is alta intake safe in rainy days?? i always feels that the filter will expose to water, since the back plate is removed.

 

i've had no problems.

i'd ask the people in florida. (all joking aside, hope you guys are getting along alright... now, where's my produce?!)

 

i thinking to put the back plate back on, and maybe do a little bit of mod on the heat shield. to make it fit. i don't know i should do that or not..

 

If you have the alta or know someone that does try this-

Place a piece of paper around the side of the alta filter that you feel is at risk of getting hit by water- not too snuggly. You want to test that it stays dry so put the paper in the intake area and close the bonnet. Then get in the MINI and drive it while your "friend- the myth buster" gets a hose and splashes the MINI like rain would hit the car. Do this a bit or until you get bored.

Now stop the car and let some of the water drip off. Open the bonnet and check the paper for any wetness from the water bath. If you find any moisture on the paper this is the extent of the rain's influence on the intake.
I'd expect not much impact. There is simply not a good path for the water to take to get to the intake under normal driving conditions unless the MINI is submerged.

End of MINI science experiment 25.

 

..... besides, a little water injection once in a while is good for the motor.