[118]

ooooh I like that... a lot!

[Aus]

Good work Scone! That sounds a bit more like it!!

[xxx4xyz]

IMHO - I have just been out for a spin in the one at my local dealers - have to say its not that much different performance wise, although I do like the exhaust thats fitted !! Air intake box is slightly larger with a JCW badge on it, a badge at the rear and front and a remap of the mgmt system.

Would i buy it ? Probably not - not for the marginal difference in performance ! Like I said though I would consider the exhaust as it makes it look the dogs !!!!!!!!!s :-)

I will keep my dosh under the bed until something more significant is developed or I could splash out and get the JCW spoiler which is on my shopping list !!

Dave.

[djtex]

I drove a Works this morning and, it is indeed faster than my S, by a fraction. However, seeng it had only done 300 miles it felt very tight. Mine has done 14,000 miles now and is sweet as a nut, has got quicker and quicker. I have no doubt once run in it will be noticeably quicker.

Think I'm gonna take the plunge and have the Aero Kit while I'm at it.

[msh441]

.I just spent the afternoon with the US version of the JCW engine kit... and my 2-cents:

Not bad... but not perfect, either.

To preface, the car with the kit was a low milage 6-speed S (<300 on the ODO). It had MINI's Sport Suspension but oddly, I'm pretty sure it had the Continental all-season runflats. To keep it in context I've got the Dunlop Sport '07s and Sport Suspension on H&R lower sport springs. So it felt different than what I'm used to right there. All the wallow and bump stear I remember with the stock car was back, with a vengence.

First off, torque: So what I noticed was, well... not much difference. I think that was due to a couple things. First was traffic-related... due to the time of day, I had about three or four stop sign launches and less than 1/8th of a mile to play, so not much opportunity to perfect and appreciate the launch. Secondly, it doesn't seem like the runflats (sport OR all-season) have enough traction to utilize the torque from the stock S on takeoff. The JCW kit just made it more-so. Tire spin up fast and furiously. I won't say there wasn't more power... but if you can't put 190ft/lbs to the ground with runflats, neither can you utilize 200ft/lbs (quoting and rounding numbers from memory - but you get the point of what I'm trying to say). Maybe I'd notice the added torque once I move on to better tires. That said, I have few complaints about the torque of the stock car, sooooo. No real complaints here, either.

Power: Where my car has some great torque already IMO, the power past about 5000 RPM noticably levels off, then drops slightly just before about 6000. The JCW seems to keep pulling hard right to redline. It definatly adds power up top. It might level at, or just beyond about 6000... but no where is there any hint of it LOOSING any steam. Very nice.

Intake: Some more growl up front. A hint of more turbo whine. Some nice auditory addidtions to an engines that needs a big dose of charcter. I think there are some more "open" systems out there that would add even more, but hey... not too shabby and I've got some plans in this area, so...

Exhaust: A hair lounder. A little more throaty. Not over-done and won't offend anyone. I personally prefer the Alta sound. It is true music. The JCW is better than stock, though. My only complaint: the tips. Not the diameter, but the leangth. Seems like they're sort of short IMO. Not that you can't tell they're slip-on ends... but they are so short that this is painfully obvious when looking at the profile of the car. What a difference 2-3 inches would make. Maybe I'm being pickey, but that's my opinion. Thank god my car's been lowered. It might hide this a hair.

Overall, when factoring in the ECU flash and the fact that the kit is covered by the remander of the vehicles warranty... I think it's a good deal. I'm excited to get mine. I do however believe that more power and charcter can be found in the aftermarket, possibly without the flash, so... if you're not afraid of warranty issues look elsewhere. My plan: enjoy the JCW kit for now & dabble in the aftermarket in a few years when the warranty starts nearing it's end.

[emtrey]

do you any remarks regarding mid range torque comparing the JCW and non JCW cars? I am more interested in the power deliver between 300-6000 rpm under normal passing/acceleration situations than 0-60 times.

I wonder if the difference between JCW MCS' and non JCW might be more apparent when the JCW demos have some more miles on them. I found my MCS to be much more free revving after 2000 miles. Drove a friend's 800 mile MCS the other day and if felt alot tighter than my car with 2700 miles on it.

Hopefully my dealer will have a demo on the ground soon. I am intriuged. I think MSH441 is right on his assesment that the non JCW engine flattens noticeably above 5000 rpm.

