The JCW Cooper Sound Kit

Sections: JCW | Official News | R50 (Coupe) Jan 8th, 2005 40 Comments

[Updated 1.10.05]

JCW will be revising it's offering for the MINI Cooper to something a bit more affordable. Knowing that most people interested in high torque and horsepower output will be buying the Cooper S, JCW have introduced a kit that has all the look and sound of the previous Cooper kit but at a more reasonable price. Here's the official description:

True, the John Cooper Works Sound Kit for the MINI Cooper does not replace the HiFi system in the car. But if the station search function is not able to keep up with the speed of the MINI Cooper round fast bends, the sound kit comes in very handy, this “radio straight from the engine compartment” ensuring perfect reception at all times: The special connection between the air filter and the interior is tuning for your ears, naturally live and with extra legroom in the front row.

The John Cooper Works Sound Kit also has an additional offer on the drive wheels: Together with modified engine management software and the stainless sports exhaust complete with the John Cooper Works logo, the sound kit increases engine output by 2kW/3 bhp, giving the MINI Cooper maximum output of 87kW/118 bhp. A certificate signed by Mike Cooper himself, finally, confirms that this is really genuine equipment from John Cooper Works. The John Cooper Works Sound Kit is scheduled to enter the world market in late February 2005.

We don't have pricing on the new JCW Sound Kit however we've got pictures!

[ engine cover ] [ exhaust ] [ air filter ]

For those curious it looks like JCW will not be making it's previous JCW Cooper kit available for new models. Interestingly it was just introduced to the US in the spring of 2004.

Written By: Gabe

dgszweda

This is a much better direction for the Mini. The previous kit was ridiculously expensive and provided almost no discernable improvement. It also received less than stellar reviews by the automotive press.
john

