John Cooper Works for your MINI Cooper S :: The Works Team was the name given to Coopers' own drivers racing in the 50s and 60s. Today, John Cooper Works produces the perfect fitting tuning kit for the MINI Cooper S.
Almost three years in development, the John Cooper Works tuning kit is the definitive addition to your MINI Cooper S. Fifty years of racing heritage and experience, coupled with the latest computer design and testing, have resulted in a tuning kit that takes the already quick and nimble MINI Cooper S to new levels of driver appreciation.
Tried and tested :: From 35 degree heat in Southern France to minus 20 degrees in Scandinavia, from 20,000 miles of high-speed testing to 150,000 road miles of durability testing, the John Cooper Works tuning kit has been meticulously put through its paces.
Development testing was conducted at world-class engineering facilities throughout the world including Spa, Goodwood and Miramas (the BMW Williams test track) was used extensively. The development was carried out using the latest test techniques, processes, tools and facilities as used by vehicle manufacturers and racing teams.
Full warranty
When you have a John Cooper Works tuning kit fitted to your MINI Cooper S, either at our facility or at authorised MINI dealers worldwide, your MINI warranty is unaffected. In addition to the individual component tests, the John Cooper Works tuning kit has been functionally checked and validated using extensive test cycles and sign-off procedures.
A John Cooper Works tuning kit gives you additional power and performance plus peace of mind.
What makes the John Cooper Works
Each JCW component is an integral part of the whole. Matched and balanced, together they combine to deliver the breathtaking performance and handling that discerning MINI Cooper S drivers require, together with responsible fuel consumption, emissions and noise levels.
JCW cylinder head
Two years of cylinder head development, using full 3D computer aided design (CAD) were initially needed to get the performance John Cooper Works demanded. Using this CAD data, the heads are fully CNC machined. This ensures the highest standards of accuracy, repeatability and performance.
Statistical data taken from the production of many cylinder heads and blocks enabled the compression ratio to be optimised within the limits of performance, engine calibration and production tolerances.
JCW exhaust system
Developed using CAE and Finite Element Analysis (FE) Tools, this system has been optimised for exterior and interior sound level and quality.
The exhaust system has taken years of intensive development. The result is a parallel-flow low backpressure system, with superb interior and exterior noise quality.
ew sports twin exhaust
JCW engine calibration
Using real-time data from the engine and thousands of maps and constants, all engine control functions including combustion airflow, fuelling and spark advance have been optimised. The result is lively throttle response and increased acceleration when overtaking in the all-important mid-range torque band.
JCW supercharger (Here too is an interesting thread on pulleys)
The supercharger incorporates the latest development step from Eaton in North America , geared to give optimum performance with the improvements in cylinder head and exhaust efficiency.
Advertise your tuning kit
Naturally, the MINI Cooper S tuned by John Cooper Works stands out on the road, but the John Cooper Works front and rear chrome enamel badging and the engine bay plate with unique car number also ensure that it stands out equally well when stationary.
Built for performance and show, the Typhoon™ Air Intake System is a free-flowing mandrel-bent aluminum tube induction system designed to fit many sport compact performance vehicles. Typhoon intakes come in one of three designs; cold air intakes (CA), short ram intakes (SR), or complete cold air (CCA) intakes which can be configured as either a cold air intake or a short ram intake. They also come in four finishes, polished aluminum (part ends with TP), powder coated blue (part ends in TB), powder coated red (part ends in TR), and powder coated silver (ends in TS). K&N intake systems replace your vehicle's restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing. K&N intakes are designed to dramatically reduce intake restriction allowing more air flow to your engine. More air means more usable power and acceleration throughout the engine's RPM range.
Flange Length: 2 in (51 mm)
Flange Type: Centered
Height: 5.5 in (140 mm)
Top Material/Finish: None
Top Outside Diameter: 5 in
Top Style: X-Stream
Weight: 6.9 lb (3.1 kg)
Comments: Installation is fairly straight-forward particularly if you carefully follow the installation manual (HERE). Cost is reasonable and quality high. Those in the know, highly recommend the airbox modification that you see depicted in the pix above - that is, drill a couple of medium sized diameter holes in the back of the box ...
