I've got a 2003 MCS w/ 135k miles, as you can imagine, some of the engine/internals are starting to wear, is it worth it to get the JCW package now? Hoping to offset the cost by helping to lengthen the life of the car. What is included in the price? Hoping to keep it 3-4 more years.

Thanks

 

On any car you need to know what you have before you start. Oil pressure needs to be ck'ed compression needs to be ck'ed Cooling needs to be ck'ed. If any of these is found to be bad I would not add new parts till the problem is fixed. If all is good heck ya upgrade but have in the back of your mind all of the other systems that have 135K on them bushings, clutch... putting on hot rod parts and driving the snot out of it will point out the weak spots sooner. Putting a full JCW kit will fix alot by replacing or making you address some of the Minis problem areas (super charger, plugs, water pump, wires...) so you can keep it alot longer and enjoy this great car!

 

I'm not sure about the validity of the 8K you will spend on a JCW upgrade on a car with 135K miles. Maybe if you were to get a new crate motor, trans and drive system (clutch, diff, half-shafts, cv joints, etc). Otherwise, you will be putting additional stress on well-used parts. A horsepower upgrade is sure to bring about other parts failures.

 

If it was me, no I would not put that additional stress on a high mileage engine.

If you do decide to do that, there are other ways to get that type of power out of your MINI for a whole lot less money.

Intake, exhaust, reduction pulley. injectors & a tune. Pesto there you have it a bastard JCW. I, am pleased with my version of it.

 

If your primary goal is to maintain an OEM equipped car that will maintain a higher current resale value and MAY have a future collector value, then the JCW would be the way to go. If you are looking for ultimate power, for the same money you would do better to start with a low mileage salvage engine and let a performance shop do a full system design and build to get you to 250-300 whp compared with the 165-175 whp on a JCW.

Don't forget that when you finally trash your tranny, swap it out with an '05-'06 tranny(with LSD). You may lose the cruise control function (happens on about 50% of the swaps) but the shorter gearing has as much performance impact as adding the JCW package.