ALTA Performance Feedback! (questions/comments)
Well I am upgrading my intake system from Alta to something else. Pretty much the major issues are it is all rubbing on something. With the intake tube it has notched my GTspec STB. I am moving up to something not silicone for my car. I haven't been disappointed I just think Alta is for the casual enthusiast not the person who out for long term gains. I also have other parts from Alta that I have yet to put on like the SS.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Well I am upgrading my intake system from Alta to something else. Pretty much the major issues are it is all rubbing on something. With the intake tube it has notched my GTspec STB. I am moving up to something not silicone for my car. I haven't been disappointed I just think Alta is for the casual enthusiast not the person who out for long term gains. I also have other parts from Alta that I have yet to put on like the SS.
I sent you a PM. With the growing aftermarket for MINIs, we are constantly updating parts to make sure our parts work well with other manufacturer components. This is a perfect example. We heard about the possibility of rubbing a few months back. Our new intake will clear aftermarket strut tower braces juuuuust fine!
Took Awhile But Some Scrapes And Bumps Later Im Lovin It
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, MD
So, I have not myself bought any Alta products, but I’ve been looking into a few of them, and I have to say I appreciate this thread. I like the idea of a small company who is interested enough in the feedback of their customers to respond in this way. I also think having the president of the company reading the feedback gives good incentive to the average employee (be careful man, if you mess up the bossman might hear about it on the forums and come knocking on your door).
Working in small business lending at a bank, the problems I see here are the normal pros and cons of dealing with a small business, IE people vs. a machine. As long as you know that going in you should be fine.
So Alta, I did have a couple of questions for you. I bought my 03 R53 used with 97K miles on it, so I do like the look of your pulley performance package, as those are all things I would probably want to replace anyway. I was also looking at the Lightened Crank Pulley, is it worth it to throw this in there at the same time?
My logic is that, while replacing the supercharger pulley can be done with just a tool, if you’re replacing the belt as well you probably have to take the whole thing apart anyway. And if you’re already in there, why not replace the crank pulley at the same time? Does this make sense, or am I thinking about this wrong?
As a related question, I see that many people like a 17% pulley over the 15%. Do you have any plans of making one? I see you only offer the 15% currently.
While there are a lot of things I’m willing to do myself, like install the CAI I’m planning on getting, I’ve never messed with a Supercharger, so I might get a mechanic to do those parts for me. Do you know what the average mechanic might charge to install the supercharger pulley, belt, tensioner, and maybe crank pulley?
Working in small business lending at a bank, the problems I see here are the normal pros and cons of dealing with a small business, IE people vs. a machine. As long as you know that going in you should be fine.
So Alta, I did have a couple of questions for you. I bought my 03 R53 used with 97K miles on it, so I do like the look of your pulley performance package, as those are all things I would probably want to replace anyway. I was also looking at the Lightened Crank Pulley, is it worth it to throw this in there at the same time?
My logic is that, while replacing the supercharger pulley can be done with just a tool, if you’re replacing the belt as well you probably have to take the whole thing apart anyway. And if you’re already in there, why not replace the crank pulley at the same time? Does this make sense, or am I thinking about this wrong?
As a related question, I see that many people like a 17% pulley over the 15%. Do you have any plans of making one? I see you only offer the 15% currently.
While there are a lot of things I’m willing to do myself, like install the CAI I’m planning on getting, I’ve never messed with a Supercharger, so I might get a mechanic to do those parts for me. Do you know what the average mechanic might charge to install the supercharger pulley, belt, tensioner, and maybe crank pulley?
Last edited by Sullosar; Apr 23, 2010 at 08:04 AM. Reason: weird copy and paste font effects...
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
So, I have not myself bought any Alta products, but I’ve been looking into a few of them, and I have to say I appreciate this thread. I like the idea of a small company who is interested enough in the feedback of their customers to respond in this way. I also think having the president of the company reading the feedback gives good incentive to the average employee (be careful man, if you mess up the bossman might hear about it on the forums and come knocking on your door).
Working in small business lending at a bank, the problems I see here are the normal pros and cons of dealing with a small business, IE people vs. a machine. As long as you know that going in you should be fine.
So Alta, I did have a couple of questions for you. I bought my 03 R53 used with 97K miles on it, so I do like the look of your pulley performance package, as those are all things I would probably want to replace anyway. I was also looking at the Lightened Crank Pulley, is it worth it to throw this in there at the same time?
