Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R53) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Official ALTA Q&A thread!

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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 08:56 AM
  #701  
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Hi Adam,

I sent you a PM on this - my question is regarding the Alta CAI - I would like to install it on my GP - the instructions seem to be for a standard MCS - are there any issues doing this swap that you have heard that would cause a problem... I know the JCW airbox is not the same as the standard so I'm just trying to have this question answered before I go pulling my intake apart.
Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 09:59 AM
  #702  
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There should be no problems...

the GP is basically an S with the JCW options and a better IC. (At least from an engine perspective).

Matt
 
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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 10:39 AM
  #703  
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robino: Thank you for asking. The website will have those loaded soon. They are adding new info to the website (including instructions, sound clips, dyno plots, etc.) all the time. Check back often. Sorry for not having that for you today! Thanks again!
 
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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 10:42 AM
  #704  
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SoCal_Mini: Thanks for asking and for the purchase. The intake will work, etc. The only minor change from the instructions included would be for the JCW motorized door on the box itself (if equipped.) Otherwise, everything is a-ok. Congrats on a really sweet car! (Read: JEALOUS!)

Thanks Dr!

If we can help further PLEASE let us know.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 12:14 PM
  #705  
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Alta
Any chance that you may make a filter replacement similar to yours for a JCW air box. I believe it would be a big seller.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2006 | 12:23 PM
  #706  
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newbs49: Thanks for the idea. I will pass it along! Thanks again!
 
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Old Dec 22, 2006 | 11:23 AM
  #707  
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ALTA CAT BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM WITH CUSTOM OVAL TIP

how much? how long to get?
 
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Old Dec 26, 2006 | 09:47 AM
  #708  
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robino: Thank you for asking. Can you send me a quick e-mail to adam@altaminiperformance.com? Include your contact informatione etc. and I will get back to ASAP!

Thanks again for choosing ALTA Performance

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!
 
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Old Dec 27, 2006 | 07:37 AM
  #709  
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Ok, I have been running the Alta V2 Intercooler for about a month now. I'm starting to experience some rubbing on the underside of the hood on driver's right (Passenger side). Vehicle is factory JCW and has no other work other than the resonator removed so I'm pretty sure there is no misalignment of the engine mounts. I also find that there is little to no clearance between the fuel rail and the intercooler, thus preventing the unit from sitting properly in place. (Passenger side is somewhat raised.) Any ideas on a fix?
 
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Old Dec 27, 2006 | 07:46 AM
  #710  
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Minibeast

They may be closed for the holidays. I thought they said that in one of their replies. What is your impression of the V2 cooler. Have you noticed any improvement in performance or cooling. Thanks
 
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Old Dec 27, 2006 | 11:44 AM
  #711  
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Actually haven't noticed much of anything yet. Test will come this summer if I leave it on that long.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 12:58 PM
  #712  
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Minibeast: Thank you for your post. (We are closed until Wednesday of next week but I wanted to reply before then. Sorry for any delay.) There should be adequate clearance in that area. Be sure the car is not an automatic, and that the tabs have been ground down properly to allow the cooler to sit down. This is hard to fully address here in text, a phone conversation and any photos would be extremely helpful.

Please e-mail me adam@altaminiperformance.com any photos as well as your daytime contact information. Either Jeff or myself will be in touch ASAP after that.

Thanks again Mark!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
 
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 07:02 PM
  #713  
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Originally Posted by ALTAPerformance
Minibeast: Thank you for your post. (We are closed until Wednesday of next week but I wanted to reply before then. Sorry for any delay.) There should be adequate clearance in that area. Be sure the car is not an automatic, and that the tabs have been ground down properly to allow the cooler to sit down. This is hard to fully address here in text, a phone conversation and any photos would be extremely helpful.

Please e-mail me adam@altaminiperformance.com any photos as well as your daytime contact information. Either Jeff or myself will be in touch ASAP after that.