I want one of those JCW's engine covers ASAP!!
Vanwall
Outside of the software tweak, I hope the in and out mods add a little more oomph than before, otherwise it's like Mattel's Sound Of Power – spurious, signifying nothing. Wish the announcement started with HP figures instead of DB touts – I expect that kind of puffery from those mfg's of lesser vehicles. Ah, well, at least the Cooper will have a more reasonably priced JCW upgrade. I do like the look of the exhuast, and that engine cover is cool!
```
       BCNU,
     Rob in Dago
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http://motoringfile.com Gabe

This is meant to not add much power. No doubt it'll be less than before in terms of performance. It is however meant to cost much much less and still look and sound cool.
http://www.gbmini.net/ Ian

Quoting from press release found on the web: Together with modified engine management software and the stainless sports exhaust complete with the John Cooper Works logo, the sound kit increases engine output by 2 kW/3 bhp, giving the MINI Cooper maximum output of 87 kW/118 bhp. A certificate signed by Mike Cooper himself, finally, confirms that this is really genuine equipment from John Cooper Works
Jon

No offense, but I'm underwhelmed with this “upgrade”. Engine management sofware upgrade, a filter and exhaust only add up to a measly 3 bhp increase? Most intake upgrades alone make that much or more. Seeing the 3 parts that come with this kit, I was really expecting something in the realm of a solid 10-15 hp increase–not a pathetic, why-even-bother 3 hp that you won't even notice. Up until now, I could make a case for the JCW kits offered, even though they were pricey. Sorry, can't defend this JCW kit.
HJ

Does this kit fit a 2005 cooper (not “S”)?
R2

I've been following the news on this one for a while now, but I'm not so sure how I feel about it. On the one hand, Cooper owners get some love from JCW (and some badges too!) and I'm sure it will sound lovely. But is 3 BHP for real? How can ANY intake + exhaust + ECU make only 3 extra horses? Especially when it's from the experts at JCW? Obviously, if someone wants the most bang for their buck, they'll start out with an S… so I wasn't expecting tremendous HP gains from this Sound Kit, but THREE?!

Also, didn't see it mentioned here, but this kit is supposed to be released some time in March, with US availability to follow shortly after.
Prime

I wonder if it will be available for the CVT?
David

Sorry, It just doesn't cut the mustard this time. I worry that JCWorks is getting a little complacent and is half-assing this one just because they can, being the only MINI-sanctioned tuner.

So they market it for SOUND… mistakenly thinking that Cooper buyers are the same type that value body kits and coffee-can mufflers on their Civics.

It's cheaper to drop in a replacement K&N and a third party exhaust setup, to get great sound, 7 to 10 hp, and no voiding of warranty.
Eric

So what might be the MSRP of this kit? Would $799 sound about right?
KLF23

Let's face it, the MINI is a lot about aesthetics. If an Aztec had the handling and performance of the MINI, it wouldn't be the same, would it? It's about go AND show. This package increases the show, with some sound and signage, which is in line with the MINI ethic. I don't think that JCW should have brought it out though, as it will diminish the value of their other kits. When you see a JCW sticker, it could just be this sound package. I would not consider this option for my coop, but I can see that it would be just the ticket for those not in it for the HP. KLF23.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Jon – no offense taken. Just because we've delivered this news to you doesn't mean we're the ones behind it :)

I guess what I'm trying to say is I personally have many of the same thoughts expressed by the others here. On one hand you'ce got JCW offering a kit that'll most likely be a 3rd of the cost of the original MC kit but will sound and look about the same. Yet on the other hand it sort of makes MINI owners (and specifically MC owners) feel like they're being classified as people who want to sound and look good but could care less about performance. This may alienate some as it doesn't classifiy most MINI owners I know.
Puck

I'm trying to figure out exactly what it is that bothers me about this, and I suppose it's a feeling of JCW selling out. I realize they are a business and all, but one of things that has made the marquee what it is has been the consistent striving for reliable solid performance. This is more like soil'd performance. 3 hp for the sake of saying you've got a JCW? Are they going to start selling just the badges, so we can get “the look” for even less money? I do love the look of the Works intercooler on the S, but if it was just a hollow plate that didn't do anything I sure wouldn't be putting it on my car. Maybe it's a pride thing? BTW, I decided to go with misc. parts from a number of manufacturers rather than a kit, for what it's worth.
Rodney

This just doesn't sound right. I replaced the intake on my MC and I acheived a gain that is very noticible and certainly over 3HP. What are the torque numbers?
http://www.wezensky.com/ dickdavid

Being a MC driver, I have to say that I got the car more for it's handling and looks and less for the performance. I would have opt'd for the S if I felt differently.

I do like the sound of a good exhaust and I am thinking about upgrading for that reason. If I get some HPs as a result, fine.

The JCW SK seems like a good option in my case, but ONLY if the price is right. If it's similar to a third party option (assuming a few bucks more for the name recognition and badging) and you toss in the heritage of JCW and a nice warranty, then put me on the list.
Wraith

i understand that there are MC owners out there that want something other than hp from their cars, but i wonder how much most people would be willing to spend for it. the JCW MC kit needs to be priced properly while taking into account installation costs from the dealers. i'd need to really here how the kit sounds before i decide. if you can get the same sound but better performance (regardless of whether performance is your thing) than why spend the money on the JCW? yes the badges and engine cover look really cool, but if it is like Eric said $799 just for the kit (not counting the absurd amounts some dealers charge for installation) are you really gonna be getting your money's worth? i think i would rather just get an intake and decent exhaust for maybe $150 more, and get 7-10 hp, i wonder how many MC owners feel the same way?