[caesar]

The only way to make an accurate comparison is test a non-JCW MCS 'V' JCW MCS both of which have the same mileage.

Ideally each car should have a minimum of 2K miles!

My standard MCS was very tight until it had done 1.4K........now at 2.3K it is much smoother and more responsive. Roll on 5K and it should really fly !!!!

[msh441]

Quote: Originally Posted by emtrey (original)

...any remarks regarding mid range torque comparing the JCW and non JCW cars? I am more interested in the power deliver between 300-6000 rpm under normal passing/acceleration situations than 0-60 times.

I wonder if the difference between JCW MCS' and non JCW might be more apparent when the JCW demos have some more miles on them.

Well, with the run flats, I noticed they broke traction more quickley and easily on the JCW... but due to the limitations of the tires I can't really comment on the increase in power and the stock car does the same. I think we need someone with a dyno to get some real hard numbers in that area.

As far as milage, I agree. My S feels better at 9000 than it did at 900. I would assume the JCW would have the same need for some break break-in before it's really smoothed everything out.

Quote: Originally Posted by caesar (original)

The only way to make an accurate comparison is test a non-JCW MCS 'V' JCW MCS both of which have the same mileage. Ideally each car should have a minimum of 2K miles! My standard MCS was very tight until it had done 1.4K........now at 2.3K it is much smoother and more responsive. Roll on 5K and it should really fly !!!!

Totally agree. But that's why I prefaced my opinion with the specifics on the car. Things might smooth out/loosen up over time in that specific car. Still won't change the limitations in the tires (which is the biggest fault in both the demo and my own car at this point).

[Japper]

Minspeed in the states already have a foam ITG filter to suit the R56 JCW

[DerekH]

Japper what do you think of this pic's, Ac 225BHP was the rumor on the stand don't quote me on that though

[n5290066]

Does anyone know if the Australian version of the MCS exhaust / dump pipe is the same as the European or the American version? I always thought it was the same as the British, but i've just visited the Alta Web site and they are offering a R56 Downpipe w/catalyst to fit the Aus version. If its the USA version, you bewdy, it seems they get easier HP from that layout.

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original)

Japper what do you think of this pic's, Ac 225BHP was the rumor on the stand don't quote me on that though

Not my cup of tea

[Tonyrec]

Just got a call from the dealer, my kit has arrived and is ready to be fitted - number 00697.
Cant wait till next Thursday !

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tonyrec (original)

Just got a call from the dealer, my kit has arrived and is ready to be fitted - number 00697.
Cant wait till next Thursday !

The waiting gets more intense

This kit gets better each day as the miles add up. Now got 1k on it so 200 miles and fun time. Must admit i have ventured to 5k a couple of times now once fully warm and it really starts to come alive and the sound is just perfect IMO

[Washy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Japper (original)

The waiting gets more intense

This kit gets better each day as the miles add up. Now got 1k on it so 200 miles and fun time. Must admit i have ventured to 5k a couple of times now once fully warm and it really starts to come alive and the sound is just perfect IMO

I am at 1190 miles....fun time on the way home tonight. Although I have to admit I have been a little less rigid on the 4500 limit in the last few hundred miles......

Mrs W (who normally drives a 320d BMW) commented last night after a drive in my car how fast it felt compared to our old one......

[DerekH]

Come on Washy and Japper i need convincing i need this kit, so i have soom amo for the wife, full review after car run in would be great

[Washy]

Went through the magic 1200 miles on the way home this evening and breifly got the revs past 4500 (damned traffic) and was impressed at how lively the car felt. Luckily I am having a long weekend so will have a good play and report back...

[DerekH]

Thanks Washy thats great i need to know if i need to up my game at work to cover the cost for this power increase

[Japper]

Derek, still got 200 miles to go and i'm away for the weekend ( without car ) so not going to rack any miles up anytime soon. Even sticking to 4500 revs this thing is fun and well worth the £1200 it cost me to upgrade.

Did you get a test drive at JC's ?.

If you want a ride in mine once it's run in later this month, let me know

[DerekH]

Thanks Japper not been into JC's for test drive but on the cards shortly, and may take you up on the offer of a run in your motor with the kit some time, our car has approx 2800 miles on the clock so is getting better.