MINI2

Tara&Paul · Sep 10th, 2007, 09:29 PM

We've been told by our dealer that the R56 MCS JCW Tuning Kit and the JCW Strut Brace are incompatible with each other. Apparently there isn't enough clearance over the new air filter for the strut brace to fit?

Anyone know if this is correct?

P & T.

Hyper Active · Sep 10th, 2007, 09:37 PM

I can't confirm if this is correct or not, but bearing in mind that a piece of string looks more ridged than the JCW strut brace

, it shouldn't concern you at all

.

Tara&Paul · Sep 10th, 2007, 09:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Hyper Active (original)

I can't confirm if this is correct or not, but bearing in mind that a piece of string looks more ridged than the JCW strut brace

, it shouldn't concern you at all

.

I had a OMP upper and lower braces on our '02 MC and it did make a difference with the handling, I'm surprised that the JCW brace wouldn't do the same or is it just for show?

I see you're in Watford, I'm in Chiswell Green. Do you know of any local new Mini owners club in the area?

P & T.

Hyper Active · Sep 10th, 2007, 10:02 PM

Yes, JCW strut braces are generally seen as just for show

. Best to wait for GT Tuning to come up with a brace for the R56

.

Chiswell Green is just down the road from me

, I live just off the A405 in Garston. Sadly there isn't a local club near us.

msh441 · Sep 10th, 2007, 11:36 PM

My dealer told me the same thing: No strut brace with the JCW Engine Kit.

That said, I don't think it matters. The struts towers have been reinforced on the R56 and there so close to the firewall, any brace would pretty much be a showpiece offering negligible performance gains.

IMO much of the "felt differecne" after a strut brace install comes from the reduce weight in the driver's wallet.

MINIAC · Sep 12th, 2007, 04:16 PM

These pictures from an eBay auction seem to indicate otherwise ...

Snowie · Sep 12th, 2007, 04:46 PM

The JCW car at MINI UNITED had the strut brace fitted

DHA · Sep 14th, 2007, 03:07 PM

I posted about this in the JCW forum, the latest edition of evo has a review of the Works S and there is a picture of the engine bay with what appears to be a strutbrace.

DerekH · Sep 18th, 2007, 11:52 AM

EVO Mag this week picture under bonnet with JCW Brace on JCW car that's the reason for the curve on the bar to clear the front of the filter box,

me thinks

FergusM · Sep 18th, 2007, 12:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original)

EVO Mag this week picture under bonnet with JCW Brace on JCW car that's the reason for the curve on the bar to clear the front of the filter box,

me thinks

Wonder if Roland will design the R56 Aero strut brace with the filter in mind...mmmmm bigger market if he does I would guess.

Japper · Sep 18th, 2007, 12:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original)

EVO Mag this week picture under bonnet with JCW Brace on JCW car that's the reason for the curve on the bar to clear the front of the filter box,

me thinks

Derek, which EVO edition, as i looked at the latest this weekend ( October edition i think ) and nothing on the MINI JCW !

FergusM · Sep 18th, 2007, 12:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Japper (original)

Derek, which EVO edition, as i looked at the latest this weekend ( October edition i think ) and nothing on the MINI JCW !

It is in the one that arrived on my doorstep last week... same page as it mentions the Clubman.

Japper · Sep 18th, 2007, 01:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by FergusM (original)

It is in the one that arrived on my doorstep last week... same page as it mentions the Clubman.

Thanks, i'll have another look next time

DerekH · Sep 18th, 2007, 02:58 PM

Japper not a lot on it but 4.5 out of 5 sounds good to me, make's me want a kit even more, Mag out to subscibers first i think November you need

Japper · Sep 18th, 2007, 03:01 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original)

Japper not a lot on it but 4.5 out of 5 sounds good to me, make's me want a kit even more, Mag out to subscibers first i think November you need

Thanks Derek,

Never understood EVO's monthly date / tag. WTF is November, when we're still in Sept ?.

minicabrio · Sep 18th, 2007, 03:21 PM

Going on the previous generation alone, I purchased the JCW brace for my Cooper - it was an excellent piece of kit which really did make a diffference to the feel of the car.

I recently upgraded to the GTT braces though, and they are better still.

