Noob with a R56 JCW 'S'

Right then, thanks for the replies.

It is a dealer fit jcw rather than the factory. Like i said in my first post, i have NO proof of the power and i WILL be getting it dyno'd soon.
It was a female owner before me so if there is any mods, she won't have known about them. Haven't looked for any really, but theres nothing modified under the bonnet..Yet.
As for the exhaust (seems to have sparked a debate) surely you can't tell exactly what it is just on the logo on the tip. It is very loud and throaty, pops and burbles all the time in every gear.

As for the suspension and brakes, as its a dealer fit surely (whoever got the kit fitted) decided not to get the brakes. But my friends mum has an ex-demo works (just the aero kit, wheels and badges) and mine's definately lower. Plus after spending top end of £3000 on the front seats, i guess that was enough or that was their limits. I am looking into getting the 'Works' brakes, but depending on how much they're going for i might just paint the standards red.

Thinking of just keeping the black wolfrace wheels on it for the time being. Looks good in my opinion, more stealthy. And yeah like minionesam said the standard hoops are really heavy, well they are compared to these wolfrace alloys. And the car seems to pick up and set off a hell of a lot better on these wheels, not sure if its just because its got some decent tread on it or if putting smaller wheels on has actually helped.

Back to a question i asked in my first post, sports cat or de-cat? Would i be better off spending the extra on a sports cat? And does anyone know if it will pass an MOT with a sports cat?

Thanks again for the replies and taking the time to read

Ahh right fair enough then, learn something new everyday. Thanks.

Yeah i guessed as much, but which would be better for power gains?

Rang 1320 up before and had a chat about possibly getting a re-map. They havent got anything for a r56 yet but he told me best thing would be to get it dyno'd and find out what shes running at the moment before i start modding. So I have just got it booked in for a power run on a dyno on the 7th of march so will know for sure what its got then.

Had a look on the Evolve site and cant find anything for a Cooper S with a JCW kit, just the standard Cooper S and the FJCW. They do something which they send to you and you can plug it in and do it yourself.. Anyone used these before? Tbh i'd rather see my car on a dyno getting it done by a proffesional.

I've done a little bit of research on mapping and it seems i've got two (SAFE) options, which are both right down South, Evolve and 1320. I live in Cumbria, is there anyone a bit more local that specialise in Mini's?