Drivetrain The Official ALTA AccessPORT Thread
I am now a firm believer in the ALTA AccessPORT and tune!!! I have read the reports from others and although I expected a "boost" from the tune, I wasn't expecting what the tune actually did for my JCW.
I did have one problem. Earlier I had removed the noisemaker from my MINI and had blocked off the noisemaker outlet with a thin-walled silicone pipe cap normally used to protect large bolts during transit. I had no problems with my stock tune, however, after the install of the ALTA tune, a problem did happen. Today was a take-it-out-and-flog-it day. On my 3rd high speed run on a local fun road, when all the red lights on my JCW shift light were on during a shift from 2nd to 3rd, I heard a very loud pop and then a loss of power. I knew immediately what happened, laughed, and drove home with no boost available. As I pulled in the driveway, I did get a P115D code which is what you should expect. I cleared the code with my ScanGauge and replaced the plug with a second silicone plug so I can get back on the road. Then I ordered the DOS noisemaker delete kit. Now, I just have to watch how I drive until I can replace the plug with a stronger unit.
Thanks ALTA for bringing the AccessPORT to the MINI community and for the great customer service I've received.
Now....what about a new intercooler...
I did have one problem. Earlier I had removed the noisemaker from my MINI and had blocked off the noisemaker outlet with a thin-walled silicone pipe cap normally used to protect large bolts during transit. I had no problems with my stock tune, however, after the install of the ALTA tune, a problem did happen. Today was a take-it-out-and-flog-it day. On my 3rd high speed run on a local fun road, when all the red lights on my JCW shift light were on during a shift from 2nd to 3rd, I heard a very loud pop and then a loss of power. I knew immediately what happened, laughed, and drove home with no boost available. As I pulled in the driveway, I did get a P115D code which is what you should expect. I cleared the code with my ScanGauge and replaced the plug with a second silicone plug so I can get back on the road. Then I ordered the DOS noisemaker delete kit. Now, I just have to watch how I drive until I can replace the plug with a stronger unit.
Thanks ALTA for bringing the AccessPORT to the MINI community and for the great customer service I've received.
Now....what about a new intercooler...
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 1
From: Mililani,Hawaii
I am now a firm believer in the ALTA AccessPORT and tune!!! I have read the reports from others and although I expected a "boost" from the tune, I wasn't expecting what the tune actually did for my JCW.
Thanks ALTA for bringing the AccessPORT to the MINI community and for the great customer service I've received.
Now....what about a new intercooler...
Thanks ALTA for bringing the AccessPORT to the MINI community and for the great customer service I've received.
Now....what about a new intercooler...
[quote=clnconcpts;3123784]What about intro price for us 91 octane fuel
That seems fair, if intro prices are held for the auto Mini's while the final bugs are worked out why not the same for the 91 octane Mini's.
That seems fair, if intro prices are held for the auto Mini's while the final bugs are worked out why not the same for the 91 octane Mini's.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 13
From: Ohio
You know i found a way to get around the engine heat without major money or modification... i got a can of exhaust ceramic coating spray from pep boys and ceramic coated the inside of the stock heatshield. got the entire exhaust ceramic coated, and exhaust wrapped the downpipe down to the large resonator on the Alta exhaust. it was 60 bucks all together for a very noticable improvement in under hood temperatures for half the price of a cheap used headshield... looks cool too
Manufacturer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
I am now a firm believer in the ALTA AccessPORT and tune!!! I have read the reports from others and although I expected a "boost" from the tune, I wasn't expecting what the tune actually did for my JCW.
I did have one problem. Earlier I had removed the noisemaker from my MINI and had blocked off the noisemaker outlet with a thin-walled silicone pipe cap normally used to protect large bolts during transit. I had no problems with my stock tune, however, after the install of the ALTA tune, a problem did happen. Today was a take-it-out-and-flog-it day. On my 3rd high speed run on a local fun road, when all the red lights on my JCW shift light were on during a shift from 2nd to 3rd, I heard a very loud pop and then a loss of power. I knew immediately what happened, laughed, and drove home with no boost available. As I pulled in the driveway, I did get a P115D code which is what you should expect. I cleared the code with my ScanGauge and replaced the plug with a second silicone plug so I can get back on the road. Then I ordered the DOS noisemaker delete kit. Now, I just have to watch how I drive until I can replace the plug with a stronger unit.
