If you read our Darton Project blog and were inspired but didn’t want to have a closed deck engine then this blog is probably better suited to you, as the customer featured here bought his Gen 2 R56 JCW to us for a crate engine build and some other performance modifications that whets the appetite of even the biggest petrol head.
As always, our sales team were eager to sit down with this customer and discuss all the modifications he wanted and from this, it quickly became apparent that this customer, like most of us, this customer wanted a MINI that produced a lot of power but was also a joy to drive. With this information, our sales team were able to see what this customer’s desired outcome was so we were able to make the necessary modifications.
Engine Upgrades
After the initial consultation, and having discussed the owners intentions with the car, we recommended that he opted for our Config 6 Crate Engine Build, as this can engine can handle the excessive heat build up associated with high powered tunes and the uprated internals selected and used in this engine can withstand much more abuse than the standard MINI engine. Our Config 6 crate engine was designed to be used by those MINI owners who want the very best from their MINI, it is suitable for high powered fast road, track and race applications.
We offer a choice of stock MINI camshafts or performance Schrick camshafts with this Crate Engine option. Choosing Schrick camshafts increases valve lift and duration of lift, which means that the valves stay open for longer and increases the volume of both air and fuel entering the cylinders. Using Schrick cams means that a greater amount of air can be developed, this makes them an excellent choice for a high powered MINI like this one.
It became clear very quickly that this customer wanted a high powered MINI, however, the OEM MINI Turbo can tolerate between 265 and 275 bhp for a Cooper S and 285 bhp for a JCW. If someone is looking to push 300+ bhp then a turbo upgrade is needed. Opting for the Owen Developments Hybrid Turbo, which has custom internals and a larger turbine and compressor wheel, meant that this customer could safely run more power. This customer chose to get his new upgraded turbo Zircotec Coated in black, this provides a robust, lightweight thin coating on the turbo housing which can enhance the car’s performance as it helps with heat measurement. Once the engine was reinstalled, some Samco Hoses were fitted, these hoses help reduce the risk of failure and can enable high temperatures and pressures to be maintained with confidence due to their superb integrity and superior performance.
Ultimate Performance
To accompany his new engine build this customer had our Performance Pack 2installed. This package uses some of the highest quality hardware and software components which when paired with our expertise creates a MINI that oozes power and torque. The use of an Airtec intercooler helps to maintain consistent low intake temperatures, which allow this high-performance engine to make power under high loads. Opting for the Milltek Sports Cat provides an increase in gas flow, power and throttle response, which together produce a fantastic deep sound. Uprated spark plugs are fitted to deal with the increased demands that are placed on the ignition system when a car is tuned.
Also included in this package is a Manic motorsport Stage 2 Remap, however, due to the fact that this customer had a Config 6 Crate engine build with Schrick Cams, he opted instead to have a Manic Motorsport Stage 3 Remap installed which was customised to suit the performance camshafts, as well as this MINIs application and build spec. Once installed and after completing the running in process, the car was put on the dyno where it made 310 bhp and 407 Nm of Torque and has taken the 3rdspot on our Dyno leader board.
Talking the Torque
Once the engine and performance modifications were done, upgrades to the handling were made. This customer opted to have Quaife ATB Differential installed as it provides smooth, constant traction and has no adverse effect on the MINIs steering. By choosing a Quaife Differential, this customer is ensuring that all the power that was gained from the custom map and other respective modifications can be put down on the road. As engine power outputs through modification increase even further, the ability to use this extra power becomes more important, and while wheelspin may look spectacular, the loss of traction from either a standing start or from an existing bend is simply a waste time. We recommend opting for an ATB (Anti Torque Biasing) differential for all fast road drivers The Quaife ATB Differential is the perfect fit and forget modification for high powered MINI JCW’s like this one, as it requires no maintenance.
When a MINI is highly tuned it is common for the stock clutch to slip under the high torque loads, to avoid this we recommend that you have a high-performance clutch fitted, which is exactly what this customer did. Opting for the TTV Organic Clutch Kit means that this customer keeps the drivability of his MINI as this clutch remains quiet while maintaining a stock like pedal feel. The use of the single mass flywheel included in this kit also helps the car to rev easily through the range. The TTV organic clutch is perfect for MINIs that are used for fast road applications and light track use as they can handle up to 475 Nm of torque, which is more than most Stage 2 MINIs produce. This paired with the Quaife Differential transformed the drivability of this customer’s MINI whist still keeping it comfortable enough for day-to-day use.
The Final Result
Throughout its time here at Lohen, this MINI JCW underwent a massive performance transformation and the products selected for this job help create a high powered MINI that turns the head of even the biggest of petrol heads.
If this builds whets your appetite and you are interested in taking your Gen 2 MINI to the next level then book your consultation by contacting our sales team on 01785 859999 or sales@lohen.co.uk. You can keep up to date with all the latest Lohen news and content by following us on social media – thanks for reading this, we hope to see you soon!
Engine
- Lohen Config 6 Crate Engine Build
- Supertech N14 Pistons (10:1 Compression Ratio)
- Supertech N14 Piston Ring Set
- Supertech Connecting Rods with ARP Bolts
- ARP Head Stud Kit
- ARP Mail Bolt kit
- Mahle Big End Bearings
- Mahle Main End Bearings
- Supertech Intake Valves
- Supertech Bronze Valve Guides for Exhaust and Inlet Valves
- Supertech Collets for Exhaust and Inlet Valves
- Supertech Beehive Springs
- Supertech Titanium Valve Retainers
- Timing Chain Kit
- Lohen Gasket Kit
- Weight and Matched Pistons and Connecting Rods
- Balanced Crankshaft
- Schrick Camshafts
- Owen Developments Hybrid Turbo
- Samco Coolant and Boost Hose Kit
- Samco Turbo Hoses
- GFB Diverter Valve
- Mishimoto Oil Catch Cam
- Lohen De-Coke
Packages
- Lohen Performance Pack 2
- Engine Health check
- Airtec Front Mount Intercooler
- Milltek Sports Catalyst Downpipe
- Uprated NGK Spark Plugs
- ITG High Flow Panel Filter
- Fitting of all Components
- Dyno Run
- Manic Motorsport Stage 3 Remap
Drivetrain
- TTV Organic Clutch and Single Mass Flywheel
- Quaife ATB Differential
Chassis
- Powerflex Bushes