Drivetrain Official ALTA Q&A thread!
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 483
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From: G'ville NC
Sounds like all the parts to me 
What year is yours? I didn't need anything more than the 3 large clamps on my '03.
What year is yours? I didn't need anything more than the 3 large clamps on my '03.
Originally Posted by Battle Cattle
Ok... couple questions... about ALTA CAI!
1) Why aren't vent hose clamps included?
2) Why aren't their 3 large hose clamps (TB, heatshield, "Ram air pipe")
3) You need better instructions...
4) a parts list might be helpful to know what I do need and don't have...
a quite simple install went from 30mins to... about 2.5 hrs... because of missing parts and lack of directions without internet....
-Josh
1) Why aren't vent hose clamps included?
2) Why aren't their 3 large hose clamps (TB, heatshield, "Ram air pipe")
3) You need better instructions...
4) a parts list might be helpful to know what I do need and don't have...
a quite simple install went from 30mins to... about 2.5 hrs... because of missing parts and lack of directions without internet....
-Josh
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,348
Likes: 0
From: Everett, WA
Originally Posted by supergimp
I agree on the instructions. They leave something to be desired. I used Randy Webb's how-to and did it in about 1/2 hour. Without that, it would have been a head scratcher.
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Manufacturer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 995
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From: Oregon
Battle Cattle,
1 & 2) I belive i talked to you the other day, when you called about the missing parts. We are very sorry you were missing the hose clamps. The 2 clamps you should have gotten are not something we normally miss. We are very sorry for causing your install to take so long. There is no need for the 3rd clamp as the factory rubber hose attaches very snuggly to the plastic fresh air pipe. Plus i think it looks a little cleaner not having that extra clamp there.
3)Every once and a while people complain about the instructions, but no one says exactly what needs to be better. If you take the time to pre-read them first, they describe perfectly how the installation should go. From removal of the stock parts, to the installation of our part, it is right on the money. We have changed our instructions many times over the last few years to make them more cleared to the DIYer. We have improved the pics making them clearer and larger in the instructions.
4)The parts list is something that we are adding to all of the instructions at the same time we put them on our website for download. This will help you out in stituations like you had missing the clamps.
Supergimp,
Randy Webbs how-to is very good, and all the pics are very helpful. As more of our instructions go on our site you will see more pics and things like that. But for printing instructions that have 10 pages of pics to do something that is somewhat simple and can be described in 1 page of words, can be a little over kill.
We are always looking to improve our parts/instructions and packaging and the only way that ever happens is by our customers reporting back to us with what to do.
1 & 2) I belive i talked to you the other day, when you called about the missing parts. We are very sorry you were missing the hose clamps. The 2 clamps you should have gotten are not something we normally miss. We are very sorry for causing your install to take so long. There is no need for the 3rd clamp as the factory rubber hose attaches very snuggly to the plastic fresh air pipe. Plus i think it looks a little cleaner not having that extra clamp there.
3)Every once and a while people complain about the instructions, but no one says exactly what needs to be better. If you take the time to pre-read them first, they describe perfectly how the installation should go. From removal of the stock parts, to the installation of our part, it is right on the money. We have changed our instructions many times over the last few years to make them more cleared to the DIYer. We have improved the pics making them clearer and larger in the instructions.
4)The parts list is something that we are adding to all of the instructions at the same time we put them on our website for download. This will help you out in stituations like you had missing the clamps.
Supergimp,
Randy Webbs how-to is very good, and all the pics are very helpful. As more of our instructions go on our site you will see more pics and things like that. But for printing instructions that have 10 pages of pics to do something that is somewhat simple and can be described in 1 page of words, can be a little over kill.
We are always looking to improve our parts/instructions and packaging and the only way that ever happens is by our customers reporting back to us with what to do.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Jeff,
Rereading the thread, I didn't want to infer that I was anyway dissatisfied with my Alta CAI. I love it, it fit great, works great - and the only trouble I ran into is that I was one of the first that tried it on an MCSa (and you guys were very diligent in sending me a bunch of parts before we realized a change in the hose was necessary - still can't wait until the new hose is available, btw
). I'm pretty mechanically inclined and my point should have been that, as my first (of many) venture under the hood of my Mini, Randy's how to was helpful in identifying where I was headed right away, not that I couldn't have done it with just the instructions, but that the how-to made me feel like I had been there before.
Cheers,
Steve
Rereading the thread, I didn't want to infer that I was anyway dissatisfied with my Alta CAI. I love it, it fit great, works great - and the only trouble I ran into is that I was one of the first that tried it on an MCSa (and you guys were very diligent in sending me a bunch of parts before we realized a change in the hose was necessary - still can't wait until the new hose is available, btw
). I'm pretty mechanically inclined and my point should have been that, as my first (of many) venture under the hood of my Mini, Randy's how to was helpful in identifying where I was headed right away, not that I couldn't have done it with just the instructions, but that the how-to made me feel like I had been there before.Cheers,
Steve
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 0
by no means am I upset or anything...
more disappointed if I had to classify it ...and tired from the long install...
