Hmm, John Cooper Werks? Is it worth it?

[DogTownBimmer]

I've been debating on which car I'm going to buy. One of the options is a Mini Cooper S. I like the idea of a new car coupled with some boost to play with.

I was wondering if the John Cooper Werks kit is worth the money. I believe it comes with an exhaust upgrade, new head, more capable supercharger and engine software.

I was trying to compare this kit with the likes of the Turner Motorsport pully package which doesn't include the head upgrade and then buying an exhaust package.

I'm finding that the cost to buy the individual components of the John Cooper Werks kit would be fairly close to buying them from aftermarket dealers, so what gives.

What is different about the JCW supercharger from stock?
Can you put a pulley kit on top of the JCW package?
Is the JCW kit even worth the money?

[TomM]

In my opinion, it's not worth it.

The gains we saw when comparing a stock S and a JCW S was laughable. However, according to a good friend who drove both of them, the JCW has a lot more torque down low than the Stock S does, which is one complaint I have about my car. Under 3500 there isn't any power.

Now, the mods. Yes, I am going to do some ricer HP math here.

Intake - $250 - 9hp
Exhaust - $650 - 10hp
Pulley - $200+$200 install - 20hp

~200hp now at the crank spending only $1300, and thats about what people are getting with those mods.

Then add:
Headers/Cat - $1300 - 10-15hp
Chip/ECU/Flash - $750 (pulley specific) - 10-15hp

Thats $3,350 now and you've spent 1500 dollars less for about 30 more hp. Obviously you'll spend more for installation etc. but you get the idea. That leaves about enough for some nice wheels and tires and you'd have one SICK car. About as sick as you can get right now performance wise. There are talks of doing a turbocharger on top of the supercharger and apparently there are people developing/talking about it now as well as just turbochargers for the MCS. So honnestly, if you like the car, get one now or get your order in on one and hold off on the JCW package. It can always be added later if you REALLY want it. The onlything attractive about the JCW package, is the warranty which for some people is important.

Tom

[DogTownBimmer]

Tom, really good info, your the one in the Car and Driver Super Tuner challenge right. That is some awesome stuff.

I was thinking with all of the mods that you listed above, plus a cam and if your correct about doubling up with a turbo this could be one HELL of an AutoX car, with suspetion that is. When it's all said and done their could be 250 rwhp.

Do you know the amount of boost w/stock supercharger vs w/pulley vs/ JCW kit?

Oh and does this engine have forged internals?