Is there a noticeable difference between standard Cooper S & Cooper S JCW?

[Davidwall17]

Hi can anyone tell me if they have experienced the difference between a standard Cooper S & a JCW? I ask as I'm currently looking at purchasing a 2004 JCW, it's 100 miles away from where I live & there aren't any JCWs any closer for me to test drive so would like some advice to save me a potential wasted journey. Recently test drove a standard Cooper S & was not impressed with the performance. I currently drive a 2006 Ford Focus ST, Cooper S felt slow compared to my ST.
Thanks

[Hartge220]

The standard Cooper s has got 170bhp & the JCW 210bhp (approx), I've never driven a standard one (mines been tuned to 220bhp) but I should imagine the JCW is a little quicker.

[Davidwall17]

Thanks for the reply hartge210, I'm hoping it feels close to the acceleration of my ST which is 6.5s 0-60 but I understand it's about the torque that gives the feel of the acceleration & knocking you back into your seat.

[Hartge220]

Your focus will probably still feel quicker, aren't they around 220 bhp with quite a lot of torque?

The good thing about the supercharged MINI's, even though they haven't got an awful lot of torque, the 'charger is working all the time, no lag etc.

Will be a good comparison to hear about when you do drive one though

[Davidwall17]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hartge210 (original)

Your focus will probably still feel quicker, aren't they around 220 bhp with quite a lot of torque?

The good thing about the supercharged MINI's, even though they haven't got an awful lot of torque, the 'charger is working all the time, no lag etc.

Will be a good comparison to hear about when you do drive one though

Yeah the STs are around the 225hp mark & around 236 lb-ft of torque in comparrison to the Cooper's 181 lb-ft of torque (according to figures if found on the net) but the Cooper has a weight advantage of a good 177 kg. I'll post back once I've driven the JCW.

[youmustcomply]

The sound on the JCW is very different, but this is probably from the air box and different mapping.

[Davidwall17]

Well I drove 145 miles to test drive the JCW, didn't accelerate as quick as my ST but loved the car so decided to buy it. Has all the badges & stamps on the engine to say it's a genuine JCW, exhaust etc including certificate of authenticity but did not have the air box so I'm assuming that it must be the 200bhp upgrade (correct me if I'm wrong). Does anyone know if it's worth gettin my hands on a JCW air box or fitting another intake to get a bit more power out of it?
Thanks

[Acallahan]

An aftermarket CAI and JCW 380 injectors and 15-17% supercharger pulley upgrade along with the JCW 210 ECU flash and you will be pleased I'm sure.

[Davidwall17]

Quote: Originally Posted by Acallahan (original)

An aftermarket CAI and JCW 380 injectors and 15-17% supercharger pulley upgrade along with the JCW 210 ECU flash and you will be pleased I'm sure.

Thanks for the advice, anyone have any idea roughly what this would cost & where to purchase it from?
Thanks

[Hartge220]

Ring Thomas or Paul at 1320 Mini - Mini Parts - Mini Performance Parts, they'll be able to sort you out

[Davidwall17]

Doesn't the JCW pack already use a reduced pulley?

[Hartge220]

Yeah, I think it's something like 11%???