Drivetrain Alta Boost Tube ?
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Ca
Alta Boost Tube ?
I was considering purchasing an Alta boost tube for my 2013 JCW.
Has anyone installed these & noticed any (or even slight) improvement?
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
Is it difficult to instal?
Any negative side effects?
Alta's running a Haloween special for $117. Maybe it's time to take advantage...
Has anyone installed these & noticed any (or even slight) improvement?
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
Is it difficult to instal?
Any negative side effects?
Alta's running a Haloween special for $117. Maybe it's time to take advantage...
1st Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
I was considering purchasing an Alta boost tube for my 2013 JCW.
Has anyone installed these & noticed any (or even slight) improvement?
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
Is it difficult to instal?
Any negative side effects?
Alta's running a Haloween special for $117. Maybe it's time to take advantage...
Has anyone installed these & noticed any (or even slight) improvement?
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
Is it difficult to instal?
Any negative side effects?
Alta's running a Haloween special for $117. Maybe it's time to take advantage...
Are you looking for a performance increase? Have you upgraded to the BSH Torque Mount yet? That's probably the best bang for buck at that price range. That thing is awesome.
I did it on my 12 mcs jwc
notice the difference right away, smooths out the rpm's(even the GF noticed the difference) not sure if it does anything for increasing "power"
pretty easy install, there is a bolt that hold the factory one that is a "B" to get out as its right in the middle, but if you take the hose off the top and the bottom then just start twisting it from the bottom the plastic bracket will break and then you can just pull it out then go back and remove the screw and the broken piece.... much easier than fighting it
notice the difference right away, smooths out the rpm's(even the GF noticed the difference) not sure if it does anything for increasing "power"
pretty easy install, there is a bolt that hold the factory one that is a "B" to get out as its right in the middle, but if you take the hose off the top and the bottom then just start twisting it from the bottom the plastic bracket will break and then you can just pull it out then go back and remove the screw and the broken piece.... much easier than fighting it
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Ca
Thank you Dchase, that definitely helps.
Regarding the torque mount, I've seen this mod before and have always kept it in mind. Question - do you have any side effects with the aftermarket torque mount vs the oem (mushy) one? More vibration through the steering wheel? more noise inside the cabin? I can see how this mod would benefit even my stock JCW, it needs it! But the million dollar question is....does it come at the cost of sacrificing comfort?
Regarding the torque mount, I've seen this mod before and have always kept it in mind. Question - do you have any side effects with the aftermarket torque mount vs the oem (mushy) one? More vibration through the steering wheel? more noise inside the cabin? I can see how this mod would benefit even my stock JCW, it needs it! But the million dollar question is....does it come at the cost of sacrificing comfort?
1st Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Thank you Dchase, that definitely helps.
Regarding the torque mount, I've seen this mod before and have always kept it in mind. Question - do you have any side effects with the aftermarket torque mount vs the oem (mushy) one? More vibration through the steering wheel? more noise inside the cabin? I can see how this mod would benefit even my stock JCW, it needs it! But the million dollar question is....does it come at the cost of sacrificing comfort?
Regarding the torque mount, I've seen this mod before and have always kept it in mind. Question - do you have any side effects with the aftermarket torque mount vs the oem (mushy) one? More vibration through the steering wheel? more noise inside the cabin? I can see how this mod would benefit even my stock JCW, it needs it! But the million dollar question is....does it come at the cost of sacrificing comfort?
The one thing that is a positive trade off outside of the obvious feeling of power gain is how much smoother gear shifts are. Not only the gear shifts, but also that feeling of engine rock when you push on the gas slightly is totally gone. Also, another benefit is that torque steering is really toned down, if not, almost gone.
So, yes, some vibration, but more positives than negatives.
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Ca
Assuming stick since it's a JCW? If so, the only real vibration issue I feel is when I'm engaging first gear, and it's only really in the pedals. I got the exhaust installed at the same time which vibrates quite a bit, so a lot more vibrations out of that, honestly.
The one thing that is a positive trade off outside of the obvious feeling of power gain is how much smoother gear shifts are. Not only the gear shifts, but also that feeling of engine rock when you push on the gas slightly is totally gone. Also, another benefit is that torque steering is really toned down, if not, almost gone.
So, yes, some vibration, but more positives than negatives.
The one thing that is a positive trade off outside of the obvious feeling of power gain is how much smoother gear shifts are. Not only the gear shifts, but also that feeling of engine rock when you push on the gas slightly is totally gone. Also, another benefit is that torque steering is really toned down, if not, almost gone.
So, yes, some vibration, but more positives than negatives.