Thanks again Mark!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
I have been looking into a DFIC style IC and am a little concerned by this post. The fact that it apparently has some contact issues with both the hood and the fuel rail is not a good thing but I am more concerned however by your statement about " making sure the tabs are ground down properly "? Do we have to make some permanent change to our car to make this fit?
On another note , it is beginning to feel like we are beating a dead horse but what is up with the CARB approval for the intake. This past summer you said that there would be resolution to this by the SEMA show and that was just about three months ago. Whats the latest story on this?
Thanks and happy holidays to all .
 
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 07:35 PM
  #714  
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Inlet Hose Connection on Auto Tranny - Extra parts?

I got the inlet hose AFTER I installed the rest of the system. When I received the inlet hose, I also received two male-male connectors and about 16" of what I think is 1/2" blue tubing.

I used the larger male/male connector to connect the lower of the two inlet tubes on the side to to just above the throttle body. The upper inlet tube connects directly (without an adapter) to the same area above the throttle body.

I don't know how I should be using this tubing and extra connector. Nothing fits like I think it should. But, I always feel uneasy when there are extra parts.
 
Attached Thumbnails Official ALTA Q&A thread!-intake-tube-parts-002.jpg  
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 07:57 PM
  #715  
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Adam, no rush on the response needed.
I'm pretty sure the car is not an automatic. (My third one and I have to do alot of work to make it go)
When you say "tabs" what specifically are you refering to?
My best guess at this point is that the unit is sitting on the fuel rail itself.
Picture following is just before installing the unit. (I did remove the two upper mounting brackets before installing the Alta unit.)


And below is the Alta unit installed. You can notice some extra lift on the left hand side of the picture.



Anyway, enjoy the New Year Celebration and I'll look forward to hearing from you next year!

Originally Posted by ALTAPerformance
Minibeast: Thank you for your post. (We are closed until Wednesday of next week but I wanted to reply before then. Sorry for any delay.) There should be adequate clearance in that area. Be sure the car is not an automatic, and that the tabs have been ground down properly to allow the cooler to sit down. This is hard to fully address here in text, a phone conversation and any photos would be extremely helpful.

Please e-mail me adam@altaminiperformance.com any photos as well as your daytime contact information. Either Jeff or myself will be in touch ASAP after that.

Thanks again Mark!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
 
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 08:19 PM
  #716  
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these are the "tabs" you need to grind down
 
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 10:23 PM
  #717  
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Ah, isn't that a pretty serious mod--to grind down those "tabs"? they are used to hold the brackets to which the stock IC mounts, and also used by M7 for the diverter. If they are modified you lose these options. Exactly how much do they have to be "ground down?"
I personally like mods that don't require me grinding things down...

cheers,
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 04:04 AM
  #718  
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Actually, I don't believethe intercooler is even touching those tabs since I can force it down further by pressing on it. I believe it is sitting on the fuel rail and will try to confirm that later today. Since it already has the heatshield on the bottom ther should be an impression where it is pressing into the heat shield material. I'll remove the IC and see if I can get a high res photo to post and show where it is being helg up.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 05:06 AM
  #719  
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Originally Posted by DrPhilGandini
Ah, isn't that a pretty serious mod--to grind down those "tabs"? they are used to hold the brackets to which the stock IC mounts, and also used by M7 for the diverter. If they are modified you lose these options. Exactly how much do they have to be "ground down?"
I personally like mods that don't require me grinding things down...

cheers,
i think it's 1/4" they want you to grind off
they also want you to cut the hood scoop

i was helping someone install this thing and i kept saying "i didn't have to do that" every couple of minutes

he also had some trouble with the air diverter hitting the front intake scoop above the radiator
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 10:15 AM
  #720  
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Hello Folks,

