Andy has already done an excellent pictoral thread on the new Alta intake -- This is my installation experience.
I received my Alta Intake yesterday and installed it today. I guess I'm not the ace mechanic the rest of you are because it took me two hours to install. I took my time and double checked everything for fit. My MCS is a November 02 build 03. I had no, I repeat no trimming to do on the blue tube. In fact, it fit so tightly and well it barely required a clamp. I also did not have to drill a new hole or trim metal to fit the side next to the fusebox, mine fit fine. I also did not notice a gap on the passenger side. Maybe this kit fits late build 03's better than earlier 02's. Now, it still requires some wrestling to get all the holes to line up but I am very satisfied with the result. Super solid. The filter is absolutely drenched with oil, in fact the plastic bag has enough to literally pour out when you open it. Just wiped it off and had no problem keeping it tight with the supplied clamp. Since my MCS has the pulley installed, the supercharger whine is much more noticeable with any intake. Now with the Alta it is very much more "live" with a higher pitch. A nice noise but intense at WOT. Performance seems a bit sharper, throttle response quicker. I'm happy enough with it that I sold my Madness intake today. My engine bay is certainly more colorful if nothing else. My opinion is that the product I received performs and fits as advertised.
Bluesmaster