Discussion
Perfect - cheers!
I was more interested in the real world difference between the standard JCW and the Challenge (I see you have had both!). I want a toy that I can use on the road and also do+learn track days in. The Mini seems quite sorted from a suspension / brake aspect so shouldn't need any further mods I thought/hoped? A mate has just bought a 275 Megane Trophy with KW sus and uprated brakes etc and witnessing it at Donnington this Monday I want to find something similar - light, sensible running costs and around 200hp/ton. Thought about a Golf Clubsport S but bit pricey at £30k+, also a Civic Type R but don't like the looks of it. Then started looking at JCW's which led me to the Challenge
I'm also thinking about a Caterham.. but for what I want is more than I can justify atm
I was more interested in the real world difference between the standard JCW and the Challenge (I see you have had both!). I want a toy that I can use on the road and also do+learn track days in. The Mini seems quite sorted from a suspension / brake aspect so shouldn't need any further mods I thought/hoped? A mate has just bought a 275 Megane Trophy with KW sus and uprated brakes etc and witnessing it at Donnington this Monday I want to find something similar - light, sensible running costs and around 200hp/ton. Thought about a Golf Clubsport S but bit pricey at £30k+, also a Civic Type R but don't like the looks of it. Then started looking at JCW's which led me to the Challenge
I'm also thinking about a Caterham.. but for what I want is more than I can justify atm
Real world difference from the F56 JCW? It's a lot stiffer even in it's softest mode (20 way adjustable dampers) The steering feel is greatly enhanced though still not as good as the old R56 which I had previously. The Diff along with the Cup2 tyres makes cornering speeds you woudn't think possible in a front wheel drive car! It's a real joy. As an out of the box beginners track day tool it's a pretty good shout. Quite easy to adjust so you can have a little play with the set up. Another big bonus is it has all these "mods" as a standard manufactured car so no declarations and extra insurance and warranty problems!
One thing to look for if you find one is there has been a problem with the top mounts and they need replacing (under warranty)
You also should get a spare set of wheels.
One thing to look for if you find one is there has been a problem with the top mounts and they need replacing (under warranty)
You also should get a spare set of wheels.
Edited by ghiblicup on Saturday 8th June 09:44
Cheers mate. I'm liking the sound of it the more I research it. And thank's for pointing out the issue with the top mounts 
eta - there's a Challenge for sale (Sytner) and spoke with the dealer a few weeks ago re wheels because it's photographed with the 17" track spec rims and not the Team Dynamic ones. He said he's not sure about the TD wheels and would need to check, and possibly apply to BMW for them? Kinda put me off at the time because he seemed like his car wasn't going to come with them.
eta - there's a Challenge for sale (Sytner) and spoke with the dealer a few weeks ago re wheels because it's photographed with the 17" track spec rims and not the Team Dynamic ones. He said he's not sure about the TD wheels and would need to check, and possibly apply to BMW for them? Kinda put me off at the time because he seemed like his car wasn't going to come with them.
Edited by Phooey on Saturday 8th June 20:42
The cars all came new with both sets of wheels so I would query where they have gone and demand them. The TD wheels and Cup2 tyres are part of the cars ability.
One thing to watch is all the extra bits like Nitron dampers, Quaife diff etc are warrantied by TotalTrack with the base car being warrantied by Mini. Makes it confusing and time consuming to resolve any issues.
Great cars though.
S
One thing to watch is all the extra bits like Nitron dampers, Quaife diff etc are warrantied by TotalTrack with the base car being warrantied by Mini. Makes it confusing and time consuming to resolve any issues.
Great cars though.
S
Phooey said:
Perfect - cheers!
I was more interested in the real world difference between the standard JCW and the Challenge (I see you have had both!). I want a toy that I can use on the road and also do+learn track days in. The Mini seems quite sorted from a suspension / brake aspect so shouldn't need any further mods I thought/hoped? A mate has just bought a 275 Megane Trophy with KW sus and uprated brakes etc and witnessing it at Donnington this Monday I want to find something similar - light, sensible running costs and around 200hp/ton. Thought about a Golf Clubsport S but bit pricey at £30k+, also a Civic Type R but don't like the looks of it. Then started looking at JCW's which led me to the Challenge
I'm also thinking about a Caterham.. but for what I want is more than I can justify atm
I have one that I would consider selling as I just can't find the time to use it as intended...I was more interested in the real world difference between the standard JCW and the Challenge (I see you have had both!). I want a toy that I can use on the road and also do+learn track days in. The Mini seems quite sorted from a suspension / brake aspect so shouldn't need any further mods I thought/hoped? A mate has just bought a 275 Megane Trophy with KW sus and uprated brakes etc and witnessing it at Donnington this Monday I want to find something similar - light, sensible running costs and around 200hp/ton. Thought about a Golf Clubsport S but bit pricey at £30k+, also a Civic Type R but don't like the looks of it. Then started looking at JCW's which led me to the Challenge
I'm also thinking about a Caterham.. but for what I want is more than I can justify atm
As the other poster says they're a lot stiffer than the standard JCW but so much more fun - the diff really helps get the power down (which I thought was a big problem in the standard car)
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