Well I just got done installing my Alta intake. It went pretty smooth actually. I didn't really run into any issues, and overall I am really happy with the fit. I do however have a couple questions.

1st is that its hard for me to shut the hood now. The passenger side will close just fine, but the drivers side doesn't. I have to push down on the drivers side above the headlight area for it to close. Maybe I am just being a baby and slamming it hard enough to begin with, but I don't think that is the case. Anyone else have this issue after the Alta Intake install??

2nd is it supposed to make a sucking type noise after i turn the car off? I have had other CAI before and none made this loud of a sucking noise. Again I could just be paranoid and listening to every detail.

3rd is the sound. I am pretty sure its normal, but its kinda like a high whistle type sound when on the gas. If I tap the gas I can hear it start real quick. Is that the normal sound? On my tC the CAI was much deeper and could only be heard when I stepped on it. This on seems more sensative.

4th if i go ahead and get the Alta top cover will that reduce the noise or keep it the same? I kind of like seeing the red intake, but also want the top for the stealthy look.

Thanks Ken

 

it doesn't sound like you have the oem botton half of the air box seated in the rubber isolators correctly. the hood should close like before the install.
the whistle noise is normal. you now have a supercharged car and need to get used to these sounds. the box top will not change the sounds you are hearing. come on it sounds awesome!! you have a mini-s.

 

... and be careful pushing down over the headlight to latch it... my beautiful 4 week old MINI has a couple of little dings there where I did that.
Not hefty sheetmetal in that spot, apparently...

 

Shoot.

That's not really normal. I had no issues closing the bonnet after my install. Like the other user said, make sure the bottom half of the airbox it seated correctly. The weather stripping along the heat shield should be level and flush.



Well, without further details, it's hard to say. There's a 99% chance its 100% ok. Mine make's a noise too when its shut off, but I would describe it as air-brakes of a large truck. When they pull to a stop, there is a release of compressed air that is released. That's what is sounds like to me.

That's normal too. Some people hate it so much they take it off. I don't mind it, but it's heard during normal driving. It is more sensitive. I was shocked by the noise when I switched from my other CAI. I love it!


I had the box top on for a while. It made no difference in the noise what so ever. It might muffle it a tad, but not really. I do have to say, I also love the red filter. But, I also loved the look of the box top. Its really just a personal preference.

Thanks Ken[/QUOTE]

Congrats on you ALTA CAI!

 

The issue with the whistle sound has been covered many times and a variety of "solutions" have been suggested. If you do a search you'll find pages of discussion. Here's a link to a current thread that's on topic (even though it relates to an automatic MCS).

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=84641

 

Well after driving around with it for a day I am starting to really like the sound of it. As far as one side not shutting that was just me being a baby ad not really shutting the whole bonnet.

My only other questions would be with the water from rain comming in from that vent. I assume that because of the way the filter is being foam that the water will not get passed it and into the engine. I know on my other cars with CAI I had to put an adapter piece on there to stop any water from getting in there before going to the engine.

Other than that minor concern I am happy with it and plan on keeping just the way it is.

Thanks Ken

 

It's not really that much to be concerned about. First, think of the path that any water would have to travel to get to the combustion chamber...in the intake, through and then through the TB, SC and IC, with lots of twists, turns and heat in between. Second, hydrolock only occurs when A LOT of water gets into the engine. In fact, water injection has long been a method to keep combustion chamber temps down. Alta's website will give you the basics on this.

http://www.altaminiperformance.com/p...jection-System