ALTA Performance Feedback! (questions/comments)
I was in on the 15% pulley group buy, so I ordered Brisk plugs and a smaller S/C belt from Alta on 4/15. I received NO email communication after the order was processed for 2 weeks, not even an order confirmation. I even emailed the alta sales address after a week of nothing and got NO reply. On 4/30 I finally got an email saying my order had shipped and it should be delivered today. All I can say is your reputation is clearly well deserved.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
I was in on the 15% pulley group buy, so I ordered Brisk plugs and a smaller S/C belt from Alta on 4/15. I received NO email communication after the order was processed for 2 weeks, not even an order confirmation. I even emailed the alta sales address after a week of nothing and got NO reply. On 4/30 I finally got an email saying my order had shipped and it should be delivered today. All I can say is your reputation is clearly well deserved.
-drew
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
I would rather think of a phonecall as a way to resolve an issue someone might be having and a chance to make things right, making someone happy... not getting confrontational. It's all to easy to blast a person/company on a board (wether justified or not) than it is to call that person/company and calmly explain the situation.
I would rather think of a phonecall as a way to resolve an issue someone might be having and a chance to make things right, making someone happy... not getting confrontational. It's all to easy to blast a person/company on a board (wether justified or not) than it is to call that person/company and calmly explain the situation.
And honestly, if all companies were helpful like Alta, I wouldn't hesitate to try resolving the issue on the phone.
and I got the refund Jarid.
Thank you again
I consider a phone call a viable option, and if I was concerned I wasn't going to receive the package, I would certainly go that route. But alta also lists email addresses in their contact us page, which should receive a reply, and I don't expect as fast a reply as a phone call would demand. Certainly one email in 14 days isn't too much to expect, is it? Since I ordered this product over the internet, I expect internet-style communication regarding my order. Is an email confirmation really that much to ask for? I don't think I'm out of line here, I didn't make a big deal about it, I'm just stating the facts of my order experience since this is a feedback thread for Alta.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,925
Likes: 2
From: Laurel MD
There are so many variables here that could have caused a failure. Did you check your spam to make sure that your server didn't catch it as such. Likewise there really is no guarantee that an e-mail will reach its intended destination. If I don't hear form someone I simply pickup the phone and call. There have been times with several vendors that I have not gotten quick responses. I have, however, gotten the product.
Bottom line, the best way to find out the status of something is to simply call.
Bottom line, the best way to find out the status of something is to simply call.
Neutral
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Golden, CO
I was looking to buy my very first aftermarket parts for my car, but don't understand the prices on your website. For example:
R53 Pulley Performance Package 15% - 394.99 and includes
15% pulley
belt
belt tensioner stop
plugs
wires
coil pack
or I can purchase seperately and order
15% pulley
belt
belt tensioner stop ~ 124.97
then add on
plugs
wires
coil pack ~ 209.99
Total savings buying them seperately 60.03
Another example:
R53 Cold air intake system ~ 249.99
or I can purchase seperately again and get
Intake system ~169.99
then add
Inlet hose ~ 59.99
Total savings buying them seperately 20.01
I always figured package deals would be cheaper then piecing stuff together. What's going on?
-Luke
R53 Pulley Performance Package 15% - 394.99 and includes
15% pulley
belt
belt tensioner stop
plugs
wires
coil pack
or I can purchase seperately and order
15% pulley
belt
belt tensioner stop ~ 124.97
then add on
plugs
wires
coil pack ~ 209.99
Total savings buying them seperately 60.03
Another example:
R53 Cold air intake system ~ 249.99
or I can purchase seperately again and get
Intake system ~169.99
then add
Inlet hose ~ 59.99
Total savings buying them seperately 20.01
I always figured package deals would be cheaper then piecing stuff together. What's going on?
-Luke
Im going to put an honest feedback write-up here about the products and experiences that I have had with ALTA. Not necessary positive, but it is constructive, and I hope its taken to heart.
When I first purchased my MINI I tooked for modifications that I could run on the MINI and get a nice performance gain. ALTA was my first turn to things as I had heard many good things about them with R53 products.
First I purchased the ALTA oval tip turboback exhaust mostly because it had a great deal on the website that was hard to pass up. Little did I know the trouble that was to come. Installation was simple enough as I have a large automotive modification background so it wasnt intimidating at all.
I start by removing the original exhaust and downpipe with the upper and loewr heat shields. Put the ALTA downpipe on, and realize this cat is HUGE and is not in the original location so my heat shield was tweaked and rubbing on the primary cat.
Leaving all the v-band clamps loose while I continue to install the rest of the exhaust, fitment was bad...at the least. The resonator (when I purchased it, I hear its been changed) its WAY too big and thought definitely did not go into this (especially when you are recommending customers cut the under brace for it to fit). Rattles up the rear! Even after tweaking for hours, it wouldnt fit right. I had to end up rolling and stretching the crap out of my heat shield. Also, the v-band clamp that is located immediately after the resonator is a horrible placement for it. It ended up rattling thru my heat shield onto the body itself. I ended up having to have a friend fabricate a section there, as in cutting off the v-band adapters and angle welding in a piece of 3" stainless to resolve it.
Again, fitment with the muffler was OK at best. hangers that do not work and stay in like the factory is a poor idea, and holding them with the small allen clamps was another no-no in my book. I had to sit there and go back and forth from my car for about 20 minutes to get it perfectly lined up.
Anyways, after about a month I got all the rattles to stop. Sound was great...for about 2 months. The 3" exhaust made me car civic sounding...nothing like the video clip on YouTube that ALTA made.
Another HUGE problem that I eventually got sick of and used to, was the CEL it caused. P0420 as always and as most MINIs past 07+ experience. I understood this was POSSIBLE before buying, but now ALTA states its basically guaranteed to get it on an 07+. Technicalities I guess.
One thing I will give Adam at ALTA props for