I have always felt the best way to confirm an upgrade's value was to go back to what you had before, if possible. Even though an unpgrade may not seem worth the cost at first blush, usually when you return to your former setup, the differences become quite obvious (hopefully).

Value aside vs aftermarket, I have wanted to get my hands on a stock version MCSa ( I had test driven a manual trans JCW w/only 200 miles on it) to see if was as "great" as I have convinced myself it is.

Lucked out today. One of my friend's lost his clutch on his 07 MCS and was given a 2007 MCSa as a loner. The car had 6K miles on it vs. my 8K so they were comparable. Same wheels, tires, sunroof etc.

First I drove the loaner and felt a big difference in the JCW's breathing and
pulling power thru the mid range and out of corners. I kept my mouth shut and told my buddy ( who was very surprised at the perfomance of the auto MCS) to drive my car the same way he had been driving the MCSa loaner.

He confirmed---no contest--the JCW car was faster by a wide margin and
more pleasurable to drive. He liked the sound BUT said he still would have preferred a bit more noise. I like it just the way it is as I drive alot on the highway and prefer to stay below the threshold of potential droning.

Bottom line---I am now confident I made the right decision jumping on the JCW kit when the oppurtunity presented itself for me and for those MCSa drivers waiting for the official release, hopefully is will be soon and all of you will be as happy as I am with the upgrade.

 

Glad it was a good call for you. Put that second-guessing to bed and go for a ride!

 

second guessing has disappeared. Drive and enjoy time even its its costing a few more $$ at the gas pump. The JCW did drop my gas mileage about 2 mpg.

Its a quick little car. And after some serious spring clean up yesterday---a shiny quiick little car. The FLEX 3401 orb buffer is amazing. Even my wife asked---what did you do to the MINI?--its never been that shiny.