Any mods for a JCW?

[thechief]

Just waiting on our new JCW to arrive in September, I've already specced different bits like chilli pack and 18" wheel upgrade etc....... I never keep cars standard though, is there any essential mods?

[N12 JLK]

Paul Weller is a must.

Sorry just couldnt resist:thumbs up:

[Gismo]

Depends what areas you are talking about, factory options or engine, styling, sounds, graphics etc

[thechief]

Can they be remapped yet? Any places that sell JCW extra's? May get some of the carbon bits...

[Gismo]

For JCW options pick up a brochure from your dealer, loads of nice looking stuff in there :thumbs up:

[Crombers]

Speak to Fi, (ScottyDoop) she will tell you all you need to know :eyes up::rolleyes:;)

[ELFMAN]

Lohen have various bits and pieces for the R56, Minispeed are doing Remaps (claimed 206bhp D.I.Y. - looks like a 'Piggy-Back' ECU set-up which they say fits in 10mins and is fully reversable), Exhaust systems etc, and I'm sure there are others. Check 'Modern MINI' to see what's out there.

Enjoy the new motor for a while in standard guise to see what you think it needs, then get yourself a nice exhaust or something. Anyway, I'd be wary of modding such a new one till you're sure everything's running the way it should.

[weefossy]

Totally agree with "Capt. Sensible", run it for a while and see if it really needs anything.

[ELFMAN]

Sorry, I didn't realise it WAS a new JCW! I'm a Numpty. I just read the 'Can it be re-mapped' post! Wasn't awake obviously.

FORGET all that stuff I said, 'cos the JCW HAS the exhaust, brakes etc etc etc - I presume that's why you've spent a bucketload of extra dosh over the standard 'S' in the first place..... From what I've read, it certainly doesn't need more power.

This car is one of these that will hopefully (like the GP) hold its value really well - so long as you don't muck about with it. If you're desperate to mod something, you could've bought a standard 'S' and got stuck into that.

Now even more convinced of what I said at the end of my initial post - LEAVE IT ALONE!

[FergusM]

Upgrade the stereo...it will be pants !

Proper bucket seats would also be a good idea...they should have been standard in my eyes.

[mikeythemini]

Stereo
Then a sprinkling of carbon fibre. I am about to launch a complete package of carbon bits aimed at the works.
So far the parts we do in carbon fibre: Bonnet scoop, headlight rings, door handles, petrol cap, rear light surrounds (hatch only), boot handle (hatch only), rear door handles (clubman only)

[ELFMAN]

Is this the NEW 'John Cooper Works' 211bhp 'factory' car (with the Aero Kit, big brakes, clever Diff, etc etc), or an 'S' with the previously available JCW ECU/Exhaust upgrade? I'm confused - please clarify.

Must be an 'S' with the ECU/Exhaust upgrade, as you've ordered 18" wheels and the latest 'Factory Works' £21K car comes with lightweight 17's as standard which you wouldn't swap..... surely.

If it's 'just' the 'S' - do what you like!!!!!!!

[FergusM]

Think it is the factory car he is getting.

[ELFMAN]

If so, ditching the unique lightweight 17's seems to defeat the purpose the new Works car is designed for IMHO, as they're on there for a purpose - 18's will weigh more and hurt the ride etc - which Evo Mag reckons can get a bit 'tetchy' at times as it is. Each to their own. They'll be putting Air-Con and a tow-bar on Caterhams next.....

[AndyP & Lenore]

If so, ditching the unique lightweight 17's seems to defeat the purpose the new Works car is designed for IMHO, as they're on there for a purpose - 18's will weigh more and hurt the ride etc - which Evo Mag reckons can get a bit 'tetchy' at times as it is. Each to their own. They'll be putting Air-Con and a tow-bar on Caterhams next.....

Ewan, I haven't driven a factory JCW, but our R56 needed 18" rims. The 17's were just too soft. The downside is the extra weight. But how much weight do 18" rims really add, compared to the ultra light 17's the JCW comes with. Anyone know?

A.

[ELFMAN]

Ewan, I haven't driven a factory JCW, but our R56 needed 18" rims. The 17's were just too soft. The downside is the extra weight. But how much weight do 18" rims really add, compared to the ultra light 17's the JCW comes with. Anyone know?

A.

Now then Andrew:idea:, could it be argued that it was your SUSPENSION which was too soft compared to your R53 and that the stiffness of the 18's has compensated for that to a certain extent?

The 17" rims on the JCW reportedly weigh less that 10kg each, so the 18's could add a fair wee bit to the unsprung weight and they'll have less 'give' in the sidewalls, both of which will affect ride and handling. You don't see any of the MINI racers on 18's and they're on smooooooooth circuit tarmac.

The JCW is also available with THREE suspension packages ('Brewer's Droop', 'Oh Hello There' and 'JCW Viagra'), so that would also have to be factored into the equation, so I admit it's not that straightforward. I still reckon that with 18's you'll be backing off on a typical Scottish road before the guy in the standard Cooper D on 15's or 16's - even with that JCW power....:argh::p

[thechief]

And back to reality......

10kg isn't that light for a 17" wheel, what is the weight of the R113 wheel so we can compare if its going to be such an issue?

If I was just concerned about cornering fast I wouldn't have bought a mini, it'd have been another Evo!

I get bored with cars easily so tend to mod them, thats all.

Edit: infact I've saved you the bother, here is the wheel weights :-) http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?faq=faq_wheels_tyres

[ELFMAN]

Checked the weights and take your point - methinks MINI were touting the 'lightness' with their fingers crossed... still a WEE BIT lighter than 18's though! Some lovely aftermarket wheels on one of the links from that thread.

Have fun whatever you do. When you get 'bored' with the JCW give me a shout.

[AeroJonny]

I'd say just the stereo and painting the wheel arches, if you're going to do drivetrain mods or suspension/braking, then there's no point in having spent the extra on a JCW car.

M7 ultimate grilles would look pretty smart ;)