Hey all! I've been looking for an aftermarket intercooler to accommodate the manic stage 2 I'm planning. Upon investigation of the factory part I have installed, I noticed I have the uprated/larger jcw OEM intercooler seen here.
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​​https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-mini-parts/jcw-intercooler/17517632764/

(Makes sense, because it's a jcw lol) Are these intercoolers large enough to do the job well, or should I go with aftermarket? Obviously I'd like to save the money if I can!
Thanks.

 

Info here on the uprated intercooler. If you want to keep it oem + then you have that, other wise aftermarket. The price that it is now does put it in the price range as others. It will work with the upgrades.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...er-option.html

 

The JCW Countryman intercooler does perform better than the stock S intercooler. At Stage 2 you will have higher intake temps compared to having something like the Forge/Helix/etc. intercooler options out there that are still quite a bit larger than the JCW so you will have a little more power loss due to this and possibly some higher engine temps as well. You can always upgrade later to a larger intercooler if needed after going Stage 2. If you have something that monitors these temps then I would say you should be OK for Stage 2 as long as you monitor it (though this should be something everyone does that tunes any car).

Also, Manic really isn't really around anymore. I would get your Mini RPM Stage 2 tuned, which right now I think only Detroit Tuned and Mario are the ones doing the RPM tuning in the states, and everyone loves the RPM tunes over the Manic tunes from the reviews so far for the last year. It is much more linear and drivable with its power bands than Manic. Also, do you have the other required supporting mods (i.e. high flow/catless DP) to go to Stage 2?

 

I am buying everything incrementally. The intercooler was first on the list because I can run it without the tune. Same thing with the forge uprated diverter. Gonna do the dp and plugs/cables while Mario has my ECU. Thanks for all the info guys, I read a few threads that came close to the answer I needed, but never came to a head lol

 

I have a 2012 R60 Stage 2 RPM also. I ended up buying a Gplus eBay intercooler. Couldn’t be happier with it and others here on NAM are extremely happy also. Honestly I don’t see a reason for going with anything else. It’s extremely high quality build, excellent performance, direct bolt on and a price you cannot beat.

I went with the CNT DP. Not the best fitting product had to drill the holes a bit bigger to make it fit. It’s not as high quality as the rest, a lot of people complain because of the fitment problems but that’s an easy fix. I’ve had it for over 2 years without any problems. I don’t see the reason for paying $$$$ for a piece of tube. Yes part of it is tig welded but bending pipe isn’t THAT more expensive. So far satisfied customer.

If your diverter valve is fine you shouldn’t need to upgrade for a stage 2. Plugs need to be upgraded but did not upgrade cables. Actually from what I’ve read here the factory cables are the best.

So if you want to go stage 2 on a budget hardware can cost you ~$350 not including the ECU tune.

 

Thanks for the info bud! I've found some majesty intercoolers on eBay, that people in the intercooler thread we're referring to as the "Wagner knock off" but I haven't seen a gplus that everyone is happy with. The info on the cnt is good to know as that's what I've been looking at as well. Gonna get one straight from their website. Can't deny a $200 dp, so good to know it's worth it. I can't justify a $600 pipe with some bungs. Lol

 

anytime. Seems the gplus intercoolers are gone! I did a quick search on eBay and couldn’t find any. Closest thing to it is this rev9 https://www.ebay.com/itm/REV9-BOLT-O...kAAOSw8ZhdCqyl

Can’t comment on them but it doesn’t hurt to give them a call and ask if you’re in the US!

Prices have gone up in 2 years!

 

The rev9 is on Amazon as well, and I was looking at it. Great price, and good reviews. So I'll probably get it eventually. Now that I know the jcw intercooler is good enough for stage 2 (at least for awhile) I'll probably hold off on an intercooler for a bit. Unless someone has a used Wagner for an unbeatable price lol Also, the skid plate are supposed to keep iat down a bit, so I might fab one.