[NordS]

My std MCS (Aug 02 build) went in for its 1st (10k) service and the very helpful mini people at **** Lovetts in West Swindon organised a test drive in their Works converted demo (yes it is black, but it is a returned car, lady driver didn't like it, suspension too harsh etc.)

I was impressed with the ummmph from 1K to 2K revs, it pulled well as mine has nothing here at all. The best part was the extra ummpphh between 2K and 4.5K revs. It pulled very well here, significantly better than mine allowing obertaking in a higher gear than I would normally use. I was disappointed in the 5K+ range. Subjectively the works car felt no faster than mine (time to go from 5K to the red line in a gear). It certainly didn't feel 25% more powerful at high revs. The exhausts, although looking very nice, sounded just like mine too! Are they supposed to sound different? I tend to run with my parcel shelf in the garage at home but could that be the reason?

Main differences between cars: Mine is on 10K miles now and has had optimax exclusively since 4K. Works demo was on 4K ish and the works kit had only recently been fitted (does it require running in?), unknown petrol used, but unlikely to be optimax (there is a BP close to the showroom).

Works owners who have had their kit fitted after driving a std MCS for a while, does this seem correct? Is mine a weds morning mini rather than a Friday afternoon one (A newish ie a bugeyed impreza only just pulled away from me, from traffic lights on a dual carriage up to the speed limit recently - 210 v's 160bhp in a heavier car)?

[Tone]

West Swindon, eh? Hmmmmm - have made a note of that!

[Nic D]

If you want urge past 5K go drive a Hartge car

[NordS]

Quote:

Originally posted by Tone
West Swindon, eh? Hmmmmm - have made a note of that!

Tone, ask for Danny Bull who sold me, my MCS. Jill went out in the works MCS with me and was an excellent passenger too!

I think there is a works demo car closer to you. I'll find the link for you.

[NordS]

Check this thread out for locations of works drives.

Loc of Works MCSs

Nic D, do you know who has a demo (Birds only?) and where they are based?

[Nic D]

Birds are based in Uxbridge (Near Heathrow airport) and do have a demo car I'm in Swansea otherwise i would have taken you out in mine for a brief demo

[NordS]

Thanks Nic,

I'm not often down there, (mother lives near Port Talbot, but I'm expected to see her if we go to her house!!!). Heathrow is close, I might have to talk to birds!

Cheers, was the other link any good? I'm going to post on it with a resume of locs. I'll add a 'Other types of tuned demo cars' one too!

[LMB]

Nord my advise to you is to take the Works out for another test drive.

I wasn't too impressed first time, maybe my expectations were too high. But second time round I took it at face value and loved the car.

I've just picked up a new Works S and even though I haven't taken it over 4,500 rpm yet its significantly faster than my S. Everyone who's been in the car has also commented how much quicker it is.

So take it out for one more spin.

[marksan]

NordS

I had similar thoughts with the Works S. My MCS has covered 9000 miles and feels nice and loose engine wise. Drove a Works with 3500 on it, kit fitted from new and run daily by the manager of my local MINI dealer. Was not impressed at all.

It does pull in higher gears, taking 6th at 30ish but the full throttle charge feels no different to mine at all. Found myself sitting there thinking, "I know it's faster, honest".

It's a fantastic conversion in the way it feels like a factory finish car (which it is), but no way I'm paying £3500+ for it, just to keep telling myself it really does have 200 bhp.
Think I'll be trying the other 200+ conversions at some time, but right now I love the feel of my car just the way it is

[LMB]

It has 200 bhp alright.

[NordS]

I'll book another test drive!!!