So I finally got my Alta hot side boost tube in today to put on my forge fmic. I honestly have to say I am 100% impressed with my first purchase from them. This increased the sound of the turbo ever so slightly, feels like I have 5-10 more hp. And more hp after 5,500 rpms. More touchy throttle response and more get up and go between gears. It sounds like an exagerration but it's true. Prolly earlier spool but couldn't really tell, didnt pay that much attention.

Just thought i would put this out there.
Ordering my access port Friday =]
I am a happy camper!

 

Which of the 3 mods do you think made the most difference?

 

How did the install go?

 

I ordered my hot side boost tube and air charge pipe yesterday ... Im got them with the intention to improve the air flow in my car and as well id like to upgrade the intercooler very soon. I am a bit jealous though of the accessport ... ughhhh i hate how the best stuff done to the car is the most expensive ... someone lend me 5000 dollars and ill be done modding my car lol

 

I still can't decide between the forge or ALTA fmic. Where did you buy the intercooler from?

 

didnt buy the fmic yet ... i am thinking about it and if i did id prob go with alta ... have been extremely happy with their products in my car so far !!

 

also i was on forge's website and didnt see any parts on there for minis

 

You have to go through the BMW section. It's on there. I'd just rather buy from someone in the US. If there's a vendor in the states that has the forge fmic I'd like to check it out.

http://www.forgemotorsport.co.uk/con...102&cat=020102

 

ahhh i see it ... yeah i personally am going to go with ALTA

 

I got in on the Helix intercooler group buy and saved $150.

http://www.helix13.com/2nd-gen-mini/engine-exhaust/#go

Helix does that pretty often and it's worth the wait for the savings.

Alta will bargain with you, if you buy a bunch of stuff from them, so it might be worth it to save your money for a lot of mods at the same time, if you're getting everything from Alta.

With the Alta intercooler you have to do some minor cutting to install it, trimming isn't necessary with the Forge and Helix intercoolers.

Dave

 

hmm thanks for the advice ill check it out ... i have a lot of time to do my research on it ... and i get a 15% discount from ALTA .. i have bought a bunch of their parts love em and they hook you up with a discount if you purchase more than 1 item from them ... LOVE ALTA but will look into other FMIC

 

Boost tubes do not do much. I think most of the "gains" you think you feel is from the FMIC due to a reduction in heat soak.

Boost tubes installs can be a big source of leaks so please be prudent.

I have the original helix IC and it has been installed on the car for about three years now and would highly recommend it.

 

i bought my alta one slightly used for like $500. I have seen a few pop up just gotta watch the marketplace..

 

Way Motor Works sells them here. I think Forge also has a US version of their website where you can order their FMIC. I'm assuming it'll be shipped from their US headquarters in Florida. Just click the American flag in the upper right corner of the page and you'll be there.

The reason I went with Forge over the Helix and Alta was because it's installed using the factory IC mounting points instead of being held on with just boost tubes and a front bumper and because they give you a replacement lower grill so you won't have to trim your own. The mounting more then the replacement grill was enough for me to pass on the other two since I feel that peace of mind is pretty important. I wouldn't want to worry about the darn thing falling off, however unlikely that may or may not be . That being said, there are tons of happy Alta and Helix customers so I guess it really is personal preference.

 

A little off topic, but when they say things like "will flow 250 horsepower with only a 0.5PSI pressure drop," do they mean the intercooler can only handle 250 hp?

 

Okay in my opinion, I didn't feel the FMIC do too much until I got the boost tube. I got the fmic from waymotorworks. And the install took me 30 minutes but I am very mechanically inclined but just had trouble getting the torx bolt from the mounting point on the stock boost tube. And the CAI I have probably added 5+ hp also. Improved the sound of the vehicle well too and making the BOV louder also. So far I am very impressed with every upgrade I have gotten. I haven't gotten my IR temp gun out yet too see temp difference in the intercooler but will be doing soon. Seems to keepe the cold side pretty cold though and it's been 86 degrees in Indiana

 

And also the forge fmic is 100% bolt on and comes with a new grille. Idk if I missed something but the outside temp sensor didn't have a mouthing point anymore so I just zip tied it on to something. No biggee. And if it says 250 hp of flow, that means it's capable of handling that much HP. If much more hp you should upgrade intercoolers

And the install of the FMIC took me a hour and a half including jacking it up and all.
But then again I have a full snap on tool box =].
I love how easy this car is to work on. Very impressed. My Audi a4 intercooler install took me forever but then again it was knock off. Never again will I buy off brand

 

I really got the hot side boost tube and air charge pipe to increase the air flow not rly lookin to increase hp... but i will be looking for some hp from my fmic ... but thats months from now and i have to install all these new mods just bought ... but i have a question about the accessport .. can you use that on anyones car or they become specific to your car ?? dont know anything about them but i know by tuning it thats how you really increase hp

 

Any car as in other minis? Idk. Maybe. And other cars as in a Mercedes = no.

 

no yeah i meant other minis lol i know its made specific for minis but whats keeping about 10 people in an area from chipping in and getting one accessport and everyone can tune their car ?? thats where i was going with that question but i am going to just do my research on it

 

i think the gains from bolts on without a tune is something we would hardly notice behind the wheel.

 

I do not have an AP but when I speak to those with one, they tell me that the AP is locked to one CPU only. So you cannot use one for many cars.

 

thanks slinger it makes sense because then 10 owners could get together chip in, tune there car, and they all spend under 100 for extra HP ... From talking with Mini Enthusiast who really want more power, according to them this is the mod to get but 800 dollars is a lot :(

 

CONCERNING 2011's.......

In the Thread, Exhaust or FMIC. What should I do, cgaubuchon made this statement concerning Forge installation on 2011's:


"On that note two things were different when installing on the 2011 and they offset the install time.

1. Different crash bumper design made for a drill press and some ingenuity to get the top bolted down, had to drill two holes to access the inside of the crash bumper to get the bolt all the way in and then drill another to bolt down the FMIC.
2. To take from the extra time to drill into the hard crash bumper...not shaving of the lower front grill was needed."

I will be getting an FMIC and NM hot side pipe installed at the end of next week. I know that the Helix fits the 2011 with no issues but Way, who will be doing the work, recommends the Forge due to the ability to bolt on. I've been reading about both and wonder whether or not the Helix is actually the better FMIC. Comments?

Jerry

 

Idk how you are going to prove which is better. They honestly look 99% the same. I doubt their could be much different. My access port said my intake manifold temps were 92 degrees driving down the highway at 75 mph in 95 effin degree weather.