I love the CAI... and will continue to buy ALTA products... but I do belive that a reevaluation of your instructions is called for... 1 page of B&W pictures ($259 item w/ hose) and text doesn't cut it. I mean when I did my Ian auto-up windows ($50 item) I had like 8 pages of color pictures and wonderfully discriptive text...
Otherwise every part is well made and not cheap, It all fits together with great ease... Once you know how it goes together. Also this might help... take the instructions to a person that has never looked under the hood before and see what they say. If I had a digital camera I could write you up 1 hell of a how-to so anyone could do it
-Josh
more disappointed if I had to classify it ...and tired from the long install...
I love the CAI... and will continue to buy ALTA products... but I do belive that a reevaluation of your instructions is called for... 1 page of B&W pictures ($259 item w/ hose) and text doesn't cut it. I mean when I did my Ian auto-up windows ($50 item) I had like 8 pages of color pictures and wonderfully discriptive text...
Otherwise every part is well made and not cheap, It all fits together with great ease... Once you know how it goes together. Also this might help... take the instructions to a person that has never looked under the hood before and see what they say. If I had a digital camera I could write you up 1 hell of a how-to so anyone could do it
-Josh
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, FL
Alta, I think what would help a lot of us would be a nice how-to on your site (like Randy's for the CAI). This would allow us to see in color (and w/o extra printing cost to you) the full install. We can see what we're getting into before we get the product and let us have something to go back on if the included instructions don't have enough detail.
This comment extends to all your products. A nice how-to online would be a great tool to help in our buying decisions.
This comment extends to all your products. A nice how-to online would be a great tool to help in our buying decisions.
Originally Posted by gtbuzzmini
I bought a used CAI without installation instructions. Is there a copy aailable somewhere? Thanks
Matt
Matt
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=15124
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Puert Rico
Alta 19%+2%
I think in add a 19% + 2% in my mcs but i have some doubt about it reliable.someones said that the 19% overheat the supercharge and the 2% make cavitation in the water pump and increase the oil temperature.Are this sure? And how much hp gain can i expected with this or and other combination more save and with the same hp gain?THANK'S
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Manufacturer
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Oregon
SteveS,
I think Randy Webb has one on his site. It is one he did when he installed our crank pulley on his race car. I will try to find it and post the link.
electricblue,
A 19%+2% isn't a problem if you use the proper belt and don't rev it to high. If you think about it, the SC speeds is all you are concerned with. The different pulleys will cause the SC to at different speeds at your engines redline. We can show that a 15% pulley can safely rev with the engine to 7500RPM (JCW). With a 19% a stock redline keeps it basically the same using the stock redline. With the 2%, we recommend a slightly lower redline, just to keep things safer. So your stock redline is 7000, just mentally use 6800 as your redline. Hope that helps.
I think Randy Webb has one on his site. It is one he did when he installed our crank pulley on his race car. I will try to find it and post the link.
electricblue,
A 19%+2% isn't a problem if you use the proper belt and don't rev it to high. If you think about it, the SC speeds is all you are concerned with. The different pulleys will cause the SC to at different speeds at your engines redline. We can show that a 15% pulley can safely rev with the engine to 7500RPM (JCW). With a 19% a stock redline keeps it basically the same using the stock redline. With the 2%, we recommend a slightly lower redline, just to keep things safer. So your stock redline is 7000, just mentally use 6800 as your redline. Hope that helps.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Puert Rico
thank's sorry for to much questions but i start my mods and i want to know thw difference betwen the 15%+2%,17%+2% or 19%+2% in hp gains i allredy order my Alta CAI and the JCW Injectors thinking in the 17 or 19 pulley.my next buy going to be the pulley so i want to be sure of wath i going to buy.
Originally Posted by ALTA2
SteveS,
I think Randy Webb has one on his site. It is one he did when he installed our crank pulley on his race car. I will try to find it and post the link.
electricblue,
A 19%+2% isn't a problem if you use the proper belt and don't rev it to high. If you think about it, the SC speeds is all you are concerned with. The different pulleys will cause the SC to at different speeds at your engines redline. We can show that a 15% pulley can safely rev with the engine to 7500RPM (JCW). With a 19% a stock redline keeps it basically the same using the stock redline. With the 2%, we recommend a slightly lower redline, just to keep things safer. So your stock redline is 7000, just mentally use 6800 as your redline. Hope that helps.
I think Randy Webb has one on his site. It is one he did when he installed our crank pulley on his race car. I will try to find it and post the link.
electricblue,
A 19%+2% isn't a problem if you use the proper belt and don't rev it to high. If you think about it, the SC speeds is all you are concerned with. The different pulleys will cause the SC to at different speeds at your engines redline. We can show that a 15% pulley can safely rev with the engine to 7500RPM (JCW). With a 19% a stock redline keeps it basically the same using the stock redline. With the 2%, we recommend a slightly lower redline, just to keep things safer. So your stock redline is 7000, just mentally use 6800 as your redline. Hope that helps.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 883
Likes: 2
ALTA CAI's
To Whom it may...
