Ask MF: Anyone Have R50 JCW Info?

Try here

http://www.archive.org/web/web.php

try this part number at your mini dealership. # 11-12-0-302-672

This was always bizarre to me. Why not spens the extra $3k for an S vs whatever this cost for vitually nothing?

I started a topic in a similar vein regarding the original R50 John Cooper Challenge cars here at NAM and we’ve collected some real nuggets of information: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/cooper-non-s/168553-john-cooper-challenge-cars.html

The JCW R50 cylinder head was essentially the same as what they put on the JCC cars– I don’t think there were any changes to the stock cam or timing. I’m currently having my cylinder head ported and I’m planning on having a tune done by either Mynes or RMW to replicate the HP gains from that kit. I feel like if I know that JCW took the car that far and kept it in good working order then I can push it in a similar direction and be safe as well.

More info here: (click reveal) http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item#faq_jcw_kts_models

Tim is on the right track enquiring about a camshaft to compliment the JCW R50 package. Look back at the link above supplied by Gabe to see the power graph and the dip between 3 & 4k rpm is evident. I’ve seen an improvement in this area on a standard R50 with the right camshaft profile. Unfortunately, hardware alone can’t fix it entirely; it requires help from a proper tune. Although the JCW head may be down somewhat in comparison to quality aftermarket offerings, it is still an improvement. Any intelligent work on the exhaust side can yield gains, add a few improvements pre & post head and it all helps. For R50 camshaft information, info@werkinmini.com.

What I’m trying to do is contact someone knowledgeable about the R50 works head, specifically if there is a recommended cam or profile to get the best out of the head.

The kit uses the stock cam and was tuned for it. I wouldn’t expect you to find any official recommendation about alternative cams.

If you want to get the most out of the kit, I suggest getting a custom ECU tune. I have the Sound Kit which came with its own tune, but my RMW custom tune is far superior.

The MINI in the photos and the MF review is my 2004 JCW MINI Cooper. So obviously (Frank), they WERE sold in the US, but only from April 2004 until the 2005 model year production began on July 1, 2004. Minspeed sold me mine and at least one other to an owner in Seattle.

As stated, the head is machined but I believe the cam is stock. However, the brochure says they adjusted the compression ratio.

There was some detailed discussion of the R50 JCW Tuning Kit in both the original 132 hp and later 126 hp versions on MINI2 (http://www.mini2.co.uk).

If you’d like to contact me, Gabe can give you my email address.

@MOTORN: Thanks for the link, I’ll try it.

@mini rich: This is the part number for the kit I have, which includes an unchanged OEM standard cam.

@greg: This can be repositioned from the perspective that realistically, the MC is more than adequate for 99% of MINI buyers and comes without the MCS premium. The MC scoots its tires around corners every bit as hard has the MCS.

@Mk1: Acutally, I believe MINIUSA imported the kits and MINISpeed acted as a reseller. Mine came from the US supply, supposedly the last instock. Now, MINISpeed/Dealerships import from Europe, which as of this writing, there are 5 left in the world.

@MiniGB06: Not similar, the same used in JCC back in the day.

@Keith: Thats interesting; I’ve heard the same about aftermarket offerings being down in comparison to the JCW and even stock.

Sidebar: I suggest those interested in upgrading the head read a quality engine building book and understand diminishing returns in relation to the powerband and how building for need is more important than posting numbers.

@Chris Tuveson: See sidebar above.

@Keith: I’ll look into the ‘Franks’ thread.

@James: Cams and entire valvetrain is as stock. Compression Ratio I didn’t know about. Any leads on where I could land one of those early brochures for collection?