Engine Drivetrain 1st Gen Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Next engine mod recommendations.....

I’m puzzled by your dismissal of headwork; it sounds like you think it might result in over-the-top, unusable gains. You have a great performance base in the JCW kit, there’s not much more that can be done by adding or swapping other bolt-ons; you already have some of the best. Outside of nitrous or digging deep in the motor, nothing will provide that sought after boost in performance like a well-engineered head & cam. The thing about good headwork is increased performance throughout the rev range, not just high rpm. It’s a myth that larger valves rob low-end performance, Chase’s car made 174 lb-ft of torque at 3300 rpm; you really can have it both ways. Your car should be fun at any speed not just at a track pace. It’s too bad you can’t take my car for a drive, even on the street it doesn’t disappoint and it never feels unmanageable. If your apprehensions involve economics, that’s ok, if you can afford it start with the NS1 cam, it’s possible that could satisfy you.

 

Since you are already running in the intermediate and advanced run groups, if you haven't already, it is time to think more about your safety and the installation of a roll bar or cage, proper race seats, and 5 or 6 point harnesses. These will actually help to improve your lap times as they will allow you to relax in the seat and not have to fight to stay behind the wheel. It will also extend the time you can spend behind the wheel before you get too tired. No more death grip on the wheel, just a nice light grip.

You have not mentioned what tires you are using. Switching to R-compound tires will also improve your lap times.

It has often been said that the most important nut to tighten is the nut behind the wheel. Invest in more track time and some good instruction. Usually the least expensive way to go faster.

Just my $0.02

 

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Nitro - the inventor of the "BreadHead"

 

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I think you are in some uncharted territory here, JCW stuff and only wanting a modest gain is unique since everyone else wants all they can get HP wise and more.

My own uneducated thought is a cam, but as you say, which one...

As far as the great unwashed masses (thats all of us) can tell no one has yet to run a back to back to back test with the 3 you mentioned. All we have is the specs doled out to us and reports from owners of each. Of course each owner is going to think their decision is best hence the bias we see along with some of the struggle to get "real" information.

In the end with the limited data we all have the NS-1 looks to fall in your sweet spot. Another alternative is a cam gear to dial in a few degrees changing the curve on the current cam.

Not sure if that helps or just tosses more fuel on the decision fire...

 

Okay, go for:

- Thumper TPR 2 Head
- NS1 Cam
- Mynes/RMW tune

Then you will have a winner!!!!

 

you can get a variety of heads out there. ENDYN, Thumper, and mini-madness offer a range of heads. you dont have to get a head that produces that much power. you can talk to K-huevo about the possibilities of a small port head. I have driven his car and it is a crazy torque monster, it feels completely different than mine.

anyway, just my two cents

 

I am looking to do head/cam and header work myself. I have been doing quite a bit of research and I am hearing that the RMW 'Jesus' head is one the best options. Does anyone have any different feedback?
Any recommendations on headers? Here I am seeing a wide range of recommendations and pricing.

 

I have an Endyn mid-sized head and rmw street header combo with a miltek exhaust and LOVE it. :cornut:

 

Read through this http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/engine-drivetrain/1247-werkin-mini-endyn.html for another option.