Well I have decieded to purchase a Cai for my mini at 1fastmini. But I cant choose between the M7 or the Alta. I like that the alta has a silicone hose included but would rather have a fully enclosed box like the m7. Is the m7 a better design than the alta, even after putting the lid ontop?
Can you guys tell me the pros and cons of each system so a I can make a good choice before a purchase one?

Thanks Mike

sorry about spelling

 

everyone pretty much goes alta on the forums, i went Ultrik no regrets

 

its an awesome part! don't decide until you have seen one!

 

Today - I just installed the M7 DDM Cai with the Alta Silcone hose.
My mini group said a lot of them didn't really like the Alta Cai - that's
why I chose the M7. Good Luck!

 

No real difference between them. The box top is not really adding anything to the design. The Alta seals against the hood w/o the lid, and they both draw air from the cowl grills. The M7 is actually a DDM product, not there own design.

 

if u must have it fully enclosed, alta offers a box top as well

 

[quote=ScottinBend;
The M7 is actually a DDM product, not there own design.[/quote]

Thanks for pointing that out . I just got home and saw this thread. We distribute the DDM box on behalf of DDM as Scotty said and had nothing to do with the design of the product.

Thanks

Randy
M7 Tuning

 

I've had them both. I slightly prefer the HDI/DDM design
So look at Webb motorsports, DDM or M7 and buy whichever is cheaper.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. The alta pulls me in because it is less expensive compared to the ddm with a silicone hose. Its only like a 20 dollar difference so if most people agree the enclosed design doesnt make to much of a difference then I think I will buy the alta. I can always get the lid later.
Going to 1fastmini soon and cash in on our 10% discount . Thanks for all the replies.

Mike

 

TBH. The hose is just bling. And it's just a rebranded Samco hose so it might be cheaper elsewhere.

 

i'd say alta looks better. and craven is also very good. especially cause you remove the whole stock intake and replace it with the craven one.
m7/ddm is very nice too.
but one reason why people dont like alta is cause it's too loud. and the m7 one is just about right.
it all goes down to watch YOU prefer.

 

I love the sound of my Alta.

 

I dont think a louder super charger whine would bother me at all.
I thought the inside of the stock hose is slight ribbed and a smaller diameter than the alta or samco hoses. I could be wrong but im sure the hose helps airflow a bit.

 

i love the sound of my alta TOO!!



:( i missed their 10% discount...........................

I wanted a set of rear control arm :(:(:(

:(:(:(

 

Do any of the intakes Alta, M7, Helix, etc… Have a built in venturi ring?

Or are they just tubes in boxes with conical filters attached?

 

Are you thinking like the "Wepon" style ring? If so, not that I have seen.

The available Mini CAIs use some of the OE pieces or supplied tubes that go thru a supplied replacement fence or box with a filter. Most of the filters have a funnel at the engine side. There is & has been a lot of talk as to which 1 is best.

 

Thanks for your reply!

I don't know what a "Weapon" style ring is. I'm looking for something like the ring found in the kit Stillen makes for SR20DE powered cars. http://www.stillen.com/product.asp?i...AN&model=200SX

The filter attaches on the ring & the ring attaches to the pipe that goes to the throttle body. The ring increases both the density and velocity of the incoming air. From your description none of the MINI intakes do this.

Without the venturi ring you'll get basically the same HP results from a good foam drop in filter & drilling some holes in the stock box for more airflow.

See my post in the Intercoolers discussion about the European import scene needing to learn some tech from the Asian import scene. Those guys have been over this stuff like 10 years ago.

Looks like I'll wait or build my own…

 

The ring, yes I know what you're talking about. Pipercross may have what you're looking for. Weapon http://www.weaponspeed.com/w173.html
I saw your post. It's a gooder. The European scene could use some plane old USA iron as well.

 

I think GTT in Europe makes a venturi-style CAI. I have also used the aFe conical filter that has a built-in venturi on the inside. I find the increase in density argument dubious, but the increase in velocity palatable--but how much of an increase are we talking about here? And what effect does it have once the air hits the SC?
wrt you IC posts, you make a very good point. Those JDM guys have been around a lot longer than us. I still think there are some problems unique to the Mini. I've seen a few FMIC attempts, and while ingenious they are certainly not ready for prime time. And when you think of TMIC, Subarus have been running them for quite some time (and look where they are place!)

cheers, and welcome to NAM

 

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

Hey Doc, http://www.racearsenal.com/sbabso.gif this is what we ran on the shifters. Have 1 on my mini. The dyno for the shifter says an honest 6hp ( it's in the wide open air - almost 7 w/41mm carb over the mandated WKA filter ). I also have 1 on an AEM CAI on an XB ( along with an M45 ).

 

The stock unit is smooth on the inside and unless you're pulling serious numbers the larger diameter does diddly.
I ran my car with/without when I first bought my Alta and there's no performance difference.

 

Hmmmmm. I'd say "diddly" just about says it all.
Thanks Obe....

 

It's nice to see that Stillen sells an intake for $130... too bad we don't get things that cheap in the MINI community...

 

Tell it like it is.....

Inexpensive is the word.