Comments on: JCW Suspension In Detail http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile Review: JCW GP http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-72060 MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile Review: JCW GP Tue, 19 Dec 2006 04:46:55 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-72060 <p>[...] However there is good reason for the GP to be so low. For one it’s equipped with the JCW suspension that has been available as a dealer installed option for several years now. We’ve talked about the JCW suspension kit in the past so we won’t go into details here. However I will say that it is the best compromise between performance and comfort I’ve ever felt. On the performance side, the kit allows the MINI to be better planted in corners not only helping with handling but also significantly improving power delivery from the apex out. Or in other words it reigns in motion as the result of weight transfer and keeps the MINI better composed allowing the two front tires better grip to apply power out of the corner. The JCW suspension kit is a welcome addition to any MINI, but on the 218bhp JCW GP, it’s even more helpful in getting around corners faster and getting power to the ground. It’s also probably the most underrated part of this car. [...]</p> [...] However there is good reason for the GP to be so low. For one it’s equipped with the JCW suspension that has been available as a dealer installed option for several years now. We’ve talked about the JCW suspension kit in the past so we won’t go into details here. However I will say that it is the best compromise between performance and comfort I’ve ever felt. On the performance side, the kit allows the MINI to be better planted in corners not only helping with handling but also significantly improving power delivery from the apex out. Or in other words it reigns in motion as the result of weight transfer and keeps the MINI better composed allowing the two front tires better grip to apply power out of the corner. The JCW suspension kit is a welcome addition to any MINI, but on the 218bhp JCW GP, it’s even more helpful in getting around corners faster and getting power to the ground. It’s also probably the most underrated part of this car. [...]

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-37583 Gabe Sun, 14 May 2006 13:52:20 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-37583 <p>Jeanno - that's because MINI released another version for earlier cars about a year later. If you do a search you'll find the article that talks about the newer version for 02-04 cars.</p> Jeanno – that’s because MINI released another version for earlier cars about a year later. If you do a search you’ll find the article that talks about the newer version for 02-04 cars.

]]> By: Jeanno http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-37582 Jeanno Sun, 14 May 2006 13:17:36 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-37582 <p>Just one thing. This kit is cheaper than the announced prices and it can be fitted without a single problem, on an MCS made before 07-04. I know that because my MCS is from 09-02 and I have these suspensions since last week. They are just performing perfectly.</p> Just one thing. This kit is cheaper than the announced prices and it can be fitted without a single problem, on an MCS made before 07-04. I know that because my MCS is from 09-02 and I have these suspensions since last week. They are just performing perfectly.

]]> By: O(=^=)O Capn http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13276 O(=^=)O Capn Thu, 23 Jun 2005 05:50:18 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13276 <p>That would be 0.3937 inches</p> That would be 0.3937 inches

]]> By: wally http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13275 wally Fri, 01 Apr 2005 19:01:41 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13275 <p>anybody have a picture of a lowered one .seems a bit minor ,only 10mm.</p> anybody have a picture of a lowered one .seems a bit minor ,only 10mm.

]]> By: Jim http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13274 Jim Fri, 19 Nov 2004 00:45:20 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13274 <p>Official Word from Mini. "The 2005 MINIs did go through some design changes. The new JCW Suspension Kit was designed to work with the new 2005 MINI bodystyle. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with earlier MINIs. I do apologize. "</p> Official Word from Mini. “The 2005 MINIs did go through some design changes. The new JCW Suspension Kit was designed to work with the new 2005 MINI bodystyle. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with earlier MINIs. I do apologize. “

]]> By: Jim http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13273 Jim Wed, 17 Nov 2004 18:13:10 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13273 <p>I am a more than a little peeved that I have waited for the JCW Suspension and held off buying a non Mini supsension to find out the JCW Suspension is not available for my 03 MCS JCW. Great support Mini, not...</p> I am a more than a little peeved that I have waited for the JCW Suspension and held off buying a non Mini supsension to find out the JCW Suspension is not available for my 03 MCS JCW. Great support Mini, not…

]]> By: scooblymonchee http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13272 scooblymonchee Sat, 13 Nov 2004 06:47:21 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13272 <p>The JCW suspension is likely too stiff for the flexy convertible chassis. Same reason the MCSC gets the Cooper suspension and not the SS-Plus that is standard on the Cooper S Coupe.</p> The JCW suspension is likely too stiff for the flexy convertible chassis. Same reason the MCSC gets the Cooper suspension and not the SS-Plus that is standard on the Cooper S Coupe.

]]> By: MacGuruTx http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13271 MacGuruTx Sat, 13 Nov 2004 05:54:17 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13271 <p>OK, so it says specifically NOT for the MCSC. So what's up with that? </p> <p>And does anyone know if its at least in the works so to speak?</p> OK, so it says specifically NOT for the MCSC. So what's up with that?

And does anyone know if its at least in the works so to speak?

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13270 Gabe Sat, 13 Nov 2004 00:52:02 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13270 <p>sleep...</p> sleep…

]]> By: scooblymonchee http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13269 scooblymonchee Sat, 13 Nov 2004 00:26:40 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13269 <p>Gabe, dude, you need a copy editor (or more sleep).</p> <p>"MINIUSA also has just issues a parts bulletin"</p> <p>"Does anyone else thing this release contradicts itself regarding the installation of the kit in cars built before 07/04? If we more info on this we'll be sure to pass it along."</p> Gabe, dude, you need a copy editor (or more sleep).

“MINIUSA also has just issues a parts bulletin”

“Does anyone else thing this release contradicts itself regarding the installation of the kit in cars built before 07/04? If we more info on this we'll be sure to pass it along.”

