Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R56) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain ALTA intercooler...IS it worth it?

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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 03:40 PM
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ALTA intercooler...IS it worth it?

I started out wanting to ask all opinions on the cooler will it truily "ADD MORE THAN 15WHP AND 20FT-LBS OF TORQUE," I ask because Im wanting to see dynos on it, sounds cool, but is it a necessity if you dont live in the Sand and Sage? This raised another question after researching WITH VARIABLES LIKE RPM range, And rounding numbers a certain company claims that the parts they sell can, or DO add up to some really nice HP numbers. For instance and intake=10hp,intercooler=15hp,exhaust full=20hp, turbo hose=10hp, and and ECU equaling 25-30 HP!!!!!!
AM I just confused or what? this is significant even low ballin thats at least 265 WHP figuring you start w/ 180hp.. I would like to hear from those MINIs who have these parts. This is not a maybe feel a difference, but serious auto motivation. Lots of NAM people say they got this stuff so answers should be abundant.
 

Last edited by matty125; Jan 5, 2008 at 03:44 PM.
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 03:47 PM
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In the case of engine mods ...

The whole DOES NOT equal the sum of it's parts.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 05:14 PM
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There are getting to be a lot of threads talking about this stuff.
Check ALTA for the dyno stuff they've done. It's substantial.
Not many people have paid to have their own dyno test done each time they add another mod. I haven't. You?
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 05:50 PM
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The IC is worth it for several reasons (I agree this has been discussed elsewhere but I am always happy to help!)

It will make more power over the stock core, as it can dissipate a far greater amount of heat vs. the OEM. So same boost = more power due to the dense air charge.

It will make more power and maintain it for a longer period of time. As you make multiple runs in the car, the OEM core reaches heat soak VERY quickly. The ALTA does NOT. So no matter what level of tune, the car will have more power.

Hotter climates will see a greater benefit over colder climates, for simple reasons of course.

If I can help in ANY way further PLEASE let me know! Thanks for asking!
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by ADAMSALTAMINI
The IC is worth it for several reasons (I agree this has been discussed elsewhere but I am always happy to help!)

It will make more power over the stock core, as it can dissipate a far greater amount of heat vs. the OEM. So same boost = more power due to the dense air charge.

It will make more power and maintain it for a longer period of time. As you make multiple runs in the car, the OEM core reaches heat soak VERY quickly. The ALTA does NOT. So no matter what level of tune, the car will have more power.

Hotter climates will see a greater benefit over colder climates, for simple reasons of course.

If I can help in ANY way further PLEASE let me know! Thanks for asking!
Just what Adam said..It made sense to me and I bought one,but don't expect all these elements to keep adding up to more and more power,try and remember what your starting with and enjoy one hell of a fun little car that is surely getting more effeciant and certainly faster...good luck with the car
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Mark Kurzius
Just what Adam said..It made sense to me and I bought one,but don't expect all these elements to keep adding up to more and more power,try and remember what your starting with and enjoy one hell of a fun little car that is surely getting more effeciant and certainly faster...good luck with the car

Have you dyno your car? WHP?
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 09:59 PM
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Originally Posted by DyeLooper
Have you dyno your car? WHP?
No and I don't plan to anytime soon..I will let Adam and his crew do that.All I know is the car runs like a scared rabbit,runs much better than it did with the Standard JCW kit and I am totally happy with the results in performance and handling.I suppose if the occasion arose to be able to throw it on a Dyno,I might do it out of curiosity,but honestly I am more interested in the driving experience and enjoying the car than worrying about charts that can vary with every driver...This is certainly not the fastest car I own but it sure is stupid fun and it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 10:03 PM
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Yeah I was wondering if the intercooler is worth it I mean if I buy it its for performance not for looks but I am between that and the downpipe what do you guys think and which one is better for keeping the warranty???
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 10:15 PM
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Originally Posted by unsalada
Yeah I was wondering if the intercooler is worth it I mean if I buy it its for performance not for looks but I am between that and the downpipe what do you guys think and which one is better for keeping the warranty???
According to the head technician at my dealer who has driven my car with the mods..as long as you don't change any moving parts,your fine...never asked him about the exhaust components because I am completely happy with the JCW exhaust.I'm sure the Alta system will work great..and probably sound better to someone else's ear...but I couldn't be happier with the car as it is...just enjoy...
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 10:22 PM
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I been getting alot of stories about minis that they keep breaking left to right so I plan on keeping the warranty!!! I am waiting for march to get my M3 maybe that will get my speed hunger down.
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 10:26 PM
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Yes!
 