Thanks ALTA for bringing the AccessPORT to the MINI community and for the great customer service I've received.
Now....what about a new intercooler...
I did have one problem. Earlier I had removed the noisemaker from my MINI and had blocked off the noisemaker outlet with a thin-walled silicone pipe cap normally used to protect large bolts during transit. I had no problems with my stock tune, however, after the install of the ALTA tune, a problem did happen. Today was a take-it-out-and-flog-it day. On my 3rd high speed run on a local fun road, when all the red lights on my JCW shift light were on during a shift from 2nd to 3rd, I heard a very loud pop and then a loss of power. I knew immediately what happened, laughed, and drove home with no boost available. As I pulled in the driveway, I did get a P115D code which is what you should expect. I cleared the code with my ScanGauge and replaced the plug with a second silicone plug so I can get back on the road. Then I ordered the DOS noisemaker delete kit. Now, I just have to watch how I drive until I can replace the plug with a stronger unit.
Thanks ALTA for bringing the AccessPORT to the MINI community and for the great customer service I've received.
Now....what about a new intercooler...
Manufacturer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
From another thread....
I know you don't like us, at all but why the comment? Its not like this came out last week and we started making maps, we have been building these for a long time. Then secondly we have been tuning (ECU related) cars in general for a very very long time, and i would say longer than anyone else here.
You make it sound like ALTA is trying to hurt RMW and put down his tuning. In fact if anything i have stood up for RMW's efforts and his ability to tune the ECU given the tools available. He is making power, he is making customers happy, which i think he has done a good job.
We have had the tools to tune these for a long time and while its still not as long as Jan has been tuning, we were able to learn much more in a shorter period of time. Meaning, anyone given the proper tools and knowledge, can excel in learning how to tune a Mini. Jan hasn't had good tools and its taken much more time on his end to get the the point he is. If we both had bicycles to get up a 10 mile hill, and i was able to start at the 5mile mark, would you fault us for winning the race? I look at it that we had a head start over RMW.
So while our R56 ECU flashing experience is say half that of RMW, we were not having to guess at how things worked making our time to market much faster. Remember, we have 2-3 shop cars at any one time just sitting here. We can test and tune setups very efficiently and at a moments notice. Between having the tools and the cars, i feel like we are at a tuning level that is higher than RMW.
With that said RMW will be the first tuner to get the ALTA AccessPORT Tuning software. With what RMW does know, and his customer base under his belt, i know that he will be successful with it. I am very excited for RMW to tune using the ALTA AccessPORT as i know that he can make more power than he is now, and take care of his customers much faster than he ever could.
As time passes more and more custom tuners are going to be able to tune using the ALTA AccessPORT which means and even broader base of customers can be handled and more people will be willing to build crazier cars. This is still just the beginning of exciting things to come in the Mini tuning world!
You make it sound like ALTA is trying to hurt RMW and put down his tuning. In fact if anything i have stood up for RMW's efforts and his ability to tune the ECU given the tools available. He is making power, he is making customers happy, which i think he has done a good job.
We have had the tools to tune these for a long time and while its still not as long as Jan has been tuning, we were able to learn much more in a shorter period of time. Meaning, anyone given the proper tools and knowledge, can excel in learning how to tune a Mini. Jan hasn't had good tools and its taken much more time on his end to get the the point he is. If we both had bicycles to get up a 10 mile hill, and i was able to start at the 5mile mark, would you fault us for winning the race? I look at it that we had a head start over RMW.
So while our R56 ECU flashing experience is say half that of RMW, we were not having to guess at how things worked making our time to market much faster. Remember, we have 2-3 shop cars at any one time just sitting here. We can test and tune setups very efficiently and at a moments notice. Between having the tools and the cars, i feel like we are at a tuning level that is higher than RMW.
