Was wondering which would be better since they are both around the $700 mark. Tuner shop around here likes both better than the Alta since they fit better and flow better. I just installed the QUICKSILVER EXHAUST AND LOVE IT WITH A K AND N FILTER!!!!!!!!!! Now I'm looking to cool it down a bit with the cooler and a tune most likely from Helix 13 up in Philly. Anyone know the pros and cons of either? Does anyone know if they will still fit the New JCW body kit with brake ducts built in?

 

sorry for the thread hijak but Are you going with the GIAC chip from helix...? I'd be interested to hear feedback on this, as not many mini'ers have gone this route... I'd prefer it over a piggy, but want to see how it runs with others first...
lemme know! Thanks

 

I can tell you that there is no tune for the R56 from GIAC if your car was built after 2007. MINI used a new high security ECU in 08 and they have not figured out how to crack it yet. I did speak with DIMSPORT and they have a tune for the R56 via OBDII port and they have a shop in PHILLY that can do it but the shop is waiting on the software to arrive from Italy. The shop is www.pes-tuning.com.

 

killerfox, Helix 13 does have a reflash for the R56 turbo, it came out a few months ago, it isn't listed on the GIAC website, but it is on www.helix13.com . HP and Tq is similar to the JCW dealer reflash. Talking with them back in the late fall, they also had a custom tune if you are slightly modded, ie exhaust, intercooler that makes alot more power than the graph on their site lists. BostonR56S, yes, I will be going to Philly to get it done probably around end of April, begining of May at the latest.

 

I guess you'll have to get helix to confirm because GIAC has an R56 flash but only for cars with the first version of the ECU, MINI changed ECU's in 2008 and GIAC has not figured out how to flash it yet. I know this because I was at another GIAC tuner and had my ECU out of car and split open end then discovered it was not like the one in the GIAC instructions sheet. We then called GIAC and was told they can not flash that ECU yet and are working on it. This all happend in December and I recontacted them at end of January and still they can't do it. So, yes they have an R56 tune but only for the older ECU.

 

interesting. i'll keep watch... keep me updated =]

 

I sent a message to Helix, hopefully they'll respond to my email soon either here or to my address and I'll post their results. I'm from Philly, just don't want to leave the mountains of NC for nothing you know. But a great ECU tune would be worth if for a weekend or so.

 

I'd just save some money and get the alta one. Looks like a great piece, I'm not a fan of the "stepped core" helix IC anyway.

 

I'm not totally sold on the stepped core, just don't know much good or bad about it. I read, I think in this forum a test showed that the Forge cooled better than the Alta's cooler. My big thing is that there is no cutting required for either the Helix or the Forge. Again, I just hope I can also include the new JCW front end with the break ducts for track days and driving schools with Phil Wicks!

 

I wasn't aware someone did a back to back test. Any links?

With the Alta, I don't see how people are complaining about the trimming. Its so minimal and minor, and its in a plastic piece. I'll be getting the Alta one of these days.

 

I guess the test I read before was the R53 Coopers, Here is the link.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ing-tests.html

Still, I'm not sold on Alta's stuff since they seem to have let alot of people down with the the whole piggyback by Unichip. Numerous complaints here about that item. Most people just waiting for a True ECU reflash. No jumper and bypass wires for me please.

 

Doesn't the alta fit kind of crooked because of fitment issues? Or is that if you don't cut away the plastic? I've seen a few pics where people haven't been able to get it mounted straight... if this is the case i'd go another route..

 

stupid question, where are the US'ers sourcing the forge fmic? I see it on their UK website... is that where you guys are ordering them from and having it shipped over? Or is there a US supplier?

 

FYI, there is a group discount going on right now for Helix FMIC's.
(I believe it's a thread or two below this one). The discount is pretty good,

 

R53 and R56s are very different, especially intercooler wise. Why are you not sold on Alta's stuff? Unichip made their harnesses and messed up, and Alta pulled the piggyback off the market due to the problems it had (and I assume ate a lot of money in development time and cost), which IMO is all they could do. The intercooler is a nice piece, it doesn't involve wiring or anything made by unichip. Even with the GB on the helix cores I bet if you asked Adam nicely he'd meet or beat their group buy price.

 

Just curious, what do you not like about the Helix stepped core IC?

 

Considering Alta doesn't sell the unichip anymore you should be good.

 

I don't see the point of the stepped core- less volume and less cooling. I like a uniform core.

 

Humm, I thought that was the reason for stepped core. Because the space available is not uniform, you put a bigger intercooler where there is space. You can only put a smaller volume uniform thickness intercooler if you must have it the same size (equivalent to the smallest area). I would assume that more volume = better intercooling. I think the Forge intercooler seems to be stepped as well and it is quite effective.

 

With the Alta one you cut some small plastic things that are in the way AFAIK. I'd rather have more volume anyway.

FWIW, the Alta one uses all of the available grille area, going any higher than that is useless unless you like cutting holes in your bumper. The Alta piece has maximum surface area and maximum volume. Why would you want to skimp on either of those?



(Forgive the remote image linking- I'm just showing how it uses all of the available area given by the grille)

 

Can't truly know without back to back tests, but the ALTA one looks fantastic when mounted correctly. Definitely gets comments from those who know tuned cars... I bet most people just think it is a giant radiator, though.

 

It's not??

 

Did you guys notice any performance increases with the Alta FMIC? I'm curious 'cause I'm in the market for a FMIC. Thanks

 

You are showing the just frontal area which is not the whole picture. Most, if not all aftermarket intercoolers (such as Alta, Forge, Helix and even M7) have very similar frontal areas. The point I was making was that there is a spot occupied by the existing OEM intercooler once you remove it. That spot is indented and is under the radiator. Flat intercoolers do not have cooling fins there. Which is the reason for stepped intercoolers such as Forge and Helix which utilizes that extra space for additional cooling fins.

I am just trying to understand why you so firmly believe that Alta is better and I think that the frontal space argument may not be right because it does not relate to volume.

I do not endorse any vendor's intercooler and am just trying to understand what makes things better for me to eventually choose one. I beleive an independent set of tests (both dyno and track) will give the best answer but not sure if that could be done.

 

I'm trying to decide on which FMIC to buy also. Judging from the photo below, helix uses all the available grill top to bottom, plus it has the stepped portion, which can only add to the cooling effect. It appears Alta's has parts that extend past the grill which wouldn't get a direct airflow. I would rather go with Alta because of price and I have many other Alta parts, however, I am thinking Helix may have a better design??