I wouldn't compare the JCW brace to string for instance, but due to its three piece design, it's certainly not as rigid as the GTT brace. It's still good in its own right though.

Japper · Sep 19th, 2007, 12:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original)

Japper not a lot on it but 4.5 out of 5 sounds good to me, make's me want a kit even more, Mag out to subscibers first i think November you need

Derek, Got EVO today and it seems like they like it

Though i'm not sure i can trust a magazine that has A R56MCS on long term since May and complaining they wish it had a LSD like the R53 had as an option and wondered when BMW would make one available

Somebody should tell them................................since Jan 07

Japper · Sep 19th, 2007, 12:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by FergusM (original)

who was it that was writing about the no LSD ?? I can't remember off top of my head.

Jethro

DerekH · Sep 20th, 2007, 08:08 PM

Japper i think the press makes lots of mistake's some are ment that is the problem i would like to see a mag do a proper track test.

Dennis H · Oct 5th, 2007, 01:33 AM

I am getting the stage 1 kit installed next week here in the USA, they asked me if I had a strut brace because they couldn't do the install if I had one. The BMW dealer also said they are coming out with a new strut brace soon that will be compatable with the stage one kit.
I inquired about a later arriving stage two kit and was told that in the summer of 2008 when it comes out it will use the stage one parts so by getting the stage one install now I will save money latter getting the stage two kit.
Dennis
I think a person can do better with after market parts at a better price but retaining the factory warrenty is important to me.
Dennis

Sep 10th, 2007, 09:29 PM	#1
Tara&Paul MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 439 Offline	JCW Tuning kit incompatible with JCW strut brace? We've been told by our dealer that the R56 MCS JCW Tuning Kit and the JCW Strut Brace are incompatible with each other. Apparently there isn't enough clearance over the new air filter for the strut brace to fit? Anyone know if this is correct? P & T.

Sep 10th, 2007, 11:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
msh441 MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Pacific NW Local Time: 09:02 AM Posts: 439 Offline	My dealer told me the same thing: No strut brace with the JCW Engine Kit. That said, I don't think it matters. The struts towers have been reinforced on the R56 and there so close to the firewall, any brace would pretty much be a showpiece offering negligible performance gains. IMO much of the "felt differecne" after a strut brace install comes from the reduce weight in the driver's wallet. Founding member of R56 Anonymous: "Hello. My name is Mike. I'm a driving enthusiast... and I still like the R56"

Sep 18th, 2007, 12:14 PM	#11 (permalink)
Japper MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oil Country Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 933 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original) EVO Mag this week picture under bonnet with JCW Brace on JCW car that's the reason for the curve on the bar to clear the front of the filter box, me thinks Derek, which EVO edition, as i looked at the latest this weekend ( October edition i think ) and nothing on the MINI JCW ! 06 HB/W MCS Chilli

Sep 18th, 2007, 01:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
Japper MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oil Country Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 933 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by FergusM (original) It is in the one that arrived on my doorstep last week... same page as it mentions the Clubman. Thanks, i'll have another look next time 06 HB/W MCS Chilli

Sep 18th, 2007, 03:01 PM	#15 (permalink)
Japper MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oil Country Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 933 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original) Japper not a lot on it but 4.5 out of 5 sounds good to me, make's me want a kit even more, Mag out to subscibers first i think November you need Thanks Derek, Never understood EVO's monthly date / tag. WTF is November, when we're still in Sept ?. 06 HB/W MCS Chilli

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Sep 10th, 2007, 09:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
Hyper Active MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Watford, Herts. UK Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 2,178 Offline	I can't confirm if this is correct or not, but bearing in mind that a piece of string looks more ridged than the JCW strut brace , it shouldn't concern you at all .

Sep 10th, 2007, 09:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tara&Paul MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hertfordshire Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 439 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Hyper Active (original) I can't confirm if this is correct or not, but bearing in mind that a piece of string looks more ridged than the JCW strut brace , it shouldn't concern you at all . I had a OMP upper and lower braces on our '02 MC and it did make a difference with the handling, I'm surprised that the JCW brace wouldn't do the same or is it just for show? I see you're in Watford, I'm in Chiswell Green. Do you know of any local new Mini owners club in the area? P & T.

