I picked up a nice 03' JCW MCS several months ago. I love driving it, but the suspension was junk. I replaced the stock LCA bushings with Powerflex bushings, swapped the stock shocks for Koni FSD's, got rid of the run-flats and got some BFG G-Force tires, and swamped the stock upper shock mounts for IE Camber Plates.

The thing handles awesome now.....I couldn't ask for anything more.

Now that the suspension is good, I'd like to add a little bit more power. It's got the JCW exhaust, JCW tune, JCW Head, JCW pulley, DT BPV, and for some reason it has a Pipercross intake...I guess the JCW package in 03' didn't come with an intake (at least that is what I was told). The 03' JCW package didn't come with the upgraded injectors either (I was told that also). I did remove the resonator...but I don't think that added any power, just sound.

According to my Autometer boost gauge...the motor is making around 13psi of boost with the stock JCW pulley.

Are there any easy mods I can do that will add some more power? Or is the motor pretty much tapped out with it's current mods? I don't mind spending some money...just don't want to spend a ton of cash just for a few HP.

Any suggestions? I don't take the car to the track...I'm just looking for a little more power for running around town on the street.

Thanks!

 

A cam is pretty easy, then a custom tune to tie it all together. I've been following your car, and think it's pretty sweet.

Off topic, I need LCA bushings myself. Would you recommend Powerflex for a commuter car? I don't mind firmness, but hate noise or vibration. I know it's subjective, and I should try a set for myself. But this is the kind of job I don't want to do twice in a row.

 

If I had to do it again...I would definitely go with the Powerflex bushings. they are firm...but not harsh. After seeing the condition of the stock bushings that I pulled out...I would never go with stock bushings. Go with the Powerflex bushings.

 

Sold, thanks!

 

Just swap out the pulley for something more aggressive. Cost you a pulley and a belt, and will make a big difference. Isn't the JCW one like an 11%?

 

I think the JCW pulley is around a 14% from what I've read. People with 17% pulleys seems to be getting around 15psi of boost...so a 14% JCW pulley making 13psi boost seems about right. I have thought about upgrading to a 17% pulley, but that seems like a lot or effort to gain only 2psi of boost (I'm getting 13psi now with the JCW pulley). I'm wondering if that's really even worth it.

From what I have read, the JCW pulleys are a pain in the butt to pull off. Anyone went from a JCW (14%) to a 17% pulley? Any real gain?

 

I DO remember reading that the JCW pulleys are pressed on and kind of a PITA. Get a 19%... I peak at 17.5psi... It'd still be the best bang for the buck upgrade from where you're at.

 

Do you ever have any problems with pinging or detonation? What type of fuel do you run? I run 93 in the summer...if I run anything less (91), I can hear the motor starting to ping under WOT and lots of boost. I would like to try a 19% pulley, but not if I have to run race fuel.

 

Going to a 17% pulley would be a cost effective, and noticable gain.

 

What kind of boost numbers would I see with the 17% pulley? Will 91 fuel work ok, or is 93 a must? What kind of HP improvements would the 17% pulley make?

Thanks Way!

 

I only run whatever 'super' is at local stations -- sometimes 91, sometimes 94.....but certainly nothing higher. These cars won't really ping much - the ECU will pull back timing to prevent it if needed.

That being said I have a way to see if it's retarding timing because of it and in my car it's not ever needed. I DO have the 380cc injectors though...