My alta intake just arrived and I plan on installing it ASAP. The first thing mentioned in the instructions is to disconnect the battery. Can I install without disconnecting? I have a trunk full of stereo which will add 30 min. to take apart and 30 more to put back together. I know I will have to disconnect the ECU and I probably should disconnect the battery but I just wanted some opinions. Thanks.

 

Yes, you will be fine. Just don't touch the + terminal under the bonnet and the car's body at the same time.

This How-to from WMS is great!

 

I just installed the CAI two weeks ago and did it without disconnecting the battery. Follow Randy Webb's how-to which is linked in the previous post and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Make sure to follow Randy Webbs install instructions for an Alta CAI. If one were new to this NAM thing, one would wonder why not have detailed instructions from the MANUFACTURER to follow. ( Alta has terrible instructions for installs of CAI and OCC.)

IMHO - THAT is why my family shops at Webb Motorsports...and will continue to.

Sorry...off the topic there.

Yes, no problem with not disconnecting the battery....and do follow the Webb detailed instructions. His how to's are very good.

 

Agreed. The Alta instructions are a joke. When I saw them I couldn't believe how bad they were. Webb's instructions rock.

 

Webb's "how-to" rocks!!

btw, enjou your new Alta CAI !!!

 

Thanks for all the help. I have read the Alta instructions and Randy's how to. Now if only I could find a T25 screwdriver. I tried 2 stores yesterday and neither had one.

 

You can use an 8mm socket to remove the top of the original airbox, you don't need the T25. But you may need a T30 for the plastic wall at the back of the intake. Some cars have 8mm screws there, but most are the T30's.

 

SEARS has all the torx drivers

 

+1 and I got a set from Lowe's/Home Depot and used them countless times since.

 

That car is impossible to work out with a torx set. Grab one, it will not go unused.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice...I too just received my Alta CAI...and hopefully the weather here in Missouri will be cool enough to work comfortably in the garage this saturday when I try to do my install...too bad we can't get like some web cams or something going and do a virtual group install...

So those who have done this as per Randy Webb's instructions...anything we should be aware of at all? any wierd things to remember...? anything at all that will help this go much more smooth...

finally, what can we expect with regards to sound, power etc...I know it's ONLY a CAI and that it's supposed to ONLY add an additional 3-5 hp...but it would be nice to actually be able to feel or hear a difference...

thanks for the help and patience everyone...

windrider (in hot, hot columbia, MO)

 

Actually Webb's How-to is spot on. The only thing that drove me nuts was the hose install.

 

I think the major difference right off the bat you'll notice is the extra noise. The supercharger whine will be much more noticable and will make you jump on the go-juice a bit more....its addicting .

I think the butt-dyno response will be positive, but the major thing I noticed was the whine.

In terms of the install, nothing too difficult, no worries. You may need to really yank on the bottom of the airbox to pop it out, but don't worry. The twist to remove the snorkel is also a little tricky, but don't be afraid. Follow Randy's instructions and you'll be done in a hour or less.

 

The overall sound is great ....but, the whistle you will notice from the throttle body positioning will drive you insane!!!
It may make you a better driver by watching your pedal positioning to cut down on the whistle!

 

Hi new Alta CAI'ers...

Just so you are aware of it, a number of well regarded performance specialists as well as private installers leave the plastic back partition in place and simply cut a clean ~5"x~5" window out under it's cowl where it lines up with the Alta filter.

This greatly reduces install time (you don't need to remove and reinstall the bottom of the stock airbox to get to all the goodies to remove the back partition), it also reduces the SC whyne a little bit and it makes uninstalling the CAI easier if you need to temporarily reinstall the stock airbox for smog or other issues.

The disadvantage if you do this is that you will have modified the plastic back partition and would have to purchase another one if you want to bring the car back to bone stock.

Best,

-- Don

 

Some parts will need more force than others. Some things have to be twisted in the exact position to come out. But just be patient, keep the frustration in check and it'll go along just fine.

As for what to expect. Expect a very annoying high pitch whistle on light throttle. Not much can be done about that from everyone I have talked to. Only possible way to get rid of it is with the VGS mod. Tried to do that this past weekend but couldn't get into the areas I needed to, too tight.

Anyway, the sound at wide open throttle is incredible. The car screams, and in a good way. My wife who did not expect to notice a difference, cause she doesn't know cars at all, knew EXACTLY what the different noise was when I punched it. It's awesome. With the window down you can also here the sucking and hissing.

As far as more power, well when I am at highway speeds and need to gun it and zip into an opening I find it more responsive, quicker. I'm guessing that's due to both the colder air and the less restricted flow. Butt dyno says its good!

Enjoy!

 

I can't wait...hoping to do the pully next then saving up for exhaust and ecu....what fun....

windrider

 

Thanks for everone's advice. I installed it last night and nothing was too hard except for the difficulties I caused myself. I grabbed what tools I thought I might need and left the house looking for somewhere with some shade to work in. Needless to say I needed more than I brought. Have long and short phillips and regular screwdrivers, ratchet/sockets with extensions, pliers, wrenches. Also, be patient and let the motor cool down first. I was too anxious to get it on and payed the price many times yesterday.The sound isn't as loud as I thought it might be. Normal driving I can't tell a difference. Foot down and the sound is there. I can't really give judgment on power improvement yet, I need to drive it more. Overall happy so far.

 

oh just did the install and all i can say "oh that wonderful sound of a supercharger whine!!!" the install went pretty well except for those parts that had to be pulled, twisted or tugged a certain way...all in all though it was ok...about 1.5 hours...love it...did anyone put on the "alta" stickers...if so where...or do many of you find that pretty lame...

windrider

 

put the stickers on. Be Proud! On driver's side rear window.

 

** Sorry wrong thread**