Official JCW Cooper Sound Kit DIY

Ian C. Feb 24th, 2006 Link

Curious that you update the manual transmission engine but not the CVT – this must mean you don’t get proper compatibility/improvements with the CVT version!

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Gabe Feb 24th, 2006 Link

I wouldn’t doubt it.

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James Feb 24th, 2006 Link

You wouldn’t happen to have the official installation PDF for the JCW Tuning Kit for the Cooper lying around, would you?

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Charles J. Rivera Feb 24th, 2006 Link

Does anyone have any pictures of the
before and after look on the engine?

regards, Charles

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Charles J. Rivera Feb 24th, 2006 Link

Hey Gabe

did you got my email?

regards, Charles

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alpinamike Feb 24th, 2006 Link

I wonder if this really improves anything, I mean it looks great, and would sound great, but the price should be cheaper.Other then the 5+ bhp, i think it should be more with programed DME.

-alpinamike

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dickdavid Feb 24th, 2006 Link

Thanks for this. I lost my last Sound Kit when my MC was wrecked. I’d like one on my new MC, but can’t afford it and the install labor which was an additional $300.

This puts it closer in range.

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dickdavid Feb 24th, 2006 Link

Funny, I just noticed that is says appox. 1 hour installation time.

I think I was charged for 2.5 hours.

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Gabe Feb 24th, 2006 Link

did you got my email?

Nope.

Funny, I just noticed that is says appox. 1 hour installation time. I think I was charged for 2.5 hours.

This purely depends on the dealers. Honesly I think the one hour install time is a little low. 2.5 hours doesn’t really seem that far fetched.

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dickdavid Feb 24th, 2006 Link

This purely depends on the dealers. Honesly I think the one hour install time is a little low. 2.5 hours doesn’t really seem that far fetched.

That’s what I figured and why I’m really not mad. They quoted me that price and I accepted.

I just thought it was funny that JCW thinks it would only take an hour. I guess it could if you do this everyday (which we know it isn’t true with this upgrade ;-) ).

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Steve Feb 24th, 2006 Link

What is a good price on this kit (w/out labor)?

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dickdavid Feb 24th, 2006 Link

Suggested retail is $1100.

I’ve seen it on ebay for $900.

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scotteast Feb 24th, 2006 Link

I have the JCW Sound Kit on my 03 MC (CVT). I paid $880 for the kit and 3 hours of labor for the installation at the local dealer (MINI of The Woodlands). They matched the best price I could find on the internet.

I’m really impressed with the sound and the car does seem a little quicker. (although that may just be my imagination). I had a Remus exhaust previously and the JCW is quieter at idle, but is more aggressive sounding above 3500 RPM. Overall, I’m very pleased, even if I don’t have any significant performance gains.

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David Feb 24th, 2006 Link

The installation pdf is showing the exhaust as the OEM shape – I thought the JCW exhaust had an oval shaped silencer?

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Adrian Amos Feb 24th, 2006 Link

This is just nuts. $1100 for an exhaust, intake, and an engine cover? I’m in the wrong industry.

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Charles J. Rivera Feb 24th, 2006 Link

This is just nuts. $1100 for an exhaust, intake, and an engine cover?

Actually is not that bad if you look at some after market options. especially if some guys have found the JCW for as low as $900

Here’s an example:

Milltek Exhaust ~ $695 Alta Intake ~ $260 (with hose) Engine Cover ~ (don’t know price for this) —– $955

actually the third party stuff is more expensive

hope this helps, regards, Charles

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ahamos Feb 24th, 2006 Link

Actually is not that bad if you look at some after market options. especially if some guys have found the JCW for as low as $900 Here’s an example: Milltek Exhaust ~ $695 Alta Intake ~ $260 (with hose) Engine Cover ~ (don’t know price for this) —— $955 actually the third party stuff is more expensive

OK. The Milltek exhaust for the Cooper costs $540. Alta does not make a CAI for the Cooper. Using the Ultrik price of $200 brings up to $740, which is still too expensive, we then add a can of silver spray paint for $5.

Alternately, get an exhaust from MyMINI, or wait a few weeks for the Megan Racing exhaust (both in the $400) range, add any number of $200 CAI’s, and that can of spray paint, and you’re only looking at ~$600, probably with better power gains, and the myMINI exhaust has a good, throaty European growl.

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Gabe Feb 24th, 2006 Link

OK. The Milltek exhaust for the Cooper costs $540. Alta does not make a CAI for the Cooper. Using the Ultrik price of $200 brings up to $740, which is still too expensive, we then add a can of silver spray paint for $5.

Alternately, get an exhaust from MyMINI, or wait a few weeks for the Megan Racing exhaust (both in the $400) range, add any number of $200 CAI’s, and that can of spray paint, and you’re only looking at ~$600, probably with better power gains, and the myMINI exhaust has a good, throaty European growl.

Why does any of this matter? If someone wants to spend a few hundred more or less on a different product for different reasons why do they need to be called nuts? It makes no sense.

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dickdavid Feb 24th, 2006 Link

Why does any of this matter? If someone wants to spend a few hundred more or less on a different product for different reasons why do they need to be called nuts? It makes no sense.

Amen!

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dickdavid Feb 24th, 2006 Link

BTW: Here’s how I broke it down to justify the cost:

Average cost for aftermarket exhaust: $550 Average cost for aftermarket CAI: $200 Software Remap: nothing like it (except MAYBE MTH): I’ll price at $100

So far, you’re up to $850

Then I had to give value to: - unmatched sound (this is subjective) - seemless integration - MINI warranty in tact - cool, poser badging - better fuel economy (okay, I’m sure you’d get this with other combinations) – I got an extra 30+ miles per tank. - also, each kit is numbered just like the Engine Kits

Is that worth $50? Yes!!! – $250? Maybe.

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ahamos Feb 25th, 2006 Link

Why does any of this matter? If someone wants to spend a few hundred more or less on a different product for different reasons why do they need to be called nuts? It makes no sense.

I think you misunderstood. I’m clearly nuts for not being in the auto parts industry. If I could reasonably charge $1100 for a muffler, intake, and engine-pretty, I’d be rich. I’m kicking myself for wasting 8 years in IT.

As for subjective values, obviously they’re different for everyone. I personally find most of those dubious, since Magnussen-Moss prohibits MINI from denying warranty service for damage that cannot be proven to have been caused by aftermarket parts, and “seamless integration” is accomplished through bolt-ons, just like in the aftermarket world.

I got +2 or 3 mpg after doing my CAI and cat-back exhaust, too, but I didn’t get any cool badging or serial number.

I really would like to hear this setup, though. Anyone have one in Richmond, VA?

(I swear, the JCW vs. aftermarket argument reminds me so much of the old Mac vs. PC fights, with the JCW crowd playing the Macintosh role: it’s like a religion.)

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Charles J. Rivera Feb 25th, 2006 Link

Hey Gabe

just send you the email again please check your Spam filters just in case

regards, Charles

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Gabe Feb 25th, 2006 Link

ahamos – thanks for the clarification. I’m just so tired of people professing that one is so much better than the other. I think any reasonable person can plainly see they can both potentially be great solutions for upgrading their cars.

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