My logic is that, while replacing the supercharger pulley can be done with just a tool, if you’re replacing the belt as well you probably have to take the whole thing apart anyway. And if you’re already in there, why not replace the crank pulley at the same time? Does this make sense, or am I thinking about this wrong?
As a related question, I see that many people like a 17% pulley over the 15%. Do you have any plans of making one? I see you only offer the 15% currently.
While there are a lot of things I’m willing to do myself, like install the CAI I’m planning on getting, I’ve never messed with a Supercharger, so I might get a mechanic to do those parts for me. Do you know what the average mechanic might charge to install the supercharger pulley, belt, tensioner, and maybe crank pulley?
Working in small business lending at a bank, the problems I see here are the normal pros and cons of dealing with a small business, IE people vs. a machine. As long as you know that going in you should be fine.
So Alta, I did have a couple of questions for you. I bought my 03 R53 used with 97K miles on it, so I do like the look of your pulley performance package, as those are all things I would probably want to replace anyway. I was also looking at the Lightened Crank Pulley, is it worth it to throw this in there at the same time?
My logic is that, while replacing the supercharger pulley can be done with just a tool, if you’re replacing the belt as well you probably have to take the whole thing apart anyway. And if you’re already in there, why not replace the crank pulley at the same time? Does this make sense, or am I thinking about this wrong?
As a related question, I see that many people like a 17% pulley over the 15%. Do you have any plans of making one? I see you only offer the 15% currently.
While there are a lot of things I’m willing to do myself, like install the CAI I’m planning on getting, I’ve never messed with a Supercharger, so I might get a mechanic to do those parts for me. Do you know what the average mechanic might charge to install the supercharger pulley, belt, tensioner, and maybe crank pulley?
1. The early cars (02-04) do have a tendency to see the OEM crank pulleys come apart. If you look at the rubber in between the pulley you might see it cracking/coming apart. Tada! Great time to replace! With replacing it with the ALTA Lightened crank pulley you will see increased throttle response and a bit more zip!
2. The debate rolls on and on....which to go with? 15 or 17 supercharger pulley?!? Do you race often or autocross? If you do decide to go the 17 route I would recommend the 15% supercharger pulley and a 2% crankshaft pulley, that way you get the lightweight crank pulley AND the benefit of a combined 17% reduction!
3. For replacing the supercharger pulley AND crank pulley at the same time I would estimate 2-3 hours depending on the shop.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, MD
Thanks, that's all good to know.
Is it easier to replace the supercharger pulley & belt, and the crankshaft pulley at the same time? Meaning, would it cost me more in hours if I seperated the two into different installs?
Is it easier to replace the supercharger pulley & belt, and the crankshaft pulley at the same time? Meaning, would it cost me more in hours if I seperated the two into different installs?
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
I would expect it would be better to do it all at once as you already have the belt off.
Am I the only one who encounters problem EVERYTIME I order from Alta?
The first time I dealt with Alta goes about a year ago, when I ordered a set of Brisk plugs.
After about 10 days of waiting, still no plugs and no notifications from Alta.
Upon calling them, I find out the plugs are out of stock and that it will take a few days for them to stock and it will be sent out asap.
So basically, it would have taken about 3-4 weeks to receive my plugs. And the most irritating bit? Absolutely ZERO notifications.
Now, several days ago, I bit my tongue and ordered their intake with lid and IC couplers. and AFTER I get an email saying the shipment has been shipped, they tell me the LID is out of production and that I will be reimbursed.
I have to ask, is it really that difficult to maintain your website to have items that are out of stock or no longer in production "NOT AVAILABLE"?
To be honest, I would have gotten a different intake if I knew the lid wasn't available. I want that top of the box to be sealed to prevent heat soak.
But what the hell can I do? the product has been shipped already.
All I get is "i'm sorry, We apologize for inconvenience". Yeah, right.
Absolutely ridiculous. NEVER ordering from Alta again.
drew-
The first time I dealt with Alta goes about a year ago, when I ordered a set of Brisk plugs.
After about 10 days of waiting, still no plugs and no notifications from Alta.
Upon calling them, I find out the plugs are out of stock and that it will take a few days for them to stock and it will be sent out asap.
So basically, it would have taken about 3-4 weeks to receive my plugs. And the most irritating bit? Absolutely ZERO notifications.