NOTE: BE CAREFUL as brake lines are located directly behind the box.
-- B&M Short Shift
This is a DIFFICULT installation that TAKES TIME (about 2 hours) ... a RACK / LIFT is required and someone with expertise.
CAD-designed for ultraprecise speed shifts, the B&M MINI Cooper Short Kit shortens the shifter stroke by an astounding 27 percent. Tight tolerances and a 6061-T6 aluminum pivot location make the B&M Shifter very smooth and precise. Performance features include a counterbalanced bottom end and a one-piece billet 303 stainless steel stick for ultimate strength. The Mini Cooper Sport Shifter accepts the stock knob, Whalen Shift Machine Knob, the B&M supplied billet aluminum knob or nearly all MOMO and other aftermarket shift knobs. B&M Sport Shifters are bolt-in replacement shifters that require only simple hand tools for quick installation.
Fits the manual transmissions MINI Cooper, One and Cooper S manufactured BEFORE!!! October 2004 . Very important!!!
Stock vs aftermarket
Designed with performance driving in mind. A lower pair of Adjustable Control Arms will allow quick and precise camber adjustment. With the addition of an upper pair Toe can also be controlled. If performance driving is in your future, but camber and toe adjustment aren't necessary, our solid control arms are for you. By replacing the factory stamped steel arms, which are prone to flexing, with our 4130 chromoly arms more feel and control is transferred back to the driver. All arms are supplied with Polyurethane bushings. Polyurethane bushing are pliable to absorb shock, unlike heim-jointed ends, and provide more resistance, than factory rubber bushing, to the forces applied to them without squeaking or wearing. Arms are supplied in pairs.
Installation is relatively straight-forward as instructed HERE (adjustable version only)
NOTE: you could encounter difficulties extracting the bolts due to the brake line: The work around is to lift the wheels off of the ground ... that gives you enough clearance to work the brake line out of the way.
Tires Buy Mark did the expert installation. Call to speak wtih LORI who runs AutoTrix, the satellite automotive end of Tires Buy Mark. Call LORI at 818-992-8694 - tell her PAUL sent you!! 7517 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Canoga Park 91303
The good news: there are a number of big brake systems available for the MINI.
The not so good news: there are some interesting consequences associated with modifying to monster-sized rotors including, without limitation, ride height, wheel well clearance, wheel selection, (possible need for) spacers, lug choices, etc.
As for wheel selection, the list is short:
Manufacturer / Model
Photo
Offset-
Spacer?
RGF
38-none
Evolution
10mm
Superleggra
5mm
HT3
none
Evo 5
none
Action
none
Action Sport
none
Avia
2mm
Competition
none
Fox 5
none
KA3
35-none
Revo 18"
none
Zoro 10
42-none
Rib
40-none
Opulent
45-none
And, to put your brain to ease, the offset number has NOTHING to do with calc'ing what will or will not work. The good folks at Discount Tire Direct have a fancy computer that, when vested with the right information, tells us lay people what applications work. Basically, you want a wheel that has nominal or NO lip and with spokes that curve outward away from the vehicle. The foregoing give sufficient clearance to the monster calipers.
The guy who created the calc states (and THIS IS MY DISCLAIMER!): "This calculator will help with the selection of wider wheels. Fill in the 4 fields and hit the 'Calculate' button. You may also use the arrows to adjust the wheel offsets. The point to keep in mind when selecting a wheel offset is to make sure your strut housing-to-wheel clearance is not significantly reduced, or the insides of your tires will rub suspension pieces, or not fit at all. Please do not ask me if some wheel you are considering will fit, I have no idea. First, do the research needed to obtain the info I am asking for below. Then, present the results I provide to a group or someone familiar with your car, and ask them if they think the wheel will fit."