Has anyone installed these & noticed any (or even slight) improvement?
-I've installed the NM hot and cold boost tubes. Presumably the NM ones would be better than the Alta. I noticed zero power gain, zero noise change, zero anything. The hot tube will remove a muffler of sorts that, in theory, will free up the boost a little more. The cold tube will remove a "noise maker" in the N14 engines which, again, supposedly frees up the boost a little more.
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
- I can't speak for the Alta tubes, my 3 piece NM set fit perfectly. I don't think I've heard any complaints about the Alta parts fitting. As far as I know, Alta's tubes are completely silicone and as such should be flexible enough that small fitment issues should not exist.
Is it difficult to instal?
-Depends on how big your hands are. I'd rate them maybe a 2/5.
-I have the NM CAI so I didn't need to remove anything to replace the cold tube. I think you'd need to remove the factory airbox to get to it if you don't have a similar CAI.
-The hot tube took me about 45 minutes, about 35 of which was trying to get the screw out of the factory muffler so I could remove it. There are coolant hoses in the way and it's a major pain just because it should be easy but it's not. You need the car to be up on a lift or jack stands to replace the hot side.
Any negative side effects?
-There aren't any bad things about it. It just doesn't do anything.
Basically this mod is for aesthetic purposes only. I suppose it can free up the boost a little but it will not be something you will notice in the least.
-I've installed the NM hot and cold boost tubes. Presumably the NM ones would be better than the Alta. I noticed zero power gain, zero noise change, zero anything. The hot tube will remove a muffler of sorts that, in theory, will free up the boost a little more. The cold tube will remove a "noise maker" in the N14 engines which, again, supposedly frees up the boost a little more.
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
- I can't speak for the Alta tubes, my 3 piece NM set fit perfectly. I don't think I've heard any complaints about the Alta parts fitting. As far as I know, Alta's tubes are completely silicone and as such should be flexible enough that small fitment issues should not exist.
Is it difficult to instal?
-Depends on how big your hands are. I'd rate them maybe a 2/5.
-I have the NM CAI so I didn't need to remove anything to replace the cold tube. I think you'd need to remove the factory airbox to get to it if you don't have a similar CAI.
-The hot tube took me about 45 minutes, about 35 of which was trying to get the screw out of the factory muffler so I could remove it. There are coolant hoses in the way and it's a major pain just because it should be easy but it's not. You need the car to be up on a lift or jack stands to replace the hot side.
Any negative side effects?
-There aren't any bad things about it. It just doesn't do anything.
Basically this mod is for aesthetic purposes only. I suppose it can free up the boost a little but it will not be something you will notice in the least.
Trending Topics
Has anyone installed these & noticed any (or even slight) improvement?
-I've installed the NM hot and cold boost tubes. Presumably the NM ones would be better than the Alta. I noticed zero power gain, zero noise change, zero anything. The hot tube will remove a muffler of sorts that, in theory, will free up the boost a little more. The cold tube will remove a "noise maker" in the N14 engines which, again, supposedly frees up the boost a little more.
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
- I can't speak for the Alta tubes, my 3 piece NM set fit perfectly. I don't think I've heard any complaints about the Alta parts fitting. As far as I know, Alta's tubes are completely silicone and as such should be flexible enough that small fitment issues should not exist.
Is it difficult to instal?
-Depends on how big your hands are. I'd rate them maybe a 2/5.
-I have the NM CAI so I didn't need to remove anything to replace the cold tube. I think you'd need to remove the factory airbox to get to it if you don't have a similar CAI.
-The hot tube took me about 45 minutes, about 35 of which was trying to get the screw out of the factory muffler so I could remove it. There are coolant hoses in the way and it's a major pain just because it should be easy but it's not. You need the car to be up on a lift or jack stands to replace the hot side.
Any negative side effects?
-There aren't any bad things about it. It just doesn't do anything.
Basically this mod is for aesthetic purposes only. I suppose it can free up the boost a little but it will not be something you will notice in the least.
-I've installed the NM hot and cold boost tubes. Presumably the NM ones would be better than the Alta. I noticed zero power gain, zero noise change, zero anything. The hot tube will remove a muffler of sorts that, in theory, will free up the boost a little more. The cold tube will remove a "noise maker" in the N14 engines which, again, supposedly frees up the boost a little more.
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
- I can't speak for the Alta tubes, my 3 piece NM set fit perfectly. I don't think I've heard any complaints about the Alta parts fitting. As far as I know, Alta's tubes are completely silicone and as such should be flexible enough that small fitment issues should not exist.
Is it difficult to instal?
-Depends on how big your hands are. I'd rate them maybe a 2/5.