Now, several days ago, I bit my tongue and ordered their intake with lid and IC couplers. and AFTER I get an email saying the shipment has been shipped, they tell me the LID is out of production and that I will be reimbursed.
I have to ask, is it really that difficult to maintain your website to have items that are out of stock or no longer in production "NOT AVAILABLE"?
To be honest, I would have gotten a different intake if I knew the lid wasn't available. I want that top of the box to be sealed to prevent heat soak.
But what the hell can I do? the product has been shipped already.
All I get is "i'm sorry, We apologize for inconvenience". Yeah, right.
Absolutely ridiculous. NEVER ordering from Alta again.
drew-
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Am I the only one who encounters problem EVERYTIME I order from Alta?
The first time I dealt with Alta goes about a year ago, when I ordered a set of Brisk plugs.
After about 10 days of waiting, still no plugs and no notifications from Alta.
Upon calling them, I find out the plugs are out of stock and that it will take a few days for them to stock and it will be sent out asap.
So basically, it would have taken about 3-4 weeks to receive my plugs. And the most irritating bit? Absolutely ZERO notifications.
Now, several days ago, I bit my tongue and ordered their intake with lid and IC couplers. and AFTER I get an email saying the shipment has been shipped, they tell me the LID is out of production and that I will be reimbursed.
I have to ask, is it really that difficult to maintain your website to have items that are out of stock or no longer in production "NOT AVAILABLE"?
To be honest, I would have gotten a different intake if I knew the lid wasn't available. I want that top of the box to be sealed to prevent heat soak.
But what the hell can I do? the product has been shipped already.
All I get is "i'm sorry, We apologize for inconvenience". Yeah, right.
Absolutely ridiculous. NEVER ordering from Alta again.
drew-
The first time I dealt with Alta goes about a year ago, when I ordered a set of Brisk plugs.
After about 10 days of waiting, still no plugs and no notifications from Alta.
Upon calling them, I find out the plugs are out of stock and that it will take a few days for them to stock and it will be sent out asap.
So basically, it would have taken about 3-4 weeks to receive my plugs. And the most irritating bit? Absolutely ZERO notifications.
Now, several days ago, I bit my tongue and ordered their intake with lid and IC couplers. and AFTER I get an email saying the shipment has been shipped, they tell me the LID is out of production and that I will be reimbursed.
I have to ask, is it really that difficult to maintain your website to have items that are out of stock or no longer in production "NOT AVAILABLE"?
To be honest, I would have gotten a different intake if I knew the lid wasn't available. I want that top of the box to be sealed to prevent heat soak.
But what the hell can I do? the product has been shipped already.
All I get is "i'm sorry, We apologize for inconvenience". Yeah, right.
Absolutely ridiculous. NEVER ordering from Alta again.
drew-
Hi Sullosar! Welcome to NAM and thanks for the interest in ALTA! To answer your questions...
1. The early cars (02-04) do have a tendency to see the OEM crank pulleys come apart. If you look at the rubber in between the pulley you might see it cracking/coming apart. Tada! Great time to replace! With replacing it with the ALTA Lightened crank pulley you will see increased throttle response and a bit more zip!
2. The debate rolls on and on....which to go with? 15 or 17 supercharger pulley?!? Do you race often or autocross? If you do decide to go the 17 route I would recommend the 15% supercharger pulley and a 2% crankshaft pulley, that way you get the lightweight crank pulley AND the benefit of a combined 17% reduction!
3. For replacing the supercharger pulley AND crank pulley at the same time I would estimate 2-3 hours depending on the shop.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
1. The early cars (02-04) do have a tendency to see the OEM crank pulleys come apart. If you look at the rubber in between the pulley you might see it cracking/coming apart. Tada! Great time to replace! With replacing it with the ALTA Lightened crank pulley you will see increased throttle response and a bit more zip!
2. The debate rolls on and on....which to go with? 15 or 17 supercharger pulley?!? Do you race often or autocross? If you do decide to go the 17 route I would recommend the 15% supercharger pulley and a 2% crankshaft pulley, that way you get the lightweight crank pulley AND the benefit of a combined 17% reduction!
3. For replacing the supercharger pulley AND crank pulley at the same time I would estimate 2-3 hours depending on the shop.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks for spending your time listening customers, Alta...please keep it up..and I soon want to give a try to upgrade my mini.
Cheers.
By the way, do you have recommendation of shop that carries your 15% pulley package(with belt and sparks all that) and 2% crank pulley...and can do the installation locate near anywhere Orange County? LA can do too if couldn't find one in OC...If you feel very sensitive to endorse a shop, please PM me.
