MINI JCW Team...
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
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Good info mct...thank you! Now, if they could only run the "STOCK" JCW Brembo brakes! Jeez, what's wrong with that? If the rules don't allow stock brakes, that's just plain wrong! Maybe we should start a petition & submit it to IMSA? I guarantee you the stock brakes on the Porsches are better than whatever the MINI's are running right now (which may be stock on non-JCW's, but they're not stock JCW brakes)!
Gotcha - the reason for that is that the factory JCW was not available when the team put together their fleet of cars. They actually do have B48 engines in the cars, just like the factory JCW (keep in mind when they built these cars, the B46 wasn't even out yet and the B48 was the only option anyway).
The team is running a factory JCW DME module (ie. ECU) and JCW exhaust and JCW/custom body parts (with the exception of the side indicator lights on some cars - some do have the "S" side markers still) as well as the equivalent or better than the JCW coilover setup made by KW Suspension (just like the factory JCW pro suspension).
Unfortunately in racing, you can't just swap out cars every year - that gets crazy expensive. Even top teams in NASCAR carry some cars over from season to season. You replace/repair the panels and parts that get damaged and move on.
However, I do agree that in a perfect world with unlimited budgets it would be awesome for the team to get new cars each season to match that of what is in the showroom.
The team is running a factory JCW DME module (ie. ECU) and JCW exhaust and JCW/custom body parts (with the exception of the side indicator lights on some cars - some do have the "S" side markers still) as well as the equivalent or better than the JCW coilover setup made by KW Suspension (just like the factory JCW pro suspension).
Unfortunately in racing, you can't just swap out cars every year - that gets crazy expensive. Even top teams in NASCAR carry some cars over from season to season. You replace/repair the panels and parts that get damaged and move on.
However, I do agree that in a perfect world with unlimited budgets it would be awesome for the team to get new cars each season to match that of what is in the showroom.
Do you feel like the Wilwoods make a big difference? I'm thinking about getting a BBK in the future. Not sure if I should do JCW upgrade or third party.
I did an HPDE event at PBIR last year and the brakes definitely didn't feel as responsive by time I was in the 3rd session.
I did an HPDE event at PBIR last year and the brakes definitely didn't feel as responsive by time I was in the 3rd session.
Now, the 3rd Gen 6 piston JCW brakes with that huge rotor and 6 piston caliper just raise the bar for braking even higher
. That big, heavy rotor has a lot of mass to absorb heat as it generated during braking and then that heat is dissipated after braking is done so that heat doesn't go into the caliper and piston. One case where mass/weight is good.If you go with a BBK and you have the DTC option, there is a MINI reflash of the ECU to match the compatibility of the brakes to the ABS function (which includes the eLSD) that you should consider doing, especially if for running on the track. Otherwise the eLSD function will over-brake when it is called upon to prevent wheel spin and that is a mess. So we don't tie up this thread with this side discussion, feel free to PM me if you want to discuss this more.
Gotcha - the reason for that is that the factory JCW was not available when the team put together their fleet of cars. They actually do have B48 engines in the cars, just like the factory JCW (keep in mind when they built these cars, the B46 wasn't even out yet and the B48 was the only option anyway).
The reason why they are not able to run the factory JCW Front Calipers is because it is in the Continental Challenge Series, the wheels cannot be any larger than 17", and Conti provides the 17 tires. Unfortunately these cannot be wrapped around the JCW Calipers on the F-56, so they had to be removed, with factory S front calipers in their place. But so far this had not been a handicap.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
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Who told you that ? Curious because actuality, the JCW was "born" first even before the stock S model you can purchase at the dealer. They actually did what most manufacturers do in reverse by designing the JCW first so they would have an edge/more cost effective in racing.
The reason why they are not able to run the factory JCW Front Calipers is because it is in the Continental Challenge Series, the wheels cannot be any larger than 17", and Conti provides the 17 tires. Unfortunately these cannot be wrapped around the JCW Calipers on the F-56, so they had to be removed, with factory S front calipers in their place. But so far this had not been a handicap.
The reason why they are not able to run the factory JCW Front Calipers is because it is in the Continental Challenge Series, the wheels cannot be any larger than 17", and Conti provides the 17 tires. Unfortunately these cannot be wrapped around the JCW Calipers on the F-56, so they had to be removed, with factory S front calipers in their place. But so far this had not been a handicap.
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 722
Likes: 6
Who told you that ? Curious because actuality, the JCW was "born" first even before the stock S model you can purchase at the dealer. They actually did what most manufacturers do in reverse by designing the JCW first so they would have an edge/more cost effective in racing.
I don't think they would have given me misinformation...The reason why they are not able to run the factory JCW Front Calipers is because it is in the Continental Challenge Series, the wheels cannot be any larger than 17", and Conti provides the 17 tires. Unfortunately these cannot be wrapped around the JCW Calipers on the F-56, so they had to be removed, with factory S front calipers in their place. But so far this had not been a handicap.
I run 17" wheels with the JCW calipers on my F56 without issue
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,161
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Well, let's all just hope that the JCW Team can do something to make their cars more competitive...seems that something should be done. I'm no expert, but they certainly appear to be at some disadvantage. They shouldn't have to pray for rain to be competitive!
5th Gear
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The JCW brakes will be a big step towards that. A bit more power wouldn't hurt either lol
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
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SPECIFIC CAR REGULATIONS
of the 2016 IMSA CONTINENTAL TIRE
SPORTSCAR CHALLENGE
MINICooper JCW 2015ST
Final Drive: 3.59
Fuel capacity: 18gal
Weight:2540lbs
Tire size: 225/45/17
Maximum Boost Pressure: 212 0mbar Absolute
Must use Cooper S front calipers
Approved Modifications
1.May install fuel cell.
