[lorlux]

Hi,

With my Cooper S 6-Speed manual on sport mode and traction off I struggle for traction up front , on dry roads that is, what do folks with the JCW w/ extra hp experience? I know the actual performance numbers as it relates to acceleration are only -.03 seconds to 62mph/100kph, but I'm curious if you can actually put down the extra power? 189hp in the S isn't all that much (meaning it shouldn't be too much to handle given Ford Focus ST has 250hp through the front wheels and other hot hatches are doing the same), but when the torque is peaking at well over 200 the front can spin a lot, so where does the extra power come into play for JCW in a useable way? Is it off-the-line noticeable or better felt in the mid-range? I can only speak for the 6-Speed manual MCS, not sure if automatic owners struggle to find traction.

 

[Congers]

I'm having this aswell anyone in a cooper s or jcw wanna give their opinion?

 

[N0B0DY]

I put ultra high performance summer tires on the jcw and it reduced wheel slip to almost nothing.

 

[jeremybingham]

REally depends on the tyres; what are you running?Runflats or proper, 16, 17 or 18 inches=etc etc.

 

[pilotwoo]

The JCW, in particular, is tyre limited. It should have 225 section tyres at least, but they won't fit due to those big brembos. As Jeremy says, better tyres are the only way to solve this.

 

[MoBoost]

Why do you have traction control turned off? Let it do what it’s supposed to.
Sticky, high performance tires work well to limit slip.

 

[jimboraver]

Think you just have to get a feel for it... Have had mine mapped, maybe 260/270 bhp, so in the wet with traction off, its pretty useless in 1st or 2nd when nailing the throttle. But after that is all good. In the dry though, is pretty good, i mean you can smoke the tyres if you really wanted but that's not for me (im old lol )
I often have traction off, as it can be really lurchy !! As it grabs the brakes to try and control the power. Prefer a little wheel spin to throwing all the passengers towards the window !!!
I would say its all about the mid range and ease of overtaking, wish i had of got an all4!!
I have an f54 clubby cooper s by the way.

 

[pilotwoo]

Amending your driving style will also help, be smoother with the application of the throttle. If I drop a gear and floor the throttle when overtaking, I will get wheelsman in the dry.

I have the ultra terrible Pirelli P7 Runflats.