Comments on: MF Review: R56 JCW Engine Kit http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:02:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Matthew Rapaport http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-270232 Matthew Rapaport Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:41:30 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-270232 <p>An update... It isn't a rattle, it's a pop... The car is back-firing. Not all the time. Mostly at lower speeds in lower gears, and especially when down-shifting. From the inside it sounds like a screw loose somewhere, but from the outside it is distinctly a pop. I'm taking it in today. I hope it's an easy tweak!</p> An update… It isn’t a rattle, it’s a pop… The car is back-firing. Not all the time. Mostly at lower speeds in lower gears, and especially when down-shifting. From the inside it sounds like a screw loose somewhere, but from the outside it is distinctly a pop. I’m taking it in today. I hope it’s an easy tweak!

]]> By: Matthew Rapaport http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-270116 Matthew Rapaport Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:03:46 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-270116 <p>Thanks Mike, that was quick. But hell, I could cruise at 75 in my old Subaru! :-)</p> <p>Now having a few days of play with the new JCW upgrade I am hearing a rattle under the floor of the car when I go over bumps at low to medium speed (can't hear it on the highway) that wasn't there before. Maybe just a loose screw on the exhaust system or something. I'll take it into the dealer and let them have a look. I've done a few instrumentation upgrades with them (MINI in Mountain View CA), and they never seem to get it exactly right the first time. I always end up going back to tweak something. They are polite and do the correction fast and well, but would be nice if I didn't have to do that (sigh).</p> <p>Otherwise, I love the kit. Now must consider the suspension upgrade :-)!! Hey if I don't throw money at this car, my divorce would have been all in vain!! :-)</p> <p>quine@sonic.net</p> Thanks Mike, that was quick. But hell, I could cruise at 75 in my old Subaru! :-)

Now having a few days of play with the new JCW upgrade I am hearing a rattle under the floor of the car when I go over bumps at low to medium speed (can’t hear it on the highway) that wasn’t there before. Maybe just a loose screw on the exhaust system or something. I’ll take it into the dealer and let them have a look. I’ve done a few instrumentation upgrades with them (MINI in Mountain View CA), and they never seem to get it exactly right the first time. I always end up going back to tweak something. They are polite and do the correction fast and well, but would be nice if I didn’t have to do that (sigh).

Otherwise, I love the kit. Now must consider the suspension upgrade :-)!! Hey if I don’t throw money at this car, my divorce would have been all in vain!! :-)

quine@sonic.net

]]> By: Mike Roberts http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-270109 Mike Roberts Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:15:27 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-270109 <p>I see a significant drop in MPG when I drive 80+. Keep it to mid 70s and you'll get your MPG back.</p> I see a significant drop in MPG when I drive 80+. Keep it to mid 70s and you’ll get your MPG back.

]]> By: Matthew Rapaport http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-270105 Matthew Rapaport Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:49:00 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-270105 <p>Read article on JCW tuning kit with great interest. I knew I wanted it and went ahead with it -- I have a 2009 clubman. It does feel good that little bit of extra power, but with respect to its impact on gas mileage I have to say I was taken by surprise. I was getting about 30mpg on average (I drive at 80+ when I can on the highway) and that's now dropped to something under 27, more than 10%! Anyone else have any experience with this?</p> Read article on JCW tuning kit with great interest. I knew I wanted it and went ahead with it — I have a 2009 clubman. It does feel good that little bit of extra power, but with respect to its impact on gas mileage I have to say I was taken by surprise. I was getting about 30mpg on average (I drive at 80+ when I can on the highway) and that’s now dropped to something under 27, more than 10%! Anyone else have any experience with this?

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » MINI USA Releases JCW Tuning Kit for the Clubman http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-266130 MotoringFile » Archive » MINI USA Releases JCW Tuning Kit for the Clubman Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:11:43 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-266130 <p>[...] You can read our review of the JCW Tuning Kit (JCW Stage I as we’ve called it) as it pertains to the MINI R56 MCS here. [...]</p> [...] You can read our review of the JCW Tuning Kit (JCW Stage I as we’ve called it) as it pertains to the MINI R56 MCS here. [...]

]]> By: Jimbo http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-261910 Jimbo Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:53:23 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-261910 <p>Love this write up. And your car Gabe. What kind of difference in performance could be expected with the exhaust manifold. I noticed too the the Tuning kit here in the states omits that part. Why?</p> Love this write up. And your car Gabe. What kind of difference in performance could be expected with the exhaust manifold. I noticed too the the Tuning kit here in the states omits that part. Why?

