Biggest bang for your buck? [Archive] - MINI Cooper Forum - MINI2 Mini Cooper Forums

: Biggest bang for your buck?


Davidwall17
Jan 16th, 2012, 03:38 PM
Hi, recently bought a 2003 MCS JCW and want to get a bit more grunt out of it. My options are a cold air induction kit (been looking at the Alta one) or a reduced supercharger pulley. I understand the JCW kit already has a reduced pulley. My question is which of the two options would give me the best/most noticeable increase in power?

Thanks

Hartge220
Jan 16th, 2012, 03:48 PM
The most power I've ever seen an induction kit give is 5bhp, (before & after being fitted on a dyno).

A pulley should give you approx 20bhp.

Davidwall17
Jan 16th, 2012, 05:07 PM
The most power I've ever seen an induction kit give is 5bhp, (before & after being fitted on a dyno).

A pulley should give you approx 20bhp.

Is there a noticeable difference in fitting an induction kit?
Also since posting this topic i've read thatv with a pully upgrade the belt should be changed every day, which seems costly.

__kyle__
Jan 16th, 2012, 05:09 PM
Definatley go with pulley mate but reduced pulley will generate more heat meaning you need to improve breathing side of things (CAI/Intercooler). Best done together!

Davidwall17
Jan 16th, 2012, 05:26 PM
Definatley go with pulley mate but reduced pulley will generate more heat meaning you need to improve breathing side of things (CAI/Intercooler). Best done together!


So would not be advisable to upgrade the pulley without upgrading the intercooler and/or CAI?

And £200ish for a potential 5bhp increase is a lot to pay realistically, or as i said has anyone noticed much of a difference in fitting an Alta kit.

Caveman
Jan 16th, 2012, 05:27 PM
Since the JCW Engine Tuning Kit has a 11% supercharger reduction pulley, fitting a smaller pulley or an intake won't buy you much.

If your car has the 200bhp JCW Kit you might consider fitting the 210bhp JCW Upgrade Kit which includes an air intake and larger fuel injectors with an ECU remap.

Davidwall17
Jan 16th, 2012, 05:48 PM
Since the JCW Engine Tuning Kit has a 11% supercharger reduction pulley, fitting a smaller pulley or an intake won't buy you much.

If your car has the 200bhp JCW Kit you might consider fitting the 210bhp JCW Upgrade Kit which includes an air intake and larger fuel injectors with an ECU remap.

How/where would i get this done and find out the price?

Hartge220
Jan 16th, 2012, 05:50 PM
Is there a noticeable difference in fitting an induction kit?
Also since posting this topic i've read thatv with a pully upgrade the belt should be changed every day, which seems costly.

Every day!! Think I've read on the forums that the belt is recommended to be changed every 12000 miles.

Agree with Kyle, best to get done all together:wink:

IMO the best aftermarket CAI for the R53 is the Dave F hybrid airbox (that's the one I saw make + 5 bhp), doesn't cost anywhere near £200.

Ring the guys at 1320 Mini - Mini Parts - Mini Performance Parts (http://www.1320mini.co.uk) they should be able to sort you out:wink:

Davidwall17
Jan 16th, 2012, 05:59 PM
Every day!! Think I've read on the forums that the belt is recommended to be changed every 12000 miles.

Agree with Kyle, best to get done all together:wink:

IMO the best aftermarket CAI for the R53 is the Dave F hybrid airbox (that's the one I saw make + 5 bhp), doesn't cost anywhere near £200.

Ring the guys at 1320 Mini - Mini Parts - Mini Performance Parts (http://www.1320mini.co.uk) they should be able to sort you out:wink:

Haha yeah my mistake, i meant every year. The £200 was for the Alta.

Davidwall17
Jan 16th, 2012, 06:14 PM
Where sells the Dave f box? had a quick look on google and can't find anywhere that sells it.

__kyle__
Jan 16th, 2012, 06:33 PM
Dave f is a hybrid intake made using the original box with k&n cone and modified intake to the rear to take advantage of extra air by modifying the cowling.

__kyle__
Jan 16th, 2012, 06:36 PM
O and can pick them up on MT from Dave.

Davidwall17
Jan 20th, 2012, 09:22 AM
Ok so I've researched the options from everyones's advice (and thanks again for that) & all I can find in the way of the JCW air box & injectors is from genuineminiparts.co.uk, injectors & air box are £573 for an extra 10bhp:eek: or injectors only £340. For an extra 10bhp (ish) it does seem a very high price to pay. I've read a few bits & pieces about a MTH remap giving good results. Would this be an option or are there any other options available to me without such a hefty price tag?
Thanks

Davidwall17
Jan 23rd, 2012, 09:29 PM
I've contacted a local custom remap centre & they claim they can increase my JCW by 18bhp & 18 ft lb or torque for £299. Would you even feel the difference?

Thomas@1320
Jan 30th, 2012, 09:47 AM
I've contacted a local custom remap centre & they claim they can increase my JCW by 18bhp & 18 ft lb or torque for £299. Would you even feel the difference?

Have you told them its supercharged? Do they dyno run the mini?

Davidwall17
Jan 30th, 2012, 04:44 PM
Have you told them its supercharged? Do they dyno run the mini?

Yeah i informed them it's supercharged, not turbo charged. I also asked about the Dyno and he said they don't have one but said once the car is remapped to take it for a drive and he was sure i'd be happy with the improvement or if not it would be mapped back to stock.