-I have the NM CAI so I didn't need to remove anything to replace the cold tube. I think you'd need to remove the factory airbox to get to it if you don't have a similar CAI.
-The hot tube took me about 45 minutes, about 35 of which was trying to get the screw out of the factory muffler so I could remove it. There are coolant hoses in the way and it's a major pain just because it should be easy but it's not. You need the car to be up on a lift or jack stands to replace the hot side.
Any negative side effects?
-There aren't any bad things about it. It just doesn't do anything.
Basically this mod is for aesthetic purposes only. I suppose it can free up the boost a little but it will not be something you will notice in the least.
For you tim, the cold side tube *might* give you some sort of difference, it will be extremely small and probably not worth $150 but you should have the little "noise maker" that comes off of the cold tube.
There are lots of threads around that mention this part, it basically taps into the boost tube and sends some engine noise into the cabin. Any of the aftermarket pipes will delete this. This is only because you have the older N14 engine, I've never had this engine so I can't speak from experience.
There may be someone else that chimes in about how it's best to have everything in your car as free-flowing as possible and that the boost tubes are a worth while upgrade because they do this. This statement is correct but these tubes make such an insignificant difference for a stock or even moderately modded car that the difference is completely imperceivable.
There are lots of threads around that mention this part, it basically taps into the boost tube and sends some engine noise into the cabin. Any of the aftermarket pipes will delete this. This is only because you have the older N14 engine, I've never had this engine so I can't speak from experience.
There may be someone else that chimes in about how it's best to have everything in your car as free-flowing as possible and that the boost tubes are a worth while upgrade because they do this. This statement is correct but these tubes make such an insignificant difference for a stock or even moderately modded car that the difference is completely imperceivable.
I was considering purchasing an Alta boost tube for my 2013 JCW.
Has anyone installed these & noticed any (or even slight) improvement?
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
Is it difficult to instal?
Any negative side effects?
Alta's running a Haloween special for $117. Maybe it's time to take advantage...
Has anyone installed these & noticed any (or even slight) improvement?
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
Is it difficult to instal?
Any negative side effects?
Alta's running a Haloween special for $117. Maybe it's time to take advantage...
Most is butt dyno.
My personal opinion being one of the first to have it almost 4.5 years ago is that it is junk.
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Ca
Thanks calforhelp, that's the reply I was looking for. I appreciate the honesty. I'll likely just stick to getting the downpipe, FMIC, and a tune on the car. For me personally, I want a little extra power for the money. Everyone's different though, but thank you again.
Has anyone installed these & noticed any (or even slight) improvement?
-I've installed the NM hot and cold boost tubes. Presumably the NM ones would be better than the Alta. I noticed zero power gain, zero noise change, zero anything. The hot tube will remove a muffler of sorts that, in theory, will free up the boost a little more. The cold tube will remove a "noise maker" in the N14 engines which, again, supposedly frees up the boost a little more.
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
- I can't speak for the Alta tubes, my 3 piece NM set fit perfectly. I don't think I've heard any complaints about the Alta parts fitting. As far as I know, Alta's tubes are completely silicone and as such should be flexible enough that small fitment issues should not exist.
Is it difficult to instal?
-Depends on how big your hands are. I'd rate them maybe a 2/5.
-I have the NM CAI so I didn't need to remove anything to replace the cold tube. I think you'd need to remove the factory airbox to get to it if you don't have a similar CAI.
-The hot tube took me about 45 minutes, about 35 of which was trying to get the screw out of the factory muffler so I could remove it. There are coolant hoses in the way and it's a major pain just because it should be easy but it's not. You need the car to be up on a lift or jack stands to replace the hot side.
Any negative side effects?
-There aren't any bad things about it. It just doesn't do anything.
Basically this mod is for aesthetic purposes only. I suppose it can free up the boost a little but it will not be something you will notice in the least.
-I've installed the NM hot and cold boost tubes. Presumably the NM ones would be better than the Alta. I noticed zero power gain, zero noise change, zero anything. The hot tube will remove a muffler of sorts that, in theory, will free up the boost a little more. The cold tube will remove a "noise maker" in the N14 engines which, again, supposedly frees up the boost a little more.
Does it fit just as good as the OEM tube?
- I can't speak for the Alta tubes, my 3 piece NM set fit perfectly. I don't think I've heard any complaints about the Alta parts fitting. As far as I know, Alta's tubes are completely silicone and as such should be flexible enough that small fitment issues should not exist.
Is it difficult to instal?
-Depends on how big your hands are. I'd rate them maybe a 2/5.
