[agent_spacemonkey]

hi, i was wondering what the jcw was like with the cvt. i think it's possible to have both... i'm planning on getting a cooper with the cvt, but also hoping later i can get the jcw. so any help i get would be great! thanks!

agent_spacemonkey

[Rainbow-Walker]

Unfortunately you can't get the JCW kit for a CVT Mini

JCW did originally say they would provide the JCW kit, but they seem to have changed their minds. There are a few threads on here about CVT and the possible limitations of increasing power, so that might be one reason.

Bottom line, they are not fitting to CVT.

I would have jumped at this if they were, or change there mind.

Cheers.

P.S. I have emailed JCW about this, and they just confirmed that they wont fit to a CVT mini.

[punkeyfunky]

I can also provide emails from JCW saying they won't do the CVT...

We are still at a bit of a loss to the maximum power/torque that the CVT box can cope with. Resources are scarce.

Current collective Mini2 wisdom appears to indicate that 150bhp and 129lb/ft is the most thte box can take. Given that the engine is pushing out 115bhp or so, that leaves room for improvement before the box is overcome.

I'm seeking out that 'missing' 35bhp. It's going to be tricky because it seems that the NA engine is already tuned about as far as it'll go. I've got a PlayMINI exhaust and K&N induction kit, and I'm waiting for a working OneClick.
I think the next thing I'll be looking at is whipping off the head to help the engine breathe better - but thats rather a bigger job and more expensive. It'll have to wait for now.

Another way to look at it is that 150bhp isn't that far away from the 'S' 163bhp.

Just gotta keep on hoping that the S is eventually launched with CVT box...

Lee

[ecylai]

yeah i agree with Lee

if the cvt is going to come in the S i'm there in da queue for sure

Eric

[agent_spacemonkey]

man, that totally bites! i need the cvt 'cause i'll be buying my own cooper after i move to an area which is right next to a big city, so it would be annoying to have a manual with all the stop and go. the cvt will also good 'cause i'm going to learn how to drive manual and it would be really nice not to have a friend's car or what not for that...ya' know. i heard that jcw can be used in coopers so i was holding out some hope...oh well. in the end the decision would have to be a cvt or jcw...cvt or jcw...i would have to say cvt... thanks for the info. i'm bummed just like the rest of ya' all.

agent_spacemonkey

[nonsequitur]

Quote: Originally Posted by punkeyfunky

I can also provide emails from JCW saying they won't do the CVT

I was going to write to them, but it looks like you have already done that. Good work! You had some activity in another thread earlier this year. Is that still the most current information you've had from John Cooper Works?
http://www.mini2.com/forum/cvt-automatic/33159-no-john-cooper-works-cvt-what-gives.html

Still no answers back on my ZF tranny questions ...

[NEMINI]

Also keep in mind there is currently no JCW for ANY cooper in the US CVT or 5 speed.

[nonsequitur]

You're right, but this too will change as the brand continues to mature in America.

The "warranty" hook is turning out to be a very big deal (for all brands) so 2004 should be interesting as Dinan and others try to leverage into the current JCW-exclusive arrangement.

[NEMINI]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Cooper JCW never makes it to this side of the pond for the same reason the ONE never will, the US is HP crazy and a 7HP increase will be a hard sell.

[nonsequitur]

Oh, I think you're right on the Cooper JCW for the near term (2004-?) because these current-model decisions have already been made, but the offerings will grow and the aftermarket is a significant component of the MINI brand marketing plans.

Next step is the Convertible. What choices will be offered there?

Behind that comes the new motor, and transmission choices for that powerunit.

####
Dealer relationships must be built stronger. There are big pressures on this one because of all the promises made before Launch in 2002. The recent Atlanta meetings apparently had some very interesting conversations.

JCW conversions are profitable, a clean install, covered by Warranty, and significantly backordered! The JCW product is already approved for other markets, so it would be easy to change this decision once the S conversions slow down some.

The existing Dinan relationship in the BMW Dealer network is very strong. This must be sorted out somehow (and it may turn ouut to be BMW only), but this needs an acceptable USA decision soon.

The bottom line here is the dealer's bottom line, make no mistake. I think we'll some some very interesting developments in 2004.

Here's my credibility test of this for you: When you next visit the MINI dealer, look for and count the stacked big boxes of JCW conversions (4-5?). Ask your technician how its going (easy, profitable, more fun than oil changes?). And then, ask a question about how they plan to be successful (much more of this kind of work?). QED.

[NEMINI]

Okay, if you wish to look that far in the future perhaps there will be an option, but as currently configured (7HP, current engine and current tranny's) I don't see JCW for Cooper coming to America. The MCS makes sense, 200hp is a nice sounding number, you gain 37 HP (roughly 23% increase). The MC you gain 7HP (6% increase) going by these boards and the little bit of info I've been able to locate elsewhere sales of JCW Cooper are not very impressive in the areas it is sold.

[nonsequitur]

Again, I do believe you're right, near-term.

I didn't appreciate some of the other variables in all of these marketing decisions. It's kind of a "What's working, What's not" thing.

MINI missed the percentage mix of models in the USA; MCS is much higher than planned (I tried to tell them way before Launch). They missed on the ramp-up for JCW too; more orders than expected. They missed (mostly due to the motor I think) on mileage ("economy") expectations; lower than many expected. There are many more items. Each and every one of these points has a bunch of "flip the coin" positives, so it's totally correct to say that the MINI brand is very successful here.

The Cooper S motor is not the same as the one in the Cooper, and it's in this point that we see the answer to many of the tuning and available options questions. The obvious first point is forced induction which makes lots of tricks much easier, but the connecting rods, pistons, and some other components are beefier in the S.

We get a new motor in ... 2006 I think.

If the Mk.1 MINI that we have now has properly defined what "MINI" means by then, which I firmly belive it will do, then what a Launch that can be!

Clearly defined roles for three or four models including an fuel-sipper for America, a logical open car (Convertible), and maybe some kind of "truck" too. An automated transmission performance version (the M3 SMG-type role).

Many more obvious choices to lust after.

And, there will be a vibrant and excitinng used market by then too. The dealers will shed all those stupid cars they have on the lots now in favor of a real stable of MINI machines, older and new. The aftermarket suppliers will go nuts with these used cars. This will force decisions in the new cars as well.

I'm so glad to be in this first wave. We're shaping, actually "reshaping", an icon!