Sorry to be so late, I haven't posted for nearly a year. The first question asked has sparked my interest.
To the point: I hate red on any part of my car. Yes I'm one of those people.
Changing the color of the CAI filter was answered with "what color?"
"Black & Gray are fine, but you can't see the dirt" well how about Alta blue?
If you can't see the dirt on that color you can't see. I believe I've seen a blue flat panel filter, but not a round CAI filter.
I'm slowly, but surely going to change wires, sparkplug wires, and hoses to match my Alta intake hose, which really stands out when you open the hood without needing sunglasses. The red must go! I would gladly buy all mentioned from Alta if offered.
Sorry to be so late, I haven't posted for nearly a year. The first question asked has sparked my interest.
To the point: I hate red on any part of my car. Yes I'm one of those people.
Changing the color of the CAI filter was answered with "what color?"
"Black & Gray are fine, but you can't see the dirt" well how about Alta blue?
If you can't see the dirt on that color you can't see. I believe I've seen a blue flat panel filter, but not a round CAI filter.
I'm slowly, but surely going to change wires, sparkplug wires, and hoses to match my Alta intake hose, which really stands out when you open the hood without needing sunglasses. The red must go! I would gladly buy all mentioned from Alta if offered.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Puert Rico
hello!
Originally Posted by electricblue
thank's sorry for to much questions but i start my mods and i want to know thw difference betwen the 15%+2%,17%+2% or 19%+2% in hp gains i allredy order my Alta CAI and the JCW Injectors thinking in the 17 or 19 pulley.my next buy going to be the pulley so i want to be sure of wath i going to buy.
Thread Starter
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Manufacturer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
minian,
I think we will do some in the grey color for those who don't like the red, and we are probably going to stay away from the blue. The blue that we have availibe is just to turquoise.
You won't be able to see the dirt, but you will just have clean it every 10K miles.
Good input.
I think we will do some in the grey color for those who don't like the red, and we are probably going to stay away from the blue. The blue that we have availibe is just to turquoise.
You won't be able to see the dirt, but you will just have clean it every 10K miles.
Good input.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 1
From: the great country of california
is the reduction pulley going to have a carb e.o. number?
Has this been asked? If so, nevermind.
Last edited by meanboy; Oct 14, 2005 at 04:21 PM. Reason: typo and bad grammer
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Millbrae, California- A Place In The Sun
Inquiring minds want to know
Been asked but not answered yet.
PLEASE Alta a CARB sticker would be the clincher as to which pully to get for us Cali folks
PLEASE Alta a CARB sticker would be the clincher as to which pully to get for us Cali folks
Originally Posted by meanboy
Has this been asked? If so, nevermind.
Huh?
Originally Posted by Krassanova
...and that's why we pay more in California.
Matt
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Chapin
PDF of all products.
Going to do the OCC install today and no instructions. This is not the fault of Alta. This is mine. It would be nice if there was a place on your web that we could download the PDF files for installs of all the products.
As part of the OCC install I was also going to clean the IC while it was off. Does anyone have suggestions for cleaning the inside and outside of the IC? Looking to brighten the entire engine compartment.
thanks
'02 EB/W, 17" SSR-GT1, H-Sport Adj Sway Bar, 15% Hellix, H&R Springs, Alta Bue CAI, Eibach Pro-Alignement kit - rear, 108K
Going to do the OCC install today and no instructions. This is not the fault of Alta. This is mine. It would be nice if there was a place on your web that we could download the PDF files for installs of all the products.
As part of the OCC install I was also going to clean the IC while it was off. Does anyone have suggestions for cleaning the inside and outside of the IC? Looking to brighten the entire engine compartment.
thanks
'02 EB/W, 17" SSR-GT1, H-Sport Adj Sway Bar, 15% Hellix, H&R Springs, Alta Bue CAI, Eibach Pro-Alignement kit - rear, 108K
Inside use a solvent that's good on oil...
Originally Posted by whskysouth
PDF of all products.
Going to do the OCC install today and no instructions. This is not the fault of Alta. This is mine. It would be nice if there was a place on your web that we could download the PDF files for installs of all the products.
As part of the OCC install I was also going to clean the IC while it was off. Does anyone have suggestions for cleaning the inside and outside of the IC? Looking to brighten the entire engine compartment.
thanks
'02 EB/W, 17" SSR-GT1, H-Sport Adj Sway Bar, 15% Hellix, H&R Springs, Alta Bue CAI, Eibach Pro-Alignement kit - rear, 108K
Going to do the OCC install today and no instructions. This is not the fault of Alta. This is mine. It would be nice if there was a place on your web that we could download the PDF files for installs of all the products.
As part of the OCC install I was also going to clean the IC while it was off. Does anyone have suggestions for cleaning the inside and outside of the IC? Looking to brighten the entire engine compartment.
thanks
'02 EB/W, 17" SSR-GT1, H-Sport Adj Sway Bar, 15% Hellix, H&R Springs, Alta Bue CAI, Eibach Pro-Alignement kit - rear, 108K
Matt