-I have the NM CAI so I didn't need to remove anything to replace the cold tube. I think you'd need to remove the factory airbox to get to it if you don't have a similar CAI.
-The hot tube took me about 45 minutes, about 35 of which was trying to get the screw out of the factory muffler so I could remove it. There are coolant hoses in the way and it's a major pain just because it should be easy but it's not. You need the car to be up on a lift or jack stands to replace the hot side.
Any negative side effects?
-There aren't any bad things about it. It just doesn't do anything.
Basically this mod is for aesthetic purposes only. I suppose it can free up the boost a little but it will not be something you will notice in the least.
Moderator
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 341
From: San Francisco Bay Area
I installed the Alta turbo muffler delete tube about a month ago. Install was pretty easy, I was changing the oil and had the car up on the ramps anyway. I found that the mounting screw for the muffler that everyone complains about wasn't too hard if you get it from the bottom. I can't say that I really notice any difference in sound or power, though it seems like the peak boost on the Marshall gauge doesn't go quite as high as I remembered with the stock muffler. I'm planning to go do some back to back instrumented runs using my OBD-bluetooth adapter and Torque app to see if I can quantify any difference. I'll post results after I get a chance to do that.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Auto? Might want to consider the tradeyourcarinforaMT mod, then. Flappy panel gearboxes are a drag, man. If you're looking for power gains, the engine mount is a must.
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Ca
When I give this car wide open throttle and the car shifts into 2nd gear or even 3rd gear, the steering wheel does this quick back and forth shake, and the car does this brief side to side veer. I never experienced this in my regular mini, probably because the regular has no power. I was under the impression the engine mount is for this particular fix. I just don't want aftermarket vibrations coming through the steering wheel or extra noises coming inside. I understand there's trade-offs.
Can you help me understand why an engine mount has anything to do with power gains?
When I give this car wide open throttle and the car shifts into 2nd gear or even 3rd gear, the steering wheel does this quick back and forth shake, and the car does this brief side to side veer. I never experienced this in my regular mini, probably because the regular has no power. I was under the impression the engine mount is for this particular fix. I just don't want aftermarket vibrations coming through the steering wheel or extra noises coming inside. I understand there's trade-offs.
When I give this car wide open throttle and the car shifts into 2nd gear or even 3rd gear, the steering wheel does this quick back and forth shake, and the car does this brief side to side veer. I never experienced this in my regular mini, probably because the regular has no power. I was under the impression the engine mount is for this particular fix. I just don't want aftermarket vibrations coming through the steering wheel or extra noises coming inside. I understand there's trade-offs.
What you describe with the steering wheel is called torque steer. Some say the engine mount helps this somewhat. It might not be an easy fix since torque steer is a front suspension geometry design tradeoff.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 478
Likes: 1
The stiffer engine mount improved the overall driver feel and feedback from the car but the previous poster claiming it does not add vibration is way off. I have had this without changes to the exhaust and noise/vibration transmitted to the cabin borders on horrendous. I would have kept it but for my passenger's complaints.
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Ca
slinger688 & ingition module: I agree with both of you. Thank you for providing me your honest feedback. It really helps me.
In the end, this is all about trade-offs. I can't see how a stiffer suspension component does not have any effect on NVH. Yeah I would like to have it, but because it's my DD, I'm more inclined to keep it OEM, atleast for now. The car is already sporty enough with the firm ride and exhaust note, I don't want too much more right now lol.
In the end, this is all about trade-offs. I can't see how a stiffer suspension component does not have any effect on NVH. Yeah I would like to have it, but because it's my DD, I'm more inclined to keep it OEM, atleast for now. The car is already sporty enough with the firm ride and exhaust note, I don't want too much more right now lol.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 2
The stiffer engine mount improved the overall driver feel and feedback from the car but the previous poster claiming it does not add vibration is way off. I have had this without changes to the exhaust and noise/vibration transmitted to the cabin borders on horrendous. I would have kept it but for my passenger's complaints.
As for the boost tubes. It's a nice simple mod that does have a benefit albeit one you'll probably never notice. Between it and the aftermarket intercooler engine braking is so much smoother. Nice little sound increase as well. That being said I made my own pipe (same diameter as OE hoses) to replace the turbo muffler that cost me $5 and a little time. I wouldn't pay over $30-$50 for this mod unless you just want to dress up the engine compartment.
Last edited by TerminalVelocity; Oct 30, 2012 at 11:32 PM.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Can you help me understand why an engine mount has anything to do with power gains?