Thanks...
Last edited by Joshishy; Apr 28, 2010 at 11:02 PM. Reason: adding question
RATTUS Deserticus
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ; aka Lesser Phoenix, aka BFE
My ALTA experiences have been a mixed bag. The people side has always been good, but on occassion the parts side has left something to be desired.
Grade :: Item :: Comment
A+ :: 22mm rear sway bar :: Excellent fit, finish, and function
A :: Rear control arms :: Very solid. no complaints
A+ :: Catback :: Awesome. Throaty at WOT, sleeper at cruise.
B :: CAI :: Had to do my own mod for clearance on strut brace
B :: Si Turbo inlet :: rubs against the coolant overflow tank and nearby clamps
B :: PSRS :: Good responsiveness. Set screws suck, better hope they never loosen 'cause there is very little access after installation. Recommend loctite RED.
C :: FMIC :: Good temp delta (per scan gauge). Hated having to trim the bumper support. Had to put hose clamps in front of bumper subframe because the inlet wouldn't fit through the bumper opening with the hose on. Thermometer reads high now as it had to move and ended up out of airflow path.
F :: Hot side Si tube (turbo to FMIC) :: 1/2 inch too short. Just didn't fit.
Grade :: Item :: Comment
A+ :: 22mm rear sway bar :: Excellent fit, finish, and function
A :: Rear control arms :: Very solid. no complaints
A+ :: Catback :: Awesome. Throaty at WOT, sleeper at cruise.
B :: CAI :: Had to do my own mod for clearance on strut brace
B :: Si Turbo inlet :: rubs against the coolant overflow tank and nearby clamps
B :: PSRS :: Good responsiveness. Set screws suck, better hope they never loosen 'cause there is very little access after installation. Recommend loctite RED.
C :: FMIC :: Good temp delta (per scan gauge). Hated having to trim the bumper support. Had to put hose clamps in front of bumper subframe because the inlet wouldn't fit through the bumper opening with the hose on. Thermometer reads high now as it had to move and ended up out of airflow path.
F :: Hot side Si tube (turbo to FMIC) :: 1/2 inch too short. Just didn't fit.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
My ALTA experiences have been a mixed bag. The people side has always been good, but on occassion the parts side has left something to be desired.
Grade :: Item :: Comment
A+ :: 22mm rear sway bar :: Excellent fit, finish, and function
A :: Rear control arms :: Very solid. no complaints
A+ :: Catback :: Awesome. Throaty at WOT, sleeper at cruise.
B :: CAI :: Had to do my own mod for clearance on strut brace
B :: Si Turbo inlet :: rubs against the coolant overflow tank and nearby clamps
B :: PSRS :: Good responsiveness. Set screws suck, better hope they never loosen 'cause there is very little access after installation. Recommend loctite RED.
C :: FMIC :: Good temp delta (per scan gauge). Hated having to trim the bumper support. Had to put hose clamps in front of bumper subframe because the inlet wouldn't fit through the bumper opening with the hose on. Thermometer reads high now as it had to move and ended up out of airflow path.
F :: Hot side Si tube (turbo to FMIC) :: 1/2 inch too short. Just didn't fit.
Grade :: Item :: Comment
A+ :: 22mm rear sway bar :: Excellent fit, finish, and function
A :: Rear control arms :: Very solid. no complaints
A+ :: Catback :: Awesome. Throaty at WOT, sleeper at cruise.
B :: CAI :: Had to do my own mod for clearance on strut brace
B :: Si Turbo inlet :: rubs against the coolant overflow tank and nearby clamps
B :: PSRS :: Good responsiveness. Set screws suck, better hope they never loosen 'cause there is very little access after installation. Recommend loctite RED.
C :: FMIC :: Good temp delta (per scan gauge). Hated having to trim the bumper support. Had to put hose clamps in front of bumper subframe because the inlet wouldn't fit through the bumper opening with the hose on. Thermometer reads high now as it had to move and ended up out of airflow path.
F :: Hot side Si tube (turbo to FMIC) :: 1/2 inch too short. Just didn't fit.
RATTUS Deserticus
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ; aka Lesser Phoenix, aka BFE
As I wrote, the people side of ALTA is great, but I just didn't have time for this one.