]]> By: Rixter http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-257193 Rixter Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:21:02 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-257193 <p>Gabe,</p> <p>First of all, beautiful black JCW you have there and a great review to boot!!!</p> <p>I'm interested in increasing the horsepower for my '08 MCS. Its strictly for street driving. I can relate to your comments about needing the extra umph when in 4th gear.</p> <p>I'm not able to install the JCW kit all at once, due to finances. I would like to start with the CAI. Is the CAI an easy DIY mod (for a completely non-mechanical type like me)? It looks like just a bolt on.</p> <p>If I don't get around to doing a new exhaust for a couple of years, is simply starting with the CAI going to cause me any problems?</p> <p>Thanks for your help.</p> Gabe,

First of all, beautiful black JCW you have there and a great review to boot!!!

I’m interested in increasing the horsepower for my ‘08 MCS. Its strictly for street driving. I can relate to your comments about needing the extra umph when in 4th gear.

I’m not able to install the JCW kit all at once, due to finances. I would like to start with the CAI. Is the CAI an easy DIY mod (for a completely non-mechanical type like me)? It looks like just a bolt on.

If I don’t get around to doing a new exhaust for a couple of years, is simply starting with the CAI going to cause me any problems?

Thanks for your help.

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » Convertible & Clubman to Get JCW Tuning Kit & Aero Kit http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-251598 MotoringFile » Archive » Convertible & Clubman to Get JCW Tuning Kit & Aero Kit Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:47:18 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-251598 <p>[...] Then later in the year the Clubman will be getting some additional JCW love in the form of the dealer/port installed tuning kit. The kit will feature the same 192bhp as the Coupe’s kit and the same price tag. You can read our review of the kit for the R56 coupe here. [...]</p> [...] Then later in the year the Clubman will be getting some additional JCW love in the form of the dealer/port installed tuning kit. The kit will feature the same 192bhp as the Coupe’s kit and the same price tag. You can read our review of the kit for the R56 coupe here. [...]

]]> By: jake http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-249489 jake Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:31:37 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-249489 <p>I absolutely love my regular "S". Worth every penny. Maybe I'm getting old, but looking at the JCW's stickers on the lot, turns me off. To pay on an average 10+ more thousand? For what? Quote: "The kit for the R56 is extraordinarily straight forward. In the US it simply consists of a more aggressive air intake, a free flowing exhaust, a turbocharger air filter air guide and the all important ECU upgrade."</p> <p>At that price point, darn near pocket change away from $40 grand, I would just as soon get a Series 1 BMW, which I consider, and many reviewers, the best iconic car to come from BMW in a while.</p> <p>The JCW should have something totally unique to itself. Not simple parts that can be bought for 1\2 the price at an auto parts supply store, a software upgrade, and skirts that are readily available to anyone in the accessory column. You can almost do it all yourself for a lot less.</p> I absolutely love my regular “S”. Worth every penny. Maybe I’m getting old, but looking at the JCW’s stickers on the lot, turns me off. To pay on an average 10+ more thousand? For what? Quote: “The kit for the R56 is extraordinarily straight forward. In the US it simply consists of a more aggressive air intake, a free flowing exhaust, a turbocharger air filter air guide and the all important ECU upgrade.”

At that price point, darn near pocket change away from $40 grand, I would just as soon get a Series 1 BMW, which I consider, and many reviewers, the best iconic car to come from BMW in a while.

The JCW should have something totally unique to itself. Not simple parts that can be bought for 1\2 the price at an auto parts supply store, a software upgrade, and skirts that are readily available to anyone in the accessory column. You can almost do it all yourself for a lot less.

]]> By: mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-238417 mike Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:45:02 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-238417 <p>Is there a comparison of the R56 MCS with the JCW Stage 1 kit and the Factory R56 JCW coming?</p> Is there a comparison of the R56 MCS with the JCW Stage 1 kit and the Factory R56 JCW coming?

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile 2007 MCS (JCW) For Sale http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-236243 MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile 2007 MCS (JCW) For Sale Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:16:18 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-236243 <p>[...] JCW Engine Kit Review [...]</p> [...] JCW Engine Kit Review [...]

]]> By: Farfel http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-226639 Farfel Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:09:52 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-226639 <p>Damn, I love this car! It's like a 200HP go-kart. JCW 4Ever!</p> Damn, I love this car! It’s like a 200HP go-kart. JCW 4Ever!

