000-6500 RPMs in the stock MCS--so I have to constantly remind myself to stay in gear longer--I'm adapting though...Its a good problem! Also, 6th gear is now usable as a regular gear rather than just for cruising--you can actually accelerate in it now.

What really surprised me though is the improvement it makes with regard everyday driving. The added torque at lower RPMs means less searching for the right gear; its much more forgiving. its easier to drive, you don't have to think as much. I love what its done to the car, and I really wasn't expecting as much as an improvement as what it ended up being--more than I was expecting. Its not as big a difference as between the Cooper and Cooper S, but its substantial.

Definitely get the suspension and brakes if you can swing it--the suspension makes a huge difference, and the stock brakes are pretty weak (not a bad place to go aftermarket; I'd get the JCW kit though--pricey but refined).

 

Plenty of past info and discussion on this, Mini Estate. I suggest you do a on JCW and read any of the past threads that seem related (and there will be many).

Side note from cct1's comments - the burble he mentioned was a specific characteristic added in 2005 and 2006 models. Mini Estate's 2004 MINI will does not exhibit this behavior now, and the JCW kit wont' change that.

Also, 2002-2004 MINIs had much more conservative gearing. It has been said by some that a stock 2005/2006 MCS feels just as fast as a 2002-2004 MCS with JCW... however that's the "butt dyno" talking. The wider band of the 2002-2004 gearing actually makes highway driving more practical and economical... whereas the more narrow 2005/2006 gearing improves accelleration as you row the gears.