I copied the above specs off the 2016 IMSA Rules & Regulations (Google them!)
Notice what it says about the front brakes????
The Mazdas were allowed to use the MX8 front brakes. I don't know how they come up with the specific rules for each manufacturer, but there is obviously alot of "discretion" put in play in these rules!
of the 2016 IMSA CONTINENTAL TIRE
SPORTSCAR CHALLENGE
MINICooper JCW 2015ST
Final Drive: 3.59
Fuel capacity: 18gal
Weight:2540lbs
Tire size: 225/45/17
Maximum Boost Pressure: 212 0mbar Absolute
Must use Cooper S front calipers
Approved Modifications
1.May install fuel cell.
I copied the above specs off the 2016 IMSA Rules & Regulations (Google them!)
Notice what it says about the front brakes????
The Mazdas were allowed to use the MX8 front brakes. I don't know how they come up with the specific rules for each manufacturer, but there is obviously alot of "discretion" put in play in these rules!
SPECIFIC CAR REGULATIONS
of the 2016 IMSA CONTINENTAL TIRE
SPORTSCAR CHALLENGE
MINICooper JCW 2015ST
Final Drive: 3.59
Fuel capacity: 18gal
Weight:2540lbs
Tire size: 225/45/17
Maximum Boost Pressure: 212 0mbar Absolute
Must use Cooper S front calipers
Approved Modifications
1.May install fuel cell.
I copied the above specs off the 2016 IMSA Rules & Regulations (Google them!)
Notice what it says about the front brakes????
The Mazdas were allowed to use the MX8 front brakes. I don't know how they come up with the specific rules for each manufacturer, but there is obviously alot of "discretion" put in play in these rules!
of the 2016 IMSA CONTINENTAL TIRE
SPORTSCAR CHALLENGE
MINICooper JCW 2015ST
Final Drive: 3.59
Fuel capacity: 18gal
Weight:2540lbs
Tire size: 225/45/17
Maximum Boost Pressure: 212 0mbar Absolute
Must use Cooper S front calipers
Approved Modifications
1.May install fuel cell.
I copied the above specs off the 2016 IMSA Rules & Regulations (Google them!)
Notice what it says about the front brakes????
The Mazdas were allowed to use the MX8 front brakes. I don't know how they come up with the specific rules for each manufacturer, but there is obviously alot of "discretion" put in play in these rules!
This makes me feel like it is a balance of performance (BOP) issue. IMSA must have decided the JCW brakes gave the MINIs to much of an advantage.
Huge news, looks like IMSA was paying attention. They've approved the JCW brakes! http://miniracefan.com/2016/04/12/im...es-jcw-brakes/
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 105
That's awesome! I cannot figure out why IMSA made them run the MCS brakes....like the Porsches don't have an obvious advantage! Maybe they realize the racing might be more competitive allowing MINI to use their "STOCK" brakes! (and safer too!)
Now, let's see what wheel they run with the Brembos...LOL!
John
Now, let's see what wheel they run with the Brembos...LOL!
John
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 722
Likes: 6
That's awesome! I cannot figure out why IMSA made them run the MCS brakes....like the Porsches don't have an obvious advantage! Maybe they realize the racing might be more competitive allowing MINI to use their "STOCK" brakes! (and safer too!)
Now, let's see what wheel they run with the Brembos...LOL!
John
Now, let's see what wheel they run with the Brembos...LOL!
John
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 105
They were running BBS LM's afaik....sure look like BBS's. Yes, thed new NM's for the JCW will work but I'm not sure if they run racing spindles (instead of lugs).
5th Gear
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http://www.motoringfun.com/2016/03/2...e-sebring-150/
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 105
Check out my pics from Sebring and you will see the NM wheels on the cars:
http://www.motoringfun.com/2016/03/2...e-sebring-150/
http://www.motoringfun.com/2016/03/2...e-sebring-150/
Oh, ok...I was thinking of the initial BBS LM style wheels they were running....I like those actually, but their spokes are just too "flat" to work on the JCW Brembos. I missed the pic you posted above....you can't even "see any calipers" in that pic! LOL! Those rotors must feel "lost"!
Correction.....the wheels I was thinking of are Fikse, not BBS LM's...although they are similar in appearance.
Last edited by 02fanatic; Apr 15, 2016 at 09:33 AM.
Did a TBT post about 2015 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca race. This is where the team scored their first ever top 10! http://miniracefan.com/2016/04/21/tb...una-seca-race/
JCW Top Ten
Did a TBT post about 2015 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca race. This is where the team scored their first ever top 10! http://miniracefan.com/2016/04/21/tb...una-seca-race/
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
Check out my pics from Sebring and you will see the NM wheels on the cars:
http://www.motoringfun.com/2016/03/2...e-sebring-150/
http://www.motoringfun.com/2016/03/2...e-sebring-150/
Oh, ok...I was thinking of the initial BBS LM style wheels they were running....I like those actually, but their spokes are just too "flat" to work on the JCW Brembos. I missed the pic you posted above....you can't even "see any calipers" in that pic! LOL! Those rotors must feel "lost"!
Correction.....the wheels I was thinking of are Fikse, not BBS LM's...although they are similar in appearance.
Correction.....the wheels I was thinking of are Fikse, not BBS LM's...although they are similar in appearance.
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 722
Likes: 6
Believe me - I was surprised they were no longer running the Fikse wheels anymore either when I saw them at Sebring. They did not have Fikse sponsorship on the cars anymore at Sebring either. May explain why they switched to NM Engineering wheels...