]]> By: Plaz http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-203219 Plaz Sun, 03 Feb 2008 21:39:13 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-203219 <blockquote>I removed the "Cooper S" logo on the back and put this on myself. I got the idea from the press pics of the JCW Challenge Race car. Personally I’ve always loathed the "S" logo on the back of my car and this was a great way to (A) get rid of it and (B) make the look a little cleaner. I love how there’s no reference to "Cooper S" anywhere on the car now. It’s simply John Cooper Works. Nothing more, nothing less.</blockquote> <p>I like that look a lot... what did you use to reaffix the badge on the other side? Something special, or just some regular old double-sided tape?</p> I removed the “Cooper S” logo on the back and put this on myself. I got the idea from the press pics of the JCW Challenge Race car. Personally I’ve always loathed the “S” logo on the back of my car and this was a great way to (A) get rid of it and (B) make the look a little cleaner. I love how there’s no reference to “Cooper S” anywhere on the car now. It’s simply John Cooper Works. Nothing more, nothing less.

I like that look a lot… what did you use to reaffix the badge on the other side? Something special, or just some regular old double-sided tape?

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » Ask MF: How Livable is the R56 JCW? http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-198295 MotoringFile » Archive » Ask MF: How Livable is the R56 JCW? Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:00:30 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-198295 <p>[...] Tuning Kit. We won’t go into all the details here (you can read a review and see details here) but suffice to say the kit adds power and torque along with improved power delivery. It’s [...]</p> [...] Tuning Kit. We won’t go into all the details here (you can read a review and see details here) but suffice to say the kit adds power and torque along with improved power delivery. It’s [...]

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile Top 10 Stories of 2007 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-193794 MotoringFile » Archive » MotoringFile Top 10 Stories of 2007 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:42:18 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-193794 <p>[...] 7: MF Review: R56 JCW Engine Kit [...]</p> [...] 7: MF Review: R56 JCW Engine Kit [...]

]]> By: Interesting American Roadtest - MINI2 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-171075 Interesting American Roadtest - MINI2 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:54:57 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-171075 <p>[...] Interesting American Roadtest Interesting North American link on acceleration times between the R56JCW and the R53JCW............... MotoringFile » Archive » MF Review: R56 JCW Engine Kit [...]</p> [...] Interesting American Roadtest Interesting North American link on acceleration times between the R56JCW and the R53JCW…………… MotoringFile » Archive » MF Review: R56 JCW Engine Kit [...]

]]> By: Motoring Advisor http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-167553 Motoring Advisor Sat, 06 Oct 2007 06:35:58 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-167553 <p>Got my JCW installed this week. It's incredible!!! The torque is insane and it is always present. This MINI is WAY quicker than my 2005 R53 with the DINAN equivilant. WAY quicker!</p> <p>I LOVE IT!</p> Got my JCW installed this week. It’s incredible!!! The torque is insane and it is always present. This MINI is WAY quicker than my 2005 R53 with the DINAN equivilant. WAY quicker!

I LOVE IT!

]]> By: MotoringFile » Archive » 2007 MCS JCW Engine Kit Reader Review http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-166008 MotoringFile » Archive » 2007 MCS JCW Engine Kit Reader Review Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:01:10 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-166008 <p>[...] MF Review: R56 JCW Engine Kit ] [...]</p> [...] MF Review: R56 JCW Engine Kit ] [...]

]]> By: rattmobbins http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-165804 rattmobbins Sat, 29 Sep 2007 22:42:31 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-165804 <p>Had a chance to check out a JCW at my dealer today, and I wasn't all that impressed.</p> <p>I expected to be able to tell a noticeable difference in power and sound, and I just couldn't.</p> <p>Seems like a lot of money for something that doesn't feel or sound much different than stock. :(</p> Had a chance to check out a JCW at my dealer today, and I wasn’t all that impressed.

I expected to be able to tell a noticeable difference in power and sound, and I just couldn’t.

Seems like a lot of money for something that doesn’t feel or sound much different than stock. :(

]]> By: emtrey http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/comment-page-2/#comment-161439 emtrey Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:32:45 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2007/09/13/mf-review-r56-jcw-engine-kit/#comment-161439 <p>Gabe---saw your car at KNAUZ today... Looks great. Sounded much better than stock(inside, anyway)</p> <p>Anymore commentary on everyday driving/passing now that you have more seat time w/ JCW.</p> <p>I am more concerned with mid range grunt than 0-60. Have another car for that stuff. This is my daily driver and it does seem to flatten out above 5000 rpm.</p> Gabe—saw your car at KNAUZ today… Looks great. Sounded much better than stock(inside, anyway)

Anymore commentary on everyday driving/passing now that you have more seat time w/ JCW.

I am more concerned with mid range grunt than 0-60. Have another car for that stuff. This is my daily driver and it does seem to flatten out above 5000 rpm.

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