Cooper S Upgrading advice
Discussion
Hi all,I'm thinking of modifying my 2005 Cooper S or possibly trading it for a Works model.I really like the spec of my car,and with the curent market as it is I'm probably better keeping it.The JCW kit from a dealer seems very expensive,compared with what Lohen have on offer,but as the car is under warranty,the Lohen option is probably not a good idea.I assume a dealer conversion would not affect the warranty.There's also the issue of insurance,is a JCW upgrade classed as a modified vehicle,or would the car become a genuine JCW? Are there any insurance companies out there,that will accept these mods,or am I going to have to pay through the nose? Any ideas? Sorry if this has been bought up before,but a search didn't really come up with any positive answers,many thanks,John.
If its a 2005 MCS then surely the warranty is soon to be over?
In terms of what the dealer will cover they will still cover anything that hasn't been modified and I have known tuned cars be dealt in a dealer with no hassle, but obviously if they can pass any problems off as being related to the upgrade then you will have to pay the bill.
JCW is nice to have, but like you have found its not as cheap as going elsewhere, I guess its partly do you really want the badge and heritage or are you just purely after power?
The other thing is that with the JCW you would find selling this and insuring it a bit easier than a modified car, as it would be a JCW and most insures books.
If I was in your position I'd weight up what it is you want, if you want the JCW then trade yours in for a JCW where someone else has taken the hit on the residual, or if you want to keep your car and have the power upgrade then take a trip to GTT who offer one of the best conversions around.
In terms of what the dealer will cover they will still cover anything that hasn't been modified and I have known tuned cars be dealt in a dealer with no hassle, but obviously if they can pass any problems off as being related to the upgrade then you will have to pay the bill.
JCW is nice to have, but like you have found its not as cheap as going elsewhere, I guess its partly do you really want the badge and heritage or are you just purely after power?
The other thing is that with the JCW you would find selling this and insuring it a bit easier than a modified car, as it would be a JCW and most insures books.
If I was in your position I'd weight up what it is you want, if you want the JCW then trade yours in for a JCW where someone else has taken the hit on the residual, or if you want to keep your car and have the power upgrade then take a trip to GTT who offer one of the best conversions around.
I renewed the warranty last December,so it still has nearly 10 months to run.I've just got back from a dealer that have a 56 plate works convertible for sale,still waiting for a price for mine.They quoted over £4.5k to have the convertion done on mine,and they say it would only be worth 500-1000 more when it comes to sell it,so that option is definately out.I'm not bothered about it being a genuine Works too much,I've just sold my TVR,got some spare cash,and fancy a bit more power and noise.GTT you say? think i'll check them out.
john p said:
Very impressed with what GTT have on offer,I like the way they produce their products looking similar to the original items;) So who's best then,GTT or Lohen?
Horses for courses really, but my choice would be GTT personally, as the products I have brought from them have always pleased me and others I know that have had work done by them have only good things to say.In terms of the soft top convertible, its great, scuttle shake is there though, I had a JCW convertible before my GP, and still miss it. If you get it check for roof wear, ask if its had any work done on the roof, and only keep while in warranty, as they are pricey and troublesome. But the scuttle shake can be reduced by getting the 3 strut braces from GTT
Good advice,thanks,I'll probably stick with the car I've got and modify.I'll probably wait until it's been serviced,as it has a TLC pack,only 2500 miles to go,will give me time to decide where to start.The dealer never phoned me back with a price anyway,they are obviously selling so many convertables at the moment that they dont need my business.Thanks again.
Without wishing to divert traffic away from P/H, check out MiniTorque forum. It a home for many of the serious tuners, running up to 280hp on Cooper S's. Good for track orientated cars, plus low 13 seconds on Santa Pod 1/4 mile (quicker than E46 M3).
Personally, as a start I'd look into 15 or 17% shorter pulley, upgraded intercooler, manifold, newman or schrick cam and possibly a remap. Probably get you up to 230-240 with plenty of extra torque.
If you still fancy more power, speak to the experts on forums but cylinder heads, injectors and others can be done.
Personally, as a start I'd look into 15 or 17% shorter pulley, upgraded intercooler, manifold, newman or schrick cam and possibly a remap. Probably get you up to 230-240 with plenty of extra torque.
If you still fancy more power, speak to the experts on forums but cylinder heads, injectors and others can be done.
I have a JCW 210 and I do like the setup and how it runs, though it cost me 3K fitted and when I look what I could have got for that money it does bother me a little. I have had it on a rolling road and it made 193.5Bhp which is not the 210 stated and they just don't make the power.
Its a nice feeling to have the real jcw but I suppose it depends what you are looking for. Don't spend over 3K for the conversion as above that is just not on. OR you could just buy the air box, exhaust, and have a pulley fitted and then have the same if not more power. You can buy all the JCW stuff and you will often see ebay has the JCW blower and heads. the conversion could be done for a lot less.
The JCW is classed as a normal non modified car, though it is about 2 or 3 groups higher than the S
Also I would advise you talk to Dave from think mini based in the midlands, he has done lots of work on my car and I am over the moon with his quality of work and commitment to the mini community.
http://www.thinkmini.co.uk/
Its a nice feeling to have the real jcw but I suppose it depends what you are looking for. Don't spend over 3K for the conversion as above that is just not on. OR you could just buy the air box, exhaust, and have a pulley fitted and then have the same if not more power. You can buy all the JCW stuff and you will often see ebay has the JCW blower and heads. the conversion could be done for a lot less.
The JCW is classed as a normal non modified car, though it is about 2 or 3 groups higher than the S
Also I would advise you talk to Dave from think mini based in the midlands, he has done lots of work on my car and I am over the moon with his quality of work and commitment to the mini community.
http://www.thinkmini.co.uk/
Edited by RKDE on Wednesday 11th February 19:04
Just part exchanged it for a 2006 JCW,somebody has spent an absolute fortune on it when new,engine kit,JCW brakes,18 in alloys,suspention,full leather recaros,harmon cardon ice,vis pack,chrono pack,auto aircon etc etc.Just loosing out on the glass sunroof,but hardly ever opened it anyway.This will do for now,may look at some mods for it in the future,Pick it up next Thursday,can't wait
john p said:
Just part exchanged it for a 2006 JCW,somebody has spent an absolute fortune on it when new,engine kit,JCW brakes,18 in alloys,suspention,full leather recaros,harmon cardon ice,vis pack,chrono pack,auto aircon etc etc.Just loosing out on the glass sunroof,but hardly ever opened it anyway.This will do for now,may look at some mods for it in the future,Pick it up next Thursday,can't wait
Sounds like an opportunity you couldn't miss out on.Hope its all you want
Rakey said:
john p said:
Just part exchanged it for a 2006 JCW,somebody has spent an absolute fortune on it when new,engine kit,JCW brakes,18 in alloys,suspention,full leather recaros,harmon cardon ice,vis pack,chrono pack,auto aircon etc etc.Just loosing out on the glass sunroof,but hardly ever opened it anyway.This will do for now,may look at some mods for it in the future,Pick it up next Thursday,can't wait
Sounds like an opportunity you couldn't miss out on.Hope its all you want
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