With that said RMW will be the first tuner to get the ALTA AccessPORT Tuning software. With what RMW does know, and his customer base under his belt, i know that he will be successful with it. I am very excited for RMW to tune using the ALTA AccessPORT as i know that he can make more power than he is now, and take care of his customers much faster than he ever could.
As time passes more and more custom tuners are going to be able to tune using the ALTA AccessPORT which means and even broader base of customers can be handled and more people will be willing to build crazier cars. This is still just the beginning of exciting things to come in the Mini tuning world!
Neutral
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
AltaAccessPort on JCW
After following this thread for a while, I bit the bullet and ordered Alta's AccessPort. I had a stage 3 '07 MCS, but broke down and got a new '09 JCW last year. The only mod is a DDM Ram-air intake. I have studied the dyno charts and knew they were putting out some big numbers, but wasn't sure what my "seat of the pants" dyno would register. In a word - stunning! From 3k up past 5.5k the car is doing everything it can to hold it's grip. In 2nd or 3rd the acceleration is scary fast as you can feel the tires (Michelin Factory Pilots - not run flats) distorting trying to maintain traction. Alta sent me two sets of maps, one with their own (more conservative) throttle mapping and one with the normal. Contrary to Alta's recommendations, I am using the normal throttle mapping. As they suggested, with the sport button engaged it is almost too quick! I have to be very careful about applying pressure to the pedal, definitely not for the inexperienced driver. This is an awesome product! It has turned a quick car into a monster with only a little code modification. In spite of their claims, I do not think my MPG will improve. It is just too difficult to keep your foot out of it! Great job guys!
Neutral
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
For all you 91 octane guys here is a handy calculator for mixing 100 octane with 91. http://www.ranney.com/mjr/fuel_blend.html Here is a site with 100 octane stations for SO CAL.
http://www.osbornauto.com/racing/100locations.htm For those outside of Southern California you can find 100 octane stations at 76.com
http://www.osbornauto.com/racing/100locations.htm For those outside of Southern California you can find 100 octane stations at 76.com
i'll start a new thread for that... don't wanna highjack Alta's thread for a cheap underhood fix for high temps :P
After following this thread for a while, I bit the bullet and ordered Alta's AccessPort. I had a stage 3 '07 MCS, but broke down and got a new '09 JCW last year. The only mod is a DDM Ram-air intake. I have studied the dyno charts and knew they were putting out some big numbers, but wasn't sure what my "seat of the pants" dyno would register. In a word - stunning! From 3k up past 5.5k the car is doing everything it can to hold it's grip. In 2nd or 3rd the acceleration is scary fast as you can feel the tires (Michelin Factory Pilots - not run flats) distorting trying to maintain traction. Alta sent me two sets of maps, one with their own (more conservative) throttle mapping and one with the normal. Contrary to Alta's recommendations, I am using the normal throttle mapping. As they suggested, with the sport button engaged it is almost too quick! I have to be very careful about applying pressure to the pedal, definitely not for the inexperienced driver. This is an awesome product! It has turned a quick car into a monster with only a little code modification. In spite of their claims, I do not think my MPG will improve. It is just too difficult to keep your foot out of it! Great job guys!
With that said RMW will be the first tuner to get the ALTA AccessPORT Tuning software. With what RMW does know, and his customer base under his belt, i know that he will be successful with it. I am very excited for RMW to tune using the ALTA AccessPORT as i know that he can make more power than he is now, and take care of his customers much faster than he ever could.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Huntington WV
Please tell me the genius will still be able to upload the files
I really dont want to spend even more money to get some more driveability out of this car.
I really dont want to spend even more money to get some more driveability out of this car.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 13
From: Ohio
I think the only unhappy people are the Auto and 91 octane guys! We are working on this right now so dont worry! … We have a few testers and it seems like the mapping side of things is very close. The only issue is clearing the Tranny codes. This will happen very soon.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 636
Likes: 1
Wait, WHAT?? details? Thumper, if you still have my email(erik) wanna shoot me some details?