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Old Jan 5, 2008 | 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by unsalada
I been getting alot of stories about minis that they keep breaking left to right so I plan on keeping the warranty!!! I am waiting for march to get my M3 maybe that will get my speed hunger down.
Now your talking sense
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 01:25 AM
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Originally Posted by ADAMSALTAMINI
The IC is worth it for several reasons (I agree this has been discussed elsewhere but I am always happy to help!)

It will make more power over the stock core, as it can dissipate a far greater amount of heat vs. the OEM. So same boost = more power due to the dense air charge.

It will make more power and maintain it for a longer period of time. As you make multiple runs in the car, the OEM core reaches heat soak VERY quickly. The ALTA does NOT. So no matter what level of tune, the car will have more power.

Hotter climates will see a greater benefit over colder climates, for simple reasons of course.

If I can help in ANY way further PLEASE let me know! Thanks for asking!

Great, I understand now. I plan to use my car even more on the track, probably should look to get one.
ADAM, or anyone else, I need help.... I want to buy the ECU, IC, and Downpipe. Im just not wanting to part with that much cash at one time .
Any Ideas as to what should be my next purchase? My goal is lots of power and speed. I ordered the catback but I guess its so good it was on back order
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 01:29 AM
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Downpipe vs Intercooler which do you pick???????
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 01:58 AM
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thats tough

Originally Posted by unsalada
Downpipe vs Intercooler which do you pick???????
Im leaning towards to Downpipe, you get 10hp,
This is just an Idea, Someone tell me if it holds any weight. In theory, if you expell the spent gases quicker, wouldnt that also cool down underhood temps as well?
I also say Down pipe cause it will make the car sound even better.
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by matty125
Great, I understand now. I plan to use my car even more on the track, probably should look to get one.
ADAM, or anyone else, I need help.... I want to buy the ECU, IC, and Downpipe. Im just not wanting to part with that much cash at one time .
Any Ideas as to what should be my next purchase? My goal is lots of power and speed. I ordered the catback but I guess its so good it was on back order
On the CB, where did you order it from? Let me know and I can check on the status. I know we were low on DP's but I think the CB's should be ok.

My opinion would be to get on the IC backorder then the ECU. If you are going to track the car and budget becomes and issue or something it would be better to have the IC vs. the ECU. My two cents!
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by unsalada
Downpipe vs Intercooler which do you pick???????
Depends. They do different things. The IC make more power and will maintain it. But the DP makes better throttle and boost response as well as healthy amount of power.

Let me know if I can help in anyway!
 
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 01:17 PM
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Downpipe vs. Intercooler is a tough one....both make good power, but downpipe also adds the AWESOME sound.....intercooler also adds a really cool/meaner look to the car........so in conclusion, just get both!!
 
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 06:37 AM
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Just a note, dynos do NOT do the intercooler justice. There is so little air even with big blower fans compared to the air rushing at your car at a reasonable speed (30-50 even) that the IC will REALLY perform while you're driving. I honestly feel the gains would be more if you could either a) Dyno in a wind tunnel or b) dyno while moving. Neither is likely but I think the IC should make a huge difference, especially in warm climates.
 
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 09:02 AM
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He is correct! The FMIC upgrade will be more noticeable on the road!

EDIT: KOOL LUCKY SEVEN POST ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Last edited by ADAMSALTAMINI; Jan 7, 2008 at 09:03 AM. Reason: 777
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 09:25 AM
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Back order

Originally Posted by ADAMSALTAMINI
On the CB, where did you order it from? Let me know and I can check on the status. I know we were low on DP's but I think the CB's should be ok.

My opinion would be to get on the IC backorder then the ECU. If you are going to track the car and budget becomes and issue or something it would be better to have the IC vs. the ECU. My two cents!
I ordered it from JSCSPEED. So the IC is a Backorder item now too????
Hmmm, I guess Ill get a lesson in Patience huh I am planning on buying the Downpipe this February ,then the IC late February....Thank god its a short month. I guess Im on my way to Texas soon, I hear its hot there LOL, thats all the justification I need!!!!!
 
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Old Jan 7, 2008 | 07:49 PM
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I checked today. Had dp's (few but some) and CB in stock. More coming ASAP.

Vendor on the core (not the endtanks, those are ready to weld) confirmed a delivery date today as well. (Can't remember when though.) So it will be a bit, but then we will have another 60 day supply based on current demand.

Sorry for any delay!

Thanks again and in advance for your patience!
 
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