So my engine went out and I have been reading about swapping the current n14 S engine with the n14 JCW. The price difference for a new crate motor is about 2k. Anyone have some input as to the benefits to doing this? Will I really gain a lot more performance from this? I will also upgrade my turbo and clutch while doing this and possibly the downpipe. I currently have 2.5" magnaflow exhaust from the downpipe back.

 

I would save the 2k and put it into the turbo and clutch and a tune and come out on top power wise

I beluve the biggestest difference is going to be the compression ratio as well as some other little things internally but for two grand you can invest you money into other aspects of the car and have a faster car and possibly more reliable depending on what u do

 

Thanks, thats what I am trying to decide. i am already budgeting the clutch and turbo into this job. I have already done the CAI, Forge intercooler and a few other things. Was just thinking since I am in there why not upgrade the engine.

 

It's not just the engine - the DME and wiring harness will also need to be $wapped.

It's all possible, but might be cheaper to buy a new JCW...

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ya but if your just looking for power? upgrade the s motor save the 2k plus like previously said whatever wire harnesses and DME you need and just throw some rods and pistons into the S and call it a day

 

If you were to try to adapt the MCS ECU from your stock engine to a JCW engine the ECU would be programmed for the smaller turbo (37mm vs 42mm compressor) and not the JCW turbo which is slightly larger. If I were you I'd be using the correct engine with matching ECU's. Now is your chance to install forged bottom end to handle more boost safely.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I have been gnawing over the options a while and what everyone suggests is what I have been trying to decide on. I might end up going with Detroit Tuned and having them rebuild my engine with better internals over another stock engine with known issues. Im not sure how much cryogenic treating the internals will help but that is what was suggested. I will upgrade the turbo and replace the clutch since I will be pulling it all out. Going to be a lot of fun except for the checkbook lol.

 

just try not to cry when you see the check book lol but ya I'm sure you will learn quite a bit along the way to which is always a good thing

 

I'm not going to cry.. I think lol. Once it's all fixed and I got that start button everything will be just fine

 

when you hit the start button you'll be ok after first 750 and lay into it you'll be great lol

 

I'm not sure how I will do during the break in time lol. I know I will want to push it. The thing that sucks is I just got done installing the NM lowering springs, shocks, new larger exhaust and some other crap and the piston blew lol. Was driving awesome but no time to enjoy it..

 

well that sucks just picture how much better it'll be with a better motor lol

 

Im trying lol. Right now it looks lonely sitting in the parking lot.... Had to resort to driving a van lol. Corners like hell.

 

throw some springs on that thing and lower the center of gravity probably fit some real wide tires on that hahaha

 

N14 JCW and MCS long blocks swap over without issues. They come as "short engines" which is pretty much a long block from pan to valve cover. They don't come with turbo or manifold. Only extras you get are oil filter housing and water pump with water rail.

The change of .5 on the compression ratio is so minor your ecu will most likely not even notice the difference. You will most likely see very little performance gains without installing a JCW turbo and a proper tune.

JCW long block is not a bad deal when you tally up price to rebuild an S engine with better internals. If you are shooting for a street engine making less than 300whp you will be ok with factory JCW parts.

 

To be honest I'm torn between the crate jcw engine with the 2 year warranty and having the engine rebuilt with better internals and cryogenic treated. Let's face it that the stock engines have issues and that's my main focus. I'm going to be upgrading the turbo either way I go and I will probably
add the wmw turbo exhaust heater. This project isn't going to be cheap either way I go and I'm fine with that. I have time to decide. I've been told
that the ecu tune will be fine if I swap to the jcw and I plan on a tune
either way I go as well.

 

well if you want power rebuilding yourself with stronger internals makes more sense to me while your in there just take care of typical stock problems and regular maintenance

me personally I'd go the rebuilding route have reliable power but it isn't my wallet lol or car

 

I value your opinion. Thats why I am on here. We all love these cars. I think having the rebuild will be the way I go.

 

in the long run I think it will turn out to be a better decision and a more reliable option