If you have the money there is no choice but to get the
JCW Kit IMHO.
It will give you the extra power and allow you to keep your factory warrany, plus there is always the John Cooper Heritage part if you are into that history stuff (i am).
This link proves that the
JCW is no slouch and can mix it for speed with all the other kits and comes down to the driver.
http://www.ross-tech.net/andy/mini/d...artermile.html
On the track, it has been my experience that the
JCW stays cooler for longer, on the whole, than the other kits but will still heat up to unacceptable levels if driven long enough, hard enough...
Personnally i am happy i went the
JCW track as i am planning on keeping the car forever and want it to be authentic in the years to come. Am planning to add
JCW seats and other bits when i can afford them.
If you are just going to get the car and enjoy it to the fullest with power and handling and are not concerned with things such as re-sale (not that
JCW will be that much better except in trade-ins) or warranty, then go for the awesome kits and parts that are available from the aftermarket manufacturers.
Also, one thing we have to think of in Australia if we race our MINI's in Tarmac Rallies and Targa's is, if it is not available to be ordered from the manufacturer installed when you buy the car new, you can't use it....and there needs to be 1500 made... hence we can only use
JCW kits... kinda stupid but there you go!!!!
Otherwise i would have my second mini (when i get it) stocked with aftermarket bits till it was breathing fire and eating ricers for breakfast