I've read on another forum that the BRSK-DR12S plugs are two steps colder than the stock plug and only recommended for mods that include a head, cam, header and 440 injectors along with the pulley. I currently have the Alta CAI and soon to be installed 15% V2 pulley. Did I order the right plugs?
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Contact me today and we can chat.
503-693-1702
Am I the only one who encounters problem EVERYTIME I order from Alta?
The first time I dealt with Alta goes about a year ago, when I ordered a set of Brisk plugs.
After about 10 days of waiting, still no plugs and no notifications from Alta.
Upon calling them, I find out the plugs are out of stock and that it will take a few days for them to stock and it will be sent out asap.
So basically, it would have taken about 3-4 weeks to receive my plugs. And the most irritating bit? Absolutely ZERO notifications.
Now, several days ago, I bit my tongue and ordered their intake with lid and IC couplers. and AFTER I get an email saying the shipment has been shipped, they tell me the LID is out of production and that I will be reimbursed.
I have to ask, is it really that difficult to maintain your website to have items that are out of stock or no longer in production "NOT AVAILABLE"?
To be honest, I would have gotten a different intake if I knew the lid wasn't available. I want that top of the box to be sealed to prevent heat soak.
But what the hell can I do? the product has been shipped already.
All I get is "i'm sorry, We apologize for inconvenience". Yeah, right.
Absolutely ridiculous. NEVER ordering from Alta again.
drew-
The first time I dealt with Alta goes about a year ago, when I ordered a set of Brisk plugs.
After about 10 days of waiting, still no plugs and no notifications from Alta.
Upon calling them, I find out the plugs are out of stock and that it will take a few days for them to stock and it will be sent out asap.
So basically, it would have taken about 3-4 weeks to receive my plugs. And the most irritating bit? Absolutely ZERO notifications.
Now, several days ago, I bit my tongue and ordered their intake with lid and IC couplers. and AFTER I get an email saying the shipment has been shipped, they tell me the LID is out of production and that I will be reimbursed.
I have to ask, is it really that difficult to maintain your website to have items that are out of stock or no longer in production "NOT AVAILABLE"?
To be honest, I would have gotten a different intake if I knew the lid wasn't available. I want that top of the box to be sealed to prevent heat soak.
But what the hell can I do? the product has been shipped already.
All I get is "i'm sorry, We apologize for inconvenience". Yeah, right.
Absolutely ridiculous. NEVER ordering from Alta again.
drew-
Update************
OK, so after I posted my rather angry and disappointing feedback here on their feedback thread, I immediately got contacted by Jarid through PM.
He explained where things went wrong and promised to get it right.
Not only that, he said he would refund my money for the lid and still send me a lid free of charge.
I received everything ordered today, and I have to say, their customer service is top notch. I guess I should have contacted them first before I started rambling here but Alta contacted me through email so I got frustrated and just exploded.
Also, I went through 2 intakes (jcw, craven) and I really like Alta 2.0 intake's quality the best.
I think Jarid practices witchcraft or something, he even gave me two different options (powdercoated top or brushed) and BAM (like Randy at M7), I got the lid in no time. So much fun (again like Randy at M7 says)
Thanks Jarid and Alta!
Drew-
A couple of weeks ago, I installed a set of Alta adjustable rear sway bar endlinks. No problem for a day or two. The day before taking off on my 10 hour drive to MOTD, I developed a really annoying "clunking" noise that I was able to isolate to the right rear suspension.
After some work, I got it down to the endlink. After a couple of emails to/from Alta, I made a couple of adjustments and the noise is gone.
The replies from Alta were quick, very clear and spot on for what needed to be done. It's clear to me that Alta is taking customer service serious. Thanks for the replies and I'm glad we were able to figure this issue out with a minimal amount of hassle.
Craig
After some work, I got it down to the endlink. After a couple of emails to/from Alta, I made a couple of adjustments and the noise is gone.
The replies from Alta were quick, very clear and spot on for what needed to be done. It's clear to me that Alta is taking customer service serious. Thanks for the replies and I'm glad we were able to figure this issue out with a minimal amount of hassle.
Craig
:)
Jarid,
Not nearly as happy as I was! 20 hours on the road with that noise was making me just a little "difficult" to deal with and that didn't include the time in the car while at MOTD!
Keep up the great work.
Craig
Not nearly as happy as I was! 20 hours on the road with that noise was making me just a little "difficult" to deal with and that didn't include the time in the car while at MOTD!
Keep up the great work.
Craig