]]> By: JB http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13268 JB Fri, 12 Nov 2004 23:03:43 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13268 <p>My JCW suspension kit was fitted last friday to my new MY05 MCS. My car has only done 1750 kms so far. it cost me $2600 au including dealer fitting, alignment etc. As my car was a cooper S chilli before the upgrade the kit included the replacement shockies and the set of four springs. the springs needed to be ordered to match to the cooper S. (weight is different to the cooper) first reaction on driving the new suspension out of the dealer yard last friday was a much firmer ride, but not harsh. the car feels even tighter and still manages to absorb all of the bumps thrown at it on sealed roads. DSC continues to work as before, however with a bit of rain the last few days, ive managed to control dsc operation with better clutch regulation and launches are less of a problem even with DSC on still.in short i love the package, it is extremely well put together, it doesnt include the engine strutt brace, just the 4 springs and shockies, and ive kept the old springs and shockies that came off the car in the same box.</p> My JCW suspension kit was fitted last friday to my new MY05 MCS. My car has only done 1750 kms so far. it cost me $2600 au including dealer fitting, alignment etc. As my car was a cooper S chilli before the upgrade the kit included the replacement shockies and the set of four springs. the springs needed to be ordered to match to the cooper S. (weight is different to the cooper) first reaction on driving the new suspension out of the dealer yard last friday was a much firmer ride, but not harsh. the car feels even tighter and still manages to absorb all of the bumps thrown at it on sealed roads. DSC continues to work as before, however with a bit of rain the last few days, ive managed to control dsc operation with better clutch regulation and launches are less of a problem even with DSC on still.in short i love the package, it is extremely well put together, it doesnt include the engine strutt brace, just the 4 springs and shockies, and ive kept the old springs and shockies that came off the car in the same box.

]]> By: Bill http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13267 Bill Fri, 12 Nov 2004 22:53:14 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13267 <p>No, the strut brace isn't included. I don't think it's even available in the US yet?</p> No, the strut brace isn't included. I don't think it's even available in the US yet?

]]> By: greg http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13266 greg Fri, 12 Nov 2004 21:15:47 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13266 <p>I'm confused. Does the suspention package includes the strut brace or is that seperate?</p> I'm confused. Does the suspention package includes the strut brace or is that seperate?

]]> By: michael Boice http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13265 michael Boice Fri, 12 Nov 2004 19:45:50 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13265 <p>It would appear that there are a few optional spring rates??? What I like about this if true, is the option to tailor rates to my driving style, but also, that these rates have been (apparently)mated very carefully to the dampers. All the better that this set-up was developed on 'real roads' rather than at the track. Small change if these new spring and dampers provide better handling with potentially more comfort - something I heard thru the grapevine. I've gone the custom Koni and spring route thru True Choice and I can tell you that like most aftermarket set-ups, it worked, but it was a big hammer appraoch...not very sophisticated.</p> It would appear that there are a few optional spring rates??? What I like about this if true, is the option to tailor rates to my driving style, but also, that these rates have been (apparently)mated very carefully to the dampers. All the better that this set-up was developed on 'real roads' rather than at the track. Small change if these new spring and dampers provide better handling with potentially more comfort – something I heard thru the grapevine. I've gone the custom Koni and spring route thru True Choice and I can tell you that like most aftermarket set-ups, it worked, but it was a big hammer appraoch…not very sophisticated.

]]> By: Bill http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13264 Bill Fri, 12 Nov 2004 19:36:08 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13264 <p>The JCW bulletin also says that the suspension kit must not be installed on the "S" convertible. Also, have to purchase both springs AND dampers and have the kit installed by an authorized MINI dealer. The time quoted to fit is 3 hours plus a mandatory 2 hour (!!) wheel alignment which will add another $500-$600. So you're probably looking at around $1500 plus tax.</p> The JCW bulletin also says that the suspension kit must not be installed on the “S” convertible. Also, have to purchase both springs AND dampers and have the kit installed by an authorized MINI dealer. The time quoted to fit is 3 hours plus a mandatory 2 hour (!!) wheel alignment which will add another $500-$600. So you're probably looking at around $1500 plus tax.

]]> By: gbuff1 http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13263 gbuff1 Fri, 12 Nov 2004 19:20:51 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13263 <p>How big are the MC swaybars?</p> How big are the MC swaybars?

]]> By: SteveG http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13262 SteveG Fri, 12 Nov 2004 18:51:12 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13262 <p>Does the kit apply similarly to the Sport Suspension on the MCSC? Would the relative performance upgrade be less or more?</p> Does the kit apply similarly to the Sport Suspension on the MCSC? Would the relative performance upgrade be less or more?

]]> By: Steve http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13261 Steve Fri, 12 Nov 2004 17:26:16 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13261 <p>Does the kit include the Works strut brace? or does it have to be purchased separetly?</p> Does the kit include the Works strut brace? or does it have to be purchased separetly?

]]> By: Scott http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/12/jcw_suspension_in_detail/comment-page-1/#comment-13260 Scott Fri, 12 Nov 2004 16:58:46 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/11/12/#comment-13260 <p>That does seem strange - the Note says modifications are not needed per the instructions for cars built after 07/04 but then another footnote states that the suspension kit should not be installed at all for cars built prior to 07/04... very confusing. I'm sending it to my Service Manager to see what he thinks....</p> That does seem strange – the Note says modifications are not needed per the instructions for cars built after 07/04 but then another footnote states that the suspension kit should not be installed at all for cars built prior to 07/04… very confusing. I'm sending it to my Service Manager to see what he thinks….

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