The Mini's ride height and ground clearance are pretty low, so to protect those precious power train components BMW added a plastic skid plate. Moss Motors offers more durable alternatives: brushed stainless steel and tough, powder-coated mild steel replacements that will stand up to driveway ramps and road debris. Both have strategically-placed holes for cooling airflow and come with high-grade button head, hex-socket bolts that won't fetch up on anything. Our Moss skid plate extends back further to also protect the fragile Power Steering cooling fan from debris and plastic bags that may get caught up in the fan. If the power steering fan fuse blows you also lose the radiator cooling fans. Mounts to factory holes. Click here for installation instructions. Note too that there are different part numbers for the MC and MC"S".
Every portion of your MINI suspension is subjected to extreme loads under hard cornering. One of the weakest parts on your stock suspension are the factory end links. These are solely responsible for taking the cornering load from the control arm and applying it to the anti-sway bar. The flimsy factory units prevent your sway bar from doing its job efficiently and smoothly.
We have solved this problem with our easy to install ALTA Performance upgraded end links. These are available for the front and rear of your MINI.
Our links feature 6061 powder coated aluminum rods and aircraft quality Teflon lined spherical studded rod ends. These combine to form a fully adjustable, direct connection from sway bar to control arm. This stronger than stock rod allows linear bar response not found on factory or other competitive versions.
.....What this means to you is tighter, more responsive handling. Instead of the factory link bending and twisting prior to applying cornering force, the force is immediately applied. Avid autocrossers and club sport racers can also use the adjustable length to "pre-load" the front and rear sway bars for even stronger response. If precise control over your suspension response is what you need and desire we have the answer. Also, an excellent compliment to our sway bars!
Combined with the right AMPs and Cross-Overs and Sub-Woofer you can end up with a moving system that rivals any home system ... mine rocks ... which explains why this car was in the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January!
All my speakers were changed to Alumapro units - highs and lows and Sub-Woofer - and a ZAPCO EQ was added through which everything operates.
Tires
What to buy : Experience : Track vs Street
Understanding Heat Cycling
A competition tire is built with a highly sophisticated tread compound, capable of sustaining traction throughout a much wider temperature range, but also extremely sensitive to the first heat cycle of its use. If the first cycle is not performed correctly, the tread may develop irregular compounding, leading to poor wear and inconsistent traction. In the past, many racers tried to "heat cycle" their own tires with mixed results. Besides the inconsistency, there was the inconvenience of mounting and dismounting the tires before using them to race (after the first heat cycle, a competition tire must be rested 24 to 48 hours to reform the molecular bonds). The Discount Tire heat cycling system uses rollers of proprietary design and placement.
The system generates uniform heating and temperature build up throughout the tread (a condition not achievable on a vehicle due to camber). A soft temperature curve, where the tire is gradually heated and then cooled over a specified time (ambient temperature must be consistent as well), is maintained and monitored during the cycle. In this way the entire tread is heat cycled uniformly throughout its depth and width. In the time it takes to freight the tires, they have "rested" long enough to be race ready.
In my experience, the bang for the buck comes from the NITTOs ... on the STREET they perform VERY well in all weather conditions. On the TRACK, they hold up remarkably well and air pressures stay even ALL DAY LONG. However, they are street tires and the YOKOs are going to be better for lower lap times ... but how much lower? And is it worth the extra $400 per set for ONE DAY? Your call.
testing, the John Cooper Works tuning kit has been meticulously put through its paces. 
JCW cylinder head 
JCW supercharger (
RGF 
Evolution
HT3 
Competition
Fox 5 
KA3 
Revo 18" 
Zoro 10 
Opulent 
suspension are the factory end links. These are solely responsible for taking the cornering load from the control arm and applying it to the anti-sway bar. The flimsy factory units prevent your sway bar from doing its job efficiently and smoothly.
We have solved this problem with our easy to install ALTA Performance upgraded end links. These are available for the front and rear of your MINI. 
found on factory or other competitive versions. 