When I give this car wide open throttle and the car shifts into 2nd gear or even 3rd gear, the steering wheel does this quick back and forth shake, and the car does this brief side to side veer. I never experienced this in my regular mini, probably because the regular has no power. I was under the impression the engine mount is for this particular fix. I just don't want aftermarket vibrations coming through the steering wheel or extra noises coming inside. I understand there's trade-offs.
When I give this car wide open throttle and the car shifts into 2nd gear or even 3rd gear, the steering wheel does this quick back and forth shake, and the car does this brief side to side veer. I never experienced this in my regular mini, probably because the regular has no power. I was under the impression the engine mount is for this particular fix. I just don't want aftermarket vibrations coming through the steering wheel or extra noises coming inside. I understand there's trade-offs.
No vibrations through the steering wheel, not sure what others are commenting about - the only vibrations I have is just a little bit when engaging first. Otherwise, for me, the exhaust makes a lot of vibrations when hitting various RPM levels.
The engine mount almost eliminated the torque steering issue for me, it slightly jerks to the right a bit if I literally floor it and change gears hard, but it is much more improved since the mount.
To terminal's point, it's all in perspective. I DD my Mini as well, but I am working to make it track ready... but I like that kind of thing. You should be able to receive some feedback from the car - if you ever plan on driving it fast, even on a daily drive, it is a better experience.
I would strongly advocate that the minor negatives far outweigh the positives of the engine mount upgrade.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Also, I will add, that I share driving my Mini (reluctantly) with my girlfriend. She drives it 2/5 of the work week days and is most likely in the same boat as you, Jack. She wants the power gains, but doesn't want to feel/see/hear a difference in the cabin. She's okay with the mount and the exhaust minor vibration differences, so if that helps at all.
It's only $100 and super easy to remove/install. Can always give it a shot and sell it on the classifieds if you hate it.
It's only $100 and super easy to remove/install. Can always give it a shot and sell it on the classifieds if you hate it.
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Ca
Also, I will add, that I share driving my Mini (reluctantly) with my girlfriend. She drives it 2/5 of the work week days and is most likely in the same boat as you, Jack. She wants the power gains, but doesn't want to feel/see/hear a difference in the cabin. She's okay with the mount and the exhaust minor vibration differences, so if that helps at all.
It's only $100 and super easy to remove/install. Can always give it a shot and sell it on the classifieds if you hate it.
It's only $100 and super easy to remove/install. Can always give it a shot and sell it on the classifieds if you hate it.
I'm just curious, which exhaust did you install & why does it vibrate on you? So the torque mount has nothing to do with your exhaust vibration?
Decisions decisions. Well, atleast I get to drive the car and enjoy it for now as I ponder.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Thank you very much for the explanations Dchase. That makes sense about the power being able to be put down on the ground more efficiently.
I'm just curious, which exhaust did you install & why does it vibrate on you? So the torque mount has nothing to do with your exhaust vibration?
Decisions decisions. Well, atleast I get to drive the car and enjoy it for now as I ponder.
I'm just curious, which exhaust did you install & why does it vibrate on you? So the torque mount has nothing to do with your exhaust vibration?
Decisions decisions. Well, atleast I get to drive the car and enjoy it for now as I ponder.
It happens - same reason why you don't want to get massive sub woofers for your car.
I agree with the above comment that if you don't like the engine mount, you can resell it. I installed a set of inserts in my 08MCSa. The reduction of torque steer was impressive, but the vibration at idle was more than I wanted. Its only a 10-20 minute install/removal.
Mike
Mike
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Ca
I agree with the above comment that if you don't like the engine mount, you can resell it. I installed a set of inserts in my 08MCSa. The reduction of torque steer was impressive, but the vibration at idle was more than I wanted. Its only a 10-20 minute install/removal.
Mike
Mike
Where was the vibration coming from that you speak of? Are you 6m or auto? I imagine the extra vibration is coming strictly at idle? I can't see how driving 40mph is going to add any extra vibration.
Regarding the vibration, I had maybe a 5% increase in vibration in the steering wheel but I stopped noticing it after a day of driving. I'd imagine that a newer car would have less of a vibration effect since the parts aren't as worn in yet.
Anyways, there's a reason almost everyone does this mod, it just makes the car better. I don't know if it'd make a huge difference in an auto but in a manual it is almost necessary.
EDIT:
I only did the NM inserts and kept the factory torque arm. I've never tried the BSH full replacement, maybe that's where the extra vibration is coming from.
Anyways, there's a reason almost everyone does this mod, it just makes the car better. I don't know if it'd make a huge difference in an auto but in a manual it is almost necessary.
EDIT:
I only did the NM inserts and kept the factory torque arm. I've never tried the BSH full replacement, maybe that's where the extra vibration is coming from.