Sep 10th, 2007, 10:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
Hyper Active MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Watford, Herts. UK Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 2,178 Offline	Yes, JCW strut braces are generally seen as just for show . Best to wait for GT Tuning to come up with a brace for the R56 . Chiswell Green is just down the road from me , I live just off the A405 in Garston. Sadly there isn't a local club near us.

Sep 12th, 2007, 04:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
MINIAC MINI Profiler Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: City By The Bay Local Time: 09:02 AM Posts: 8,318 Online	These pictures from an eBay auction seem to indicate otherwise ...

Sep 12th, 2007, 04:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
Snowie MINI2 Master Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Camberley, Surrey Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 1,417 Offline	The JCW car at MINI UNITED had the strut brace fitted

Sep 14th, 2007, 03:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
DHA Should I JCW or not? Join Date: Jul 2005 Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 159 Offline	I posted about this in the JCW forum, the latest edition of evo has a review of the Works S and there is a picture of the engine bay with what appears to be a strutbrace.

Sep 18th, 2007, 11:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
DerekH MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fraserburgh Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 827 Offline	EVO Mag this week picture under bonnet with JCW Brace on JCW car that's the reason for the curve on the bar to clear the front of the filter box, me thinks

Sep 18th, 2007, 12:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
FergusM MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Glasgow Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 690 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original) EVO Mag this week picture under bonnet with JCW Brace on JCW car that's the reason for the curve on the bar to clear the front of the filter box, me thinks Wonder if Roland will design the R56 Aero strut brace with the filter in mind...mmmmm bigger market if he does I would guess.

Sep 18th, 2007, 12:40 PM	#12 (permalink)
FergusM MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Glasgow Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 690 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Japper (original) Derek, which EVO edition, as i looked at the latest this weekend ( October edition i think ) and nothing on the MINI JCW ! It is in the one that arrived on my doorstep last week... same page as it mentions the Clubman.

Sep 18th, 2007, 02:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
DerekH MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fraserburgh Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 827 Offline	Japper not a lot on it but 4.5 out of 5 sounds good to me, make's me want a kit even more, Mag out to subscibers first i think November you need

Sep 18th, 2007, 03:21 PM	#16 (permalink)
minicabrio Back in a MINI Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hampshire Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 15,028 Offline	Going on the previous generation alone, I purchased the JCW brace for my Cooper - it was an excellent piece of kit which really did make a diffference to the feel of the car. I recently upgraded to the GTT braces though, and they are better still. I wouldn't compare the JCW brace to string for instance, but due to its three piece design, it's certainly not as rigid as the GTT brace. It's still good in its own right though.

Sep 19th, 2007, 12:22 PM	#17 (permalink)
Japper MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oil Country Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 933 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original) Japper not a lot on it but 4.5 out of 5 sounds good to me, make's me want a kit even more, Mag out to subscibers first i think November you need Derek, Got EVO today and it seems like they like it Though i'm not sure i can trust a magazine that has A R56MCS on long term since May and complaining they wish it had a LSD like the R53 had as an option and wondered when BMW would make one available Somebody should tell them................................since Jan 07 06 HB/W MCS Chilli

Sep 19th, 2007, 12:38 PM	#18 (permalink)
Japper MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oil Country Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 933 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by FergusM (original) who was it that was writing about the no LSD ?? I can't remember off top of my head. Jethro 06 HB/W MCS Chilli

Sep 20th, 2007, 08:08 PM	#19 (permalink)
DerekH MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fraserburgh Local Time: 05:02 PM Posts: 827 Offline	Japper i think the press makes lots of mistake's some are ment that is the problem i would like to see a mag do a proper track test.

Oct 5th, 2007, 01:33 AM	#20 (permalink)
Dennis H MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon Local Time: 08:02 AM Posts: 8 Offline	I am getting the stage 1 kit installed next week here in the USA, they asked me if I had a strut brace because they couldn't do the install if I had one. The BMW dealer also said they are coming out with a new strut brace soon that will be compatable with the stage one kit. I inquired about a later arriving stage two kit and was told that in the summer of 2008 when it comes out it will use the stage one parts so by getting the stage one install now I will save money latter getting the stage two kit. Dennis I think a person can do better with after market parts at a better price but retaining the factory warrenty is important to me. Dennis

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