Drove JCW and standard 'S' back to back

[Liam"S"]

On monday I drove the S works conversion down at the cooper garage in east preston, then yesterday I drove a std MCS at vines. both cars had simillar millage on them at just over 2k. This was just so I can give you guys a report you understand, it really was hard work .
From the off, you notice the louder supercharger whine from the works conversion ( good or bad you decide) the car feels just as flexible and willing to drive from low revs in reasonable gears for given speed.
You can't really hear the exhaust note any louder than before, ok so it is slightly louder but not to raucous. The craftsmanship on the tailpipes is top notch didn't get a look underneath so couldn't tell you if it was a full SS item.
When going for it the car seems to be a little more eager as in, it is willing to pick up revs a bit better, this was from the low down rev range in 3rd gear. In the mid range it seemed about the same, not any noticeable difference.
Up in the high end of the rev range, 4800+, it was a lot more freer breathing.
hustling through the gears there seemed to be a little more urgency but nothing major (not 40bhp difference).
Now when in top gears (5th and 6th) the car felt a lot more responsive and willing to pick up it. Now this (to me anyway) is where you can really notice the extra grunt the package has.
conclusion.
Going through the gears the car didn't feel that much quicker the only really noticable place I felt the extra power was when it was in top gears.
The car was a little more adjustable when going around bends with the improved throttle response.
It made a really good noise ( supercharger) , the type your nosy neighbours would dissaprove of.
very neat and tidy install.
The car did not "surge" it felt like a factory engine not tuned one.
All in all it was a good package well suited to the chassis and brakes, I stand by my belief that the std car has more than 164bhp as this conversion did not feel like 40bhp difference, I felt as though it gave 20bhp tops but that is my opinion you need to decide for yourself. I do not think it is worth 4k.
anyway that is what I think be good to see what you guys think.

Liam

On a side note the lads at the JC garage where a really helpfull bunch answering all my questions and letting me go for a drive on short notice.
If you live in the UK I would take your car down to them and get them to do the conversion as they charge £3500 for the conversion as opposed to 4k from dealers. I was also informed that most dealers send the cars here anyway to have the work carried out.

[Bobbycrook]

Hi Liam, its me Tony...saw you in the dealers when I picked my car up.....sorry I couldn't talk for long but had to go and see what they were doing about my car!!! The parts that are damaged on the Intercooler and Radiator are getting raplaced under warrenty!! so i'm happy. Guess your test drive went well then......I had three test drives while I was waiting for mine...think I told you that already!!! anyway we will have to meet up again!! even if you don't have your MINI I have met a lot of people from the Crawley area so plenty of people available for a get together!!

[MrMow]

Hmm, that sounds a little dissapointing.. I was expecting it would be OMG, amazing etc etc (for the cost..)

[Saanika]

That confirm what I have thinking about standard S vs works S... works S is not worth of that extra money..but hey so many car magazines has already told that to us (car,evo,
autocar....) why dont we believe those articles???
To trackdays take works-kit but daily use standard S. is enough.

SAANIKA