Hey NAM Folks,

The other ALTA PnP ECU Announced thread is getting a bit long and many newcomers are missing information simply because of the length. So I decided to start a fresh one here since the ECU is now in client’s hands.

First is the most commonly asked questions:

1. Will the ALTA PnP ECU work on my Automatic R56 Cooper S?

a. YES! We recently tested the mapping and harness and both went off without a hitch. When ordering simply mention that your car is an A/T and we will be sure to get you the proper mapping.

2. My car is stock can I still add the ALTA PnP ECU?

a. YES! We just need to know what fuel you use, the area you live etc. But yes it does work.

3. How much HP and TRQ will I gain?

a. Depends. Based on fuel selection, complimentary mods, etc. Most clients see a minimum of 25 WHP and 45 WTRQ gains. More information is shown on our website and other threads here on NAM. CLICK HERE!

4. If I make more mods later than I have now can I have my ECU upgraded to match?

a. CERTAINLY! If you have lets say a stock vehicle now and you install the ALTA PnP ECU and 4 months from now you add a Cat-Back Exhaust and Intake System, let us know! For a nominal fee plus shipping and handling, we will remap you existing ECU to match your new mods, or pay the small fee and a core deposit, and we will send you an entire new unit already programmed and ready to go. Simply send back your existing ECU for credit. (This is only available by calling us at 503-222-MINI at this time!)

5. How does this affect my warranty?

a. Thankfully very little if at all. The beauty of the ALTA PnP ECU is that you can install and remove it very easily. Most clients can perform the installation in about 15 minutes. Once removed there is no trace that it was ever installed. It can also be removed easily for service work, emissions testing etc.

6. Is this legal in my state?

a. This too depends. In nearly all states of the union the use of this product is “legal”. However, ALTA cannot and does not check every states law to determine if it is or isn’t. It is the clients responisibility to check before ordering and installation. We do know that in the State of California it is NOT legal for use on any public streets or highways.

7. What about fuel economy? Will it suffer?

a. If you drive your car conservatively, then no change at all or some slight improvement. But most clients tend to enjoy the new found power and as such use more liberally the gas pedal, thus reducing overall fuel economy. Our owner used one on his personal R56 for several months. With combined driving and the most aggressive mapping he still got more than 36 MPG!

8. Are there any known problems with the ALTA mapping for the PnP ECU?

a. No. If the client is upfront about the fuel grade he/she is using as well as the supporting mods (if any) on the car, then there are no issues or concerns. However, if an issue is noted, we will re-map your ECU at no charge (shipping and handling fees may apply.)

9. Are there any known problems with the ALTA PnP ECU wiring harness?

a. Unfortunately, there are some isolated issues with the harness that is provided to ALTA by an outside mfr. We religiously QC each one before shipping it to clients. However, due to manufacturing inconsistencies on both the MINI and the harness not every client is happy with the installation. This can cause erratic idle, poor performance, Check Engine Lamps and loss of power. ALTA is working with the mfr. to improve the harnesses and make them, more solid state. This is out of ALTA’s control (unlike the actual programming which is done in house) and every effort is being made to resolve the issues immediately. The newest versions will be delivered to clients in February. If you already have an ALTA PnP ECU and are having problems contact us immediately at 503-222-MINI and ask for Jeff in Technical Services. If he is unavailable please leave a detailed message that will be returned ASAP.
b. If you have a defective harness and want it upgraded, simply let us know and we will exchange it for you. We only ask that you try any harness we have sent to you first. Remember MOST of the harnesses are good. Just call to get an RMA# for the existing one.

c. NEW: Some kits have recently been discovered to have a protective coating on the pins. This coating prevents proper contact from the pins to the harness etc. The remedy is to remove the harness plugs and then swab the pins with methanol or similar. This will remove the coating and improve contact. We ask that you try this BEFORE returning the harness.

10. Is there an alternative to the PnP Harness to still utilize the HP gains?
a. Thankfully yes! While not currently shown on our website, there is an option to wire in the ECU yourself. While this sounds complicated it isn’t and only basic tools are required. A quality soldering iron and the ability to read instructions are all that is needed. The ECU that we use is produced by UniChip in South Africa and programmed by ALTA for use in your R56. The most COMMON installations are hard wired. The US market is the ONLY market that routinely uses PnP harnesses. So you can be assured that this method is VERY good!

11. Who makes the ALTA PnP ECU?
a. Good question that has recently come up. UniChip USA (independent from ALTA) contracts with companies in South Africa to make both the ECU itself (the silver box) and the harness and harness plugs. It is one of the South African companies that is having troubles making consistently ideal harnesses. As mentioned above they are working diligently to get this resolved asap.
b. ALTA takes this technology and works its magic on the tuning of the ECU included with our kit. Jeff and I spend countless hours on the dyno with vehicles like yours to make all of the programming to make more HP and TRQ.

