so ill be the first to admit it..ive never actually modded an engine or any engine component on my own car...but i really want to get a CAI for my mini. i haven't heard one yet (that i know of at least) but i want to get a bit more growl and rasp out of my exhaust, and also hear the turbo spooling...i love that sound.

what brands and models would you guys suggest and do you have pictures and sound clips possibly?

ive seen the alta system and i am seriously debating getting it. also..are there any other cheap-ish power gaining mods like this?

do you guys have any DIY for these cold air intakes, or know how difficult they are to install to a mechanically-inclined-but-never-actually-done -anything-like-this-before person?

i dont know what to get. i would love to get something as soon as possible, maybe around holiday season? (which is sadly starting this week lol) hopefully i can find something on black Friday though hahah.

sorry if theres already a thread about this - its really late and i really wanted to try to get some replies.


Edit: also - is there a JCW cold air intake? or is that considered the airbox? and is it available individual from the complete performance package? and how much is it - and is it only available from the dealer?

 

I have the ALTA CAI and highly recommend it. No sounds clips yet but the sound with it is amazing. I can hear the whoosh of the intake sucking in air almost every time I accelerate and the sound of the diverter valve every time I let off. Very cool without being at all obnoxious. Not to mention it looks great under the hood, created a noticeable increase in power and my mileage actually increased. Can't get any better than that.

I can't comment on the install as I didn't do it myself, but I can say it took no time at all. It's meant to be a relatively simple install and Adam from ALTA has instructions on the ALTA site. Also check out this thread.

Two other relatively simple mods from ALTA you should look into if you want good power gains without paying too much are the turbo inlet hose and boost tubes. They tie in great with the CAI and are around the same price as it.

 

sweet...thanks a lot...maybe Adam will give me a price cut for being a student, a NAM member, and possibly purchasing in the holiday season (if i can get enough money scrapped together)

thanks for your reply. do you have a picture of your intake installed?


Edit: ok so i just checked out ALTAs website and for those three products is about $840....thats $840 more than i have lol...i guess ill need to buy em piece by piece and get raped on shipping but if its everything you say it is, i guess itll be worth it, right?

 

You can also buy the products from NAMotorsports.net (forum sponsor). I ordered my turbo inlet and boost tubes from them. They offer a 10% discount on Alta products.

Don't worry so much about the shipping. If you're buying the products over time the amount of extra money you're spending on shipping isn't terrible. Be patient and don't feel the need to get everything at once (VERY difficult, I know )

 

lol thanks so much for the tip...i appreciate it. ill look into that

Edit: wow thats is like hitting the damn jackpot! incredible. ha!

 

+1 for the Alta





Very easy install. Like, 30 minutes if you just follow the directions!!!

 

lol i always follow the directions...(the second time around =X) haha just kidding...

is that your intake or is that the picture from the ALTA website?

and do you have one? how do you like it? do you have any other performance mods?

 

I have the Alta one as well and really like a lot....very easy and straight forward install, makes the car sound awesome, and looks cool under the hood....definitely would recommend the Alta intake.

 

That's my car, more pics and a sound clip at the link in my signature. I also have the turbo inlet hose (seen in picture). Its a great combo. Definitely feel the difference in power, and you get all sorts of sporty turbo sounds if thats your thing. Careful though; once you start modding its tough to stop.

 

hah yeah it sounds great - is that sound clip just the intake or both the intake and the turbo inlet hose? i plan on getting (eventually) the intake, inlet hose, and the boost tube upgrade...ill see how the price works with my wallet size..or lack there-in ha.

thanks for the advice im almost 90% sold on the alta intake =D

 

Thats both the CAI and Turbo Inlet Hose. Let me make up the last 10% of your mind by saying DO IT!!!

 

hahha thats a good reason to do it...the last 10% that i havnt decided on yet is because of the lack of money i have...should i go with the intake or a whalen shift ****? thats REALLY the question. if i go with the shift ****, i can install my new boots when i get the **** in, otherwise im gonna wait till i have th emoney for the **** and get the **** to install the boots...what do you think?

 

I have the stock ****, as I see no problem with it. Whatever you feel is more important. I would imagine the **** would be cheaper, but the CAI/ Inlet Hose will give you a little more "oomph" which I'm more concerned with.

 

yeah i mean i want to get the interior done - which would just require the **** - which i can get as soon as possible..but i need to find a decent job with decent to above average money in order to get the alta stuff...which i REALLY want.

 

I too endorse the ALTA parts. The CAI is a great first mod! The power won't drop off as quickly at the higher RPM and you'll find yourself keeping the stereo off just to hear the show going on under the hood. It's very easy to install too. I picked mine up from North American Motorsports at a discounted price. From time to time they offer a $20 off coupon code in the vendor announcements section here on NAM that I'm sure you'll love to take advantage of.

 

Thanks guys for the glowing reviews! Also, I am happy to help with pricing as needed toward fellow NAMr's. Hit me up!

Thanks again and good luck filling the pocket book just long enough to hand it to me! But seriously, good choice and thanks in advance for your business!

 

Now I find that out! I'll have to keep that in mind for next time I guess.

 

hah i just PMed adam - hopefully we can work something out...i cant stop thinking about the purr of the engine on your mini chili_red (since i dont know your real name yet =X)

and again i really appreciate all the feedback from everyone. i just took some pictures of my baby which i also just named Miss Molly (Credence Clearwater - Good Golly Miss Molly)

will post some pics as soon as i get them off my camera.

 

So true. I've had my CAI for almost a month now yet just today found myself turning down the volume on the stereo just so that I could hear that amazing sound. I finally just resorted on turning it off all together. Given that I'm addicted to my iPod, that says a lot.
My friends get so sick of me when they're in the car. I'll turn the music down right before I know I'm about to accelerate and say listen to that! Then spend the next 10 miles trying to explain to them just what that 'whoosing' sound is for.

 

ahaha wow...thats incredible..i cant wait

 

finally got pics of my baby - along with a name

im a classic rock buff and was at a light on my way home from my "mini - mini photo shoot" and had Credence Clearwater Revivals - Good Golly Miss Molly on so i named her Miss Molly in leu of the song...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...Mini_00510.jpg
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co.../Mini_0088.jpg
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co.../Mini_0065.jpg

sorry about the light (or lack their-in) and the dirty car - its been hard to keep her clean with the constant rain and then the surgery...but ill get around to it this week hopefully thanksgiving day before the big meal so i can work up a real appetite =D

 

im proud to admit - i ordered the alta cold air intake today with the red hose..i cant wait...

thanks to you all for your tips and suggestions - will post pictures and sound clips as soon as i get it on.

many MANY thanks to Adam for being such a good help.

 

Sweet! Enjoy!