HJ

you can hear it here:

http://www.johncooper.co.uk/JohnCooperSite/pages/works/com/en/johncooperworks/soundkit.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Another thing to remember about the power numbers; everything MINI and JCW put out are typcally measured very conservatively. Compare that to the aftermarket world where some manufacturers are anything but conservative with their numbers.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Here's a direct link: Sound Kit

NOTE: For those that have heard it already this is the same clip that was released a few months back.
TJKonarski

Puck: I'll bet if you go to the parts department you can order just the JCW badges. (Not that I would — I'm just saying it's most likely possible.) I mean, if a car were in an accident and the badge were damaged, the body shop would need to order just that one part.
http://mini.uglydoris.com Sean Bartnik

That sport exhaust does sound nice, but if your computer audio system doesn't have a subwoofer, you're missing out. :-)
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Yes if you know the right parts person you could get the badges and exhaust tips without the kit.
Evan

I've always wanted an affordable warranty friendly upgrade for my MC. I don't quite know if this is it though. Are there power output graphs of the ECM modifications? If it's only a 3hp gain but the torque curve is a little better, larger earlier or something…

I'm definatley more into the power and sound and JCW is appealing for those of us who like the power but just couldn't swing the extra $3k for the MCS. That's really why the first MC upgrade wasn't cost effective. I would have spent the extra $3k to get the MCS not the JCW MC upgrade…

Keep the info coming!
http://www.taylorsmith.biz Taylor

What a fantastic site! Kudos.

What does it mean when you say: “For those curious it looks like JCW will not be making it's previous JCW Cooper kit available for new models.”

They will still be offering the Engine Tuning Kit as a separate item on 2005 Models, right?
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Taylor – I was told that they would not be making the previous engine kit available… at least in the US.
john

No full JCW kit on the 2005? Please say this is not so. Is it a done deal? I would hope enough people speak up to at least have this as an option…much like the anthracite head liner issue.

I am ok with selling the sound kit alone but pllllease offer the muscle too.
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

John – don't know if you realize this or not but we're talking about the incredibly rare JCW Cooper Kit that was just introduced to the US last April – not the kit for the MCS.
hat

having spoken to my dealer about this last week he confirmed that the full kit won't be available until march but he did say the air filter alone is already available & this adds around 5bhp. i reckon the exhaust & ecu tweak will add at least another 5-10bhp so that would mean the official 3bhp increase is a very conservative figure.

prices are unavailable but i have seen 1000 euros quoted as a fitted price
HJ

Here is a response I rerceived from JCW:

We expect it to be approx Ã‚Â£750 fitted and yes it will be available for the CVT
GAJ

I just spoke to my dealer here in AZ and they have the filter in stock priced at $450(!). As hat said, the claim is 5bhp increase. For $450, it had better make that engine sound like a big-block V8 or something. :)
PeB_35

For the CVT, I had an answer the 10th of Nov. “Yes you will be able to fit it to your CVT but you will not be able to do the down load to the E.C.U.. The cost I have not got until the conversion is launched it will be approx Ã‚Â£1,000.00″

So 1'500 Ã¢â€šÂ¬, but it was in november so maybe it will be cheaper… maybe !
http://www.taylorsmith.biz Taylor

Gabe: Thanks for your comment. I may not have realized this, but are you saying the old JCW kit is not going to be available for the Cooper, but WILL be available for the 2004 Cooper S?

That makes more sense to me. I hope that is what you're saying. :)
http://motoringfile.com Gabe

Yes the older version will still be available. In fact I know of at least one place that is selling them cheap. Let me know if you're interested.
pete

i think this kit is a joke. 900 bucks for 3 hp. you'd have to be either stupid or have waaay too much money in order to buy a kit like this. you could put a zoomers cat-back exhaust and a k&N cold air intake for about the same price, maybe even less. and thos together add about 15 horsepower;the same as the origional cooper kit. by the way, anybody who buys just the jcw exhaust for their cooper s is getting ripped off. it isnt race tuned, so it only adds about 5-8 horses. i got the jcw kit for my “S” and put the zoomers exhaust on it, got it dino tested and the numbers came out to be 237 bhp. plus, the exhaust just feels balsier than the jcw one.
http://www.sellutions.com.au Manny

Sounds to me like JCW is taking us MC folks for a marketing ride. If I wanted a hot mini I would have purchased an S. JCW must think we’re a bunch of wannabes. It just so happens that I do want a little extra grunt. What I don’t give a rats about is having a badge so I can PRETEND I have more grunt. Do some research and I’m sure you can find some great value alternatives. Don’t be a sucker!
tarek a

could some one tell where i could purchase the JCW exhaust system. i want the JCW exhaust on its own. if anyone knows please let me know.

thanks guy!!!
Mark

When I first saw this kit on the John Copper website i got excited. I drive a cooper and I wanted this kit for my mini. But now that I see that only gives me 3hp, I mean i wasn’t expecting a hug increase but gimme a little more than that. However if anyone knows were i can buy one of those engine covers I’ll buy one.
TRICKY

most of you are missing the point of the cooper sound kit, its for the sound of it not the horse power, hence the name………….. SOUND kit!
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