MF Review: JCW Suspension at the Track

lavardera Aug 29th, 2007 Link

video?

Victor Aug 29th, 2007 Link

It is true that the dampers, bump stops are different. The way bars are .5mm larger then Stock Sports suspension (Witch is 11.58% stiffer in the front and 8.7% in the rear over factory sports, which is a large improvement over stock setup). Coupled with the springs this is a good street/OEM setup. I think it is a better value then the factory sports.

nice review, nice setup.

lasersailor Aug 29th, 2007 Link

video password?

Gabe Aug 29th, 2007 Link

video?

I’ve specifically decided to not post any videos of the track-time on MF at this time.

video password?

I see you’ve found the video on my “other” site :) I recently took off the password protection so you should be able to get to the post without the password.

nervous Aug 29th, 2007 Link

I know nothing of track driving – looks like fun. Do you drive with your windows down?

lavardera Aug 29th, 2007 Link

fantastic – thank you. I suppose its time for those new tires now.

MiniMark Aug 29th, 2007 Link

Other site? Pretty please.

lavardera Aug 29th, 2007 Link

you can find it if you just think ABOUT it

MiniMark Aug 29th, 2007 Link

I’m just in from a hard days graft and can’t be arsed. I don’t even know Gabe’s last name. How about you email me at limericklad_2000@yahoo.com and let me know? Pretty pretty please with sugar on top.

MiniMark Aug 29th, 2007 Link

It’s ok, found it.

Jon E Aug 29th, 2007 Link

I took a look at the video. Looks like great fun. It would be really interesting to be able to listen to conversation and instruction that was occuring. The MCS really held it’s own against some other pretty capable cars. I’m impressed. The long straight appeared to be the only place on the track where the MCS was slightly less capable. Of course the driver has a lot to do with the demonstrated ability on the track. I intend to soon be the proud owner of a new MCS and will have to take a look at what some of the local clubs have to offer in the way of similar events.

Gabe: What wheels and tires were you using? Do you change out your wheels & tires for these events, or do you run on your street tires? If using street tires, were they shaved? I would think that street tires with full depth tread would take quite a beating at an event like this.

Jon Aug 30th, 2007 Link

From the pictures on Gabes Flickr looks like he ran on his normal street tires, 18 OS Ultralegga with Kumho SPT’s, does look like the tires took a bit of a beating but nothing to bad.

Very nice run Gabe, really look forward to pushin the new R56 around the track. Looks like the JCW kit is a winner for sure by what the video shows.

Gabe Aug 30th, 2007 Link

Gabe: What wheels and tires were you using? Do you change out your wheels & tires for these events, or do you run on your street tires? If using street tires, were they shaved? I would think that street tires with full depth tread would take quite a beating at an event like this.

I ran my standard road Kumho Escta SPTs. I don’t see the point of shaving street tires as they’ll be shaved by the pavement soon enough ;-)

snid Aug 30th, 2007 Link

Looks like motoringfile might need to do a newbie’s guide to HPDE events soon. I’d volunteer to help / provide some video footage of the base Cooper on the track.

1825vine Aug 30th, 2007 Link

Need more hint to find the video.

Jackson Sep 21st, 2007 Link

hi! I Fixed the JCW suspension Kit but exclude the spring. Was told the spring doesnt reduce the height.any comment?

Gabe Sep 21st, 2007 Link

Yes – the spring does reduce the ride height by .5cm. You can see the difference here: before / after

Gabe Sep 21st, 2007 Link

hi! I Fixed the JCW suspension Kit but exclude the spring. Was told the spring doesnt reduce the height.any comment?

Yes – the spring does reduce the ride height by .5cm. You can see the difference here: before / after

Need more hint to find the video.

Hint.

Jackson Sep 23rd, 2007 Link

YEs i saw it, but my dealer say the JCW spring is the same height as the original. Do you have the part number so that i can refer to my dealer? Thanks alot dude!!

Gabe Sep 23rd, 2007 Link

YEs i saw it, but my dealer say the JCW spring is the same height as the original. Do you have the part number so that i can refer to my dealer? Thanks alot dude!!

Your dealer seems to be misinformed. Here’s the official MINI USA release we posted last month: JCW Sport Suspension Officially Released

Jackson Sep 24th, 2007 Link

Ok let me update them on the spring! =p Thanks alot Gabe!

MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile Top 10 Stories of 2007 Dec 31st, 2007 Link

[...] MF Review: JCW Suspension at the Track [...]

Dr Obnxs Jan 15th, 2008 Link

What about front camber? Is the R56 hobbled out of the box like the R53 with near zero front camber?

Thanks,

Matt

JCW Suspension Kit? - MINI2 - MINI Forum Aug 6th, 2008 Link

[...] am worried it might be too firm. Gabe on Motoringfile has reviewed it for track and street use. MotoringFile � Archive � MF Review: JCW Suspension at the Track MotoringFile � Archive � MF Review: R56 JCW Sport [...]

Augie Sep 3rd, 2008 Link

Great review Gabe! I just recently upgraded my 2008 MCS to this suspension and I couldn’t be happier! To me, it feels like a perfect compromise vs. the standard stock suspension. I thought the standard suspension was fine until I really pushed it then I discovered it’s limitations. I would highly recommend the JCW suspension to anyone that drives a bit more spirited and/or visits the track at least 1 or 2 times per year. A+ for me!

MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile 2007 MCS (JCW) For Sale Sep 30th, 2008 Link

[...] JCW Suspension Part 2: On the Track [...]

Halifax Oct 30th, 2008 Link

Hi Gabe, What tire pressures do you recommend for the JCW on the track? I run Nitto NT01’s … I know that it’s personal preference and trial and error, but I would appreciate a hint as to where to start. Thanks!

JCW Suspension Kit? - Page 3 - MINI2 - MINI Forum Nov 27th, 2008 Link

[...] Quote: Originally Posted by kevkbuk (original) Yes, that’s what ‘all in’ means… Just thought I’d post this link on here that was posted earlier in the JCW section: John Cooper Works JCW MINI Tuning Parts and Accessories at genuinemini.co.uk – Great Prices on all R56 and JCW John Cooper Works MINI Parts and MINI Accessories Buy the kit from here then have a local garage install it for a significant saving… Is this kit the "hardcore" JCW Suspension – it seems to indicate the sports suspension – and does not include springs – so they need to be added as well – does that setup – which is coming in at �219.64 + �406.96 = �626.60 – plus fitting equate to the kit referred to on Motoring File – here � [...]