[equinox101]

Hi guys,

I've been a fan of the new mini since they came out and also been using this forum for a few years as well as previously going on some of the mini runs with the north wales lot in the past, but been inactive for quite a while till now while i'm thinking to buy my first mini
Need some help/advice/suggestions from you guys if possible.
I'm looking to get a Mini Cooper S or Cooper S conv, thats my first dilema. But whichever i go for i will want it with the JCW engine kit, either already on or i'll get it fitted when bought doesn't matter either way.
The other thing is would you go for a brand new one of one before the end of 2006?
Any other mod's worth adding after and anywhere thats worth looking at to get these kits?

Thanks in advance,

Paul

[minicabrio]

Hi there Paul, and welcome back

If the JCW kit is a must, I would find one that has it already fitted if possible. It will cost you circa £3500 to have this fitted by a dealer, however works cars don't command a £3500 price difference on the forecourt, so it would work out cheaper to find one that already has it

If you go for a 2006 car, it will still be under manufacturers warranty - however beware here as the JCW kit is not warrantied for 3 years, as it's classed as an accessory its only 2 years.

[equinox101]

Heya, thankts for the welcome back

Well the JCW isn't a must but i would like to have it to give the extra kick.
I see what you mean, the price difference i think i would want to find one with it fitted with what you said.

i didn't know about the differing warranties thats useful info.

Has the JCW kit changed at all with the update? I was looking on youtube the other day with some guys fitting it saying that it's different but they didn't go into any detail.

[MINIAC]

Are you looking to get a 1st Gen (supercharged) or 2nd Gen (turbocharged) MINI?

[equinox101]

good question, i don't know at the moment, i didn't know there was that change, is the 2nd gen the r56/57? sorry if it sounds a daft question, i'm still getting back into things once again.

[equinox101]

But also, is the JCW worth it? As in can you increase the power to the same standard or further for less money?

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by equinox101 (original)

good question, i don't know at the moment, i didn't know there was that change, is the 2nd gen the r56/57? sorry if it sounds a daft question, i'm still getting back into things once again.

The following FAQ will help get you "up to speed"

What are first generation, second generation, r53, r56 etc?

As for Power and Torque:

+-----------------------+-----+-----+
|  Generation + Model   | kW  | Nm  |
+-----------------------+-----+-----+
| 1st Gen "S" < 2004-07 | 120 | 210 |
| 1st Gen "S" > 2004-06 | 125 | 220 |
| 1st Gen JCW - Stage 1 | 147 | 240 | 
| 1st Gen JCW - Stage 2 | 154 | 245 |
| 2nd Gen "S"           | 128 | 240 |
| 2nd Gen JCW - Stage 1 | 141 | 250 |
| 2nd Gen JCW - Factory | 155 | 260 |
+-----------------------+-----+-----+ 

NOTES:

1. Click kW or Nm to convert to horsepower or pound-foot
2. JCW Stage 2 available as Factory option from 2005-11
3. On 2nd Gen models "overboost" supplies 20 Nm additional torque 

Quote: Originally Posted by equinox101 (original)

But also, is the JCW worth it? As in can you increase the power to the same standard or further for less money?

JCW performance can often be matched by aftermarket modifications for less money, but you will be required to pay the bill for any problems they might cause.