Referencing CARB. I have tried to be as honest and forthright with all of my posts (as well as Jeff) about this matter. They are a governmental agency in California and we are in Oregon. (Not an excuse just a point to consider.) The timing was intended to work out and be done at SEMA. (Which BTW is the first week of November less than 8 weeks ago not 12-15 as was inferred above.) You may want to read back some of my posts. Jeff met with an ARB rep at the SEMA show about the applications (the intake is not the only piece) and where we were at. He assured Jeff it would happen but there would inevitably be more hoops to jump through. Jeff continues to answer each of their multitude of requests. Also, Steve's Auto Clinic has successfully passed smog with his clients cars, with the intake installed in California. (He is not a SMOG station.) If you have an immediate reason to be tested, I STRONGLY suggest speaking to him directly about what is necessary. We want to help in way possible. Just let us know.

On the V 2.0 TMIC upgrade, those tabs do need to be ground slightly, as well as some slight trimming to the hood scoop. Keep in mind our core is SIGNIFICANTLY larger than similar models and thus more clearance must be made. Thus our instructions will note changes in how to proceed with the installation. There will be multiple spots where things will vary from the competitive part.

If you have any concerns with the install, PLEASE feel free to call us, AIM, e-mail etc. so we can help you. Jeff and I are always happy to help (as are other members of our sales and tech staff) My apologies you are having difficulty. In the photos above there are a couple minor things that can certainly be causing a problem. The trim around the radiator shroud needs to be cut and turned around and installed on the intercooler. There also are some brackets included that wrap the seal around the top of the core and are secured to the bosses that are not ground down on the side of the core. If that information or pieces were missing from the kit let the retailer know, and/or me so I can get them to you. We simply want you to be as happy as possible with your new purchase!

Thanks again everyone! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 10:17 AM
  #721  
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REdSCooter: I answered your e-mail today, but I will put it here as well. Sounds like you got the wrong inlet tube sent to you from the retailer. Call them for the proper replacement. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Thanks again!
 
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Old Dec 31, 2006 | 09:41 AM
  #722  
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V2 intercooler install

I just installled by Alta version 2 intercooler. After following instructions (with a call to Jeff) I found that the intercooler bottomed out on the fuel regulator and started wearing a hole in silver insulation. The fuel regulator is the high point of the fuel rail. I ground a few thousands off top of the regulator - enough, I hope, to clear. Maybe Alta should include this modification in their directions!! My car is a 2005 JCW. I am trying to get Mini to download the GP software in my car - this, I feel, will give me more power along with the v2 intercooler. So far Mini (two dealers and web site) have said "NO can't do it, not authorized, will void warantee, not designed for earlier model, blah, blah"!!!! I think it will work fine.
 
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Old Jan 2, 2007 | 08:59 AM
  #723  
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There is no need to grind the top of the regulator. This isn't something we recommend at all. The intercooler may touch the fuel rail, and may touch the posts slightly. This is normal, and with a .125" plate on the bottom of the intercooler, it will not hurt it at all.

Our intercooler is a tight fit and with proper installation there should be no issues.

sideburns,
after you get our V2 installed along with the GP software, i am sure that will make a very noticable gain. Our local dealer has flashed the JCW software into cars without the kits, so it might be just a dealer thing. But i can see why they would say that.
 
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Old Jan 2, 2007 | 09:45 AM
  #724  
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FWIW, it's dealer by dealer...

Originally Posted by ALTA2
Our local dealer has flashed the JCW software into cars without the kits, so it might be just a dealer thing. But i can see why they would say that.
One bay area dealer gave me a flat out no, never. Another one said they've done it before..... And maybe they'd do it again. The official policy is no, but then the dealers want the money for the relatively easy work.

Matt
 
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Old Jan 5, 2007 | 05:35 PM
  #725  
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header question

Alta
I have a question about you header. Do you have a V2 coming out with a 3in collector to mate up with your 3in. exhaust. Going down to 2.5 into 3in. seems to be a waste. Although I could be wrong.
Thanks
 
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