12. I am ready to buy! Now what do I do?

a. Well thank you first for your business! Second, either CLICK HERE to order online, or call our sales team at 503-222-MINI M-F 8 am-5 pm Pacific. Then you just wait a few days for your new ECU to arrive.

13. I have another question that hasn’t been answered here. How do I get the information I need?

a. Lots of ways! Post a question below and wait for a reply from our staff or a fellow member of the board.
b. Call us at 503-222-MINI
c. E-mail me adam.taft@altaminiperformance.com
d. E-mail tech@altaminiperformance.com
e. Always happy to help!

Thanks again fellow motorers! As always let me know how I can help in anyway shape or form!

 

If you order the ECU system now (with the soon-to-be upgraded harness), can you get the upgraded harness for free when released?

 

Yes. If the harness you receive now has any issues or concerns, it will be replaced with an upgraded unit when available. You are covered by the warranty for a period of 1 year (and may be extended.)

Thanks for asking!

 

And THAT...is why Alta is the best!

 

good thinkin!!

 

Mine is on the way back from Alta now. Not sure if I am getting a new harness or not. I'll post on this thread what I get and how it performs. Alta is #1 in my book.

 

This post has my dyno with the Alta intake, intercooler, and unichip:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...&postcount=858

 

Adam

When I was contacted about modifications I was not asked about fuel or altitude. What fuel would my PnP have been mapped for? I assume the maps would be...

Map 1. stock boost, cheap gas.

Map 2. ?I don't know?

 

hallo there. i am from Greece and i want to ask if i can use the ecu in my european r56 s model.

 

"Fits all US R56 Cooper S Models
No EU or JDM models at this time. (Sorry for any inconvenience!)"

 

Looks like it takes all three components to get 30 hp gains. Is that right? Or can I get 25hp w/ the Alta PnP ECU and a bone stock R56S? Is that 25 hp across the rev range, or is it ltd to certain parts of the curve? Does it produce a smoother torque/hp curve? (Pardon me if Alta has already posted a dyno.)

What about the Alta ECU and a JCW Stage 1 kit, which I am thinking of -- only b/c of the warranty issue?

(Essential question: does it make sense to even think of the JCW Stage 1 kit anymore?)

 

So what Unichip has in their website its not correct? It said 40hp and 45tq

 

Good question and I would need to find out. Jeff can sometimes determine local fuel based on your address. California for example is only 91. PM me your INV# and I can find out!

 

My Clubman will be here any day. Once it is, I will go put a quick 250-500 miles then strap it to the dyno bone stock. I can then show the gains accurately with just the ALTA PnP ECU! WE are out of stock cars in teh bldg.

Sorry for the delay!

 

That is using ALL of the ALTA Parts installed. (We built their car for the SEMA show etc.)

 

Sorry for being a pain adam. I just dont get it it would add 40hp 45 tq with all the alta parts? so pretty much It only adds about 10 to 15 hp by it self?

 

Adam, I sent you an email

 

Unsalada, Did you read the results from my Dyno pull?

I put down about 20hp and 32tq over a one with almost the exact mods minus the ECU.

 

you may be thinking you only see 30hp gains but I guarantee you my MINI is a helluva lot faster than it was stock. Look at the torque band. I can be cruising steady speed in second gear ~2500 rpm, punch it, and break the tires loose at 4000 rpm without touching the clutch.

 

Unsalada

This has been explained before.

Every additional modification has less impact on power. For instance an intake may add 10hp. An inlet tube adds 10hp by itself on a stock R56. Boost tubes add 10hp. FMIC adds 20hp. Cat-back is 12 and the down pipe is 10hp. Added up that’s like 72hp, but it just doesn’t work that way.

Each component works to increase efficiency in a total machine and is working in concert with all other components. Once one area has more efficiency additions in another area builds on that, not adding straight up numbers to it.

Alta posted their results for ALL Alta bolt on parts as 200hp or a gain of about 25 hp over Mini published stock power. With the ECU they had 220.2, or about 45hp.

Look at the beginning page of the “ALTA PnP ECU Announced for R56... Finally!!!“ String and read it for yourself.

 

Jeez, unsalada, seriously, have you not learned ANYTHING from asking the same questions on here fifteen times???

 

My gain from the PnP ECU was 50 torque and 28 HP.

 

Question: So you dont have exhaust or boost tubes?
I just sold my SuperModified Mustang to start hooking up mi Mini .

I only have CAI but don't know if its worth getting the ECU yet.

 

un-salad-a man you just keep makin yourself a whippin boy. i hope you get it right buddy these guys are all on ya.

 

motormouth nice numbers dude and the second gear punch it sounds like what im after. post up some more when you get a chance. also when did you order your ecu. was it after jeff got back from hawaii? oh yeah i bet hawaii is the most beautiful place to motor some twistys this time of year too buddy. aloha