So I have had this product on for about 4 days and all I can say is I love it! Ill dig into it.

Installation difficulty on a scale 1-10: 4

This is a quite easy install, but is a little tricky. First off, the instructions are generalized ones, not tailored to the Mini Cooper. If you are installing, I say look up a write up on NAM or go to Alta's sight and use their instructions, particularly about unbolting the coolant container and setting it to the side as much as possible. Next, remove the inlet tube (2 clamps) and move it toward the top of the vehicle. Now you should see the factory DV, it is black with 2 visible torx bolts and one not visible. Unless you are an 8 year old girl or a carny with small hands, this will prove to be a PITA. I suggest going after the torx bolt that is not visible first, then unbolting them clockwise, ending with the top one last (also the easiest to see and reach). With the bolts undone, pull out the factory DV& solenoid. The instructions have pretty pictures on how to put the thing together and the only factory parts required are the solenoid, large yellow gasket, and the factory spring (optional as they have a stiffer replacement). You will notice that the parts are springing outward, so replacing it is a bit of a PITA as you have to hold the DV while fitting your seemingly gorilla hands in the engine bay and screwing in the replacement bolts (admittedly they are longer to attach the new parts). Once it is attached, just reverse the previous steps.

TL:DR Installation is simple, but requires time due to small work space. Supplemental instructions may be needed

Quality - 9

This kit is made of very high quality parts. All parts are metal and the springs are very strong. In addition, the DV+ doesn't just work when the ECU tells it. The ECU opens the first gate, which in turn, must have enough pressure to open the actual DV piston, effectively only dumping enough boost to alleviate back pressure, but not all boost (like the stock DV). This greatly enhances throttle response by keeping the turbo produced boost in the system, rather than making it re-pressurize.

TL:DR Great quality that vastly improves throttle response

Price - 10

I feel for what you get, this is the best bang for the buck. Alta produces a very high quality DV, but comes at a premium price ($175). It uses manual pressure instead of ECU actuated (which is claimed to be faster) AND required additional parts ($60 boost port) or drilling into your manifold. Forge DV actually uses the ECU (like the DV+) but also provides its own tubing and a whole kit to provide a faster response. This all comes at a price that is nearly $100 more than the DV+

TL:DR
DV+ - $135 on battletuning.com
Alta DV + boost port - $235 ($175+ $60) altaperformance.com
Forge DV kit - $236 forgemotorsport.com

Overall, this is a very good product from a relatively unknown mini tuner. It is machined very well, and even comes with a global warrantee on parts. If you would like more info (such as a full write up) just comment, otherwise. contact John at Battletuning.com for more information

 

man mines sitting on my dresser, think im going to knock it out today.