Here’s one just for the Cooper owners out there. With the recent release of the John Cooper Sound Kit for the Cooper, we’ve had several people ask about the official installation PDF. Well as luck would have it we managed to just have one lying around.
[ JCW Cooper Sound Kit ] Official MINI Installation Instructions
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!
I wouldn’t doubt it.
You wouldn’t happen to have the official installation PDF for the JCW Tuning Kit for the Cooper lying around, would you?
Does anyone have any pictures of the
before and after look on the engine?
regards,
Charles
Hey Gabe
did you got my email?
regards,
Charles
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
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.
Funny, I just noticed that is says appox. 1 hour installation time.
I think I was charged for 2.5 hours.
>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.
<blockquote>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.</blockquote>
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 😉 ).
What is a good price on this kit (w/out labor)?
Suggested retail is $1100.
I’ve seen it on ebay for $900.
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.
The installation pdf is showing the exhaust as the OEM shape – I thought the JCW exhaust had an oval shaped silencer?
This is just nuts. $1100 for an exhaust, intake, and an engine cover? I’m in the wrong industry.
<blockquote>This is just nuts. $1100 for an exhaust, intake, and an engine cover?</blockquote>
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
<blockquote>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</blockquote>
OK. The Milltek exhaust for the <em>Cooper</em> 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.
>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.
<blockquote>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.</blockquote>
Amen!
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.
<blockquote>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.</blockquote>
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.)
Hey Gabe
just send you the email again
please check your Spam filters just in case
regards,
Charles
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.