JCW Tuning kit incompatible with JCW strut brace?

[Tara&Paul]

We've been told by our dealer that the R56 MCS JCW Tuning Kit and the JCW Strut Brace are incompatible with each other. Apparently there isn't enough clearance over the new air filter for the strut brace to fit?

Anyone know if this is correct?

P & T.

[Hyper Active]

I can't confirm if this is correct or not, but bearing in mind that a piece of string looks more ridged than the JCW strut brace , it shouldn't concern you at all .

[Tara&Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hyper Active (original)

I can't confirm if this is correct or not, but bearing in mind that a piece of string looks more ridged than the JCW strut brace , it shouldn't concern you at all .

I had a OMP upper and lower braces on our '02 MC and it did make a difference with the handling, I'm surprised that the JCW brace wouldn't do the same or is it just for show?

I see you're in Watford, I'm in Chiswell Green. Do you know of any local new Mini owners club in the area?

P & T.

[Hyper Active]

Yes, JCW strut braces are generally seen as just for show . Best to wait for GT Tuning to come up with a brace for the R56 .

Chiswell Green is just down the road from me , I live just off the A405 in Garston. Sadly there isn't a local club near us.

[msh441]

My dealer told me the same thing: No strut brace with the JCW Engine Kit.

That said, I don't think it matters. The struts towers have been reinforced on the R56 and there so close to the firewall, any brace would pretty much be a showpiece offering negligible performance gains.

IMO much of the "felt differecne" after a strut brace install comes from the reduce weight in the driver's wallet.

[MINIAC]

These pictures from an eBay auction seem to indicate otherwise ...

[Snowie]

The JCW car at MINI UNITED had the strut brace fitted

[DHA]

I posted about this in the JCW forum, the latest edition of evo has a review of the Works S and there is a picture of the engine bay with what appears to be a strutbrace.

[DerekH]

EVO Mag this week picture under bonnet with JCW Brace on JCW car that's the reason for the curve on the bar to clear the front of the filter box, me thinks

[FergusM]

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original)

EVO Mag this week picture under bonnet with JCW Brace on JCW car that's the reason for the curve on the bar to clear the front of the filter box, me thinks

Wonder if Roland will design the R56 Aero strut brace with the filter in mind...mmmmm bigger market if he does I would guess.

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original)

EVO Mag this week picture under bonnet with JCW Brace on JCW car that's the reason for the curve on the bar to clear the front of the filter box, me thinks

Derek, which EVO edition, as i looked at the latest this weekend ( October edition i think ) and nothing on the MINI JCW !

[FergusM]

Quote: Originally Posted by Japper (original)

Derek, which EVO edition, as i looked at the latest this weekend ( October edition i think ) and nothing on the MINI JCW !

It is in the one that arrived on my doorstep last week... same page as it mentions the Clubman.

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by FergusM (original)

It is in the one that arrived on my doorstep last week... same page as it mentions the Clubman.

Thanks, i'll have another look next time

[DerekH]

Japper not a lot on it but 4.5 out of 5 sounds good to me, make's me want a kit even more, Mag out to subscibers first i think November you need

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by DerekH (original)

Japper not a lot on it but 4.5 out of 5 sounds good to me, make's me want a kit even more, Mag out to subscibers first i think November you need

Thanks Derek,

Never understood EVO's monthly date / tag. WTF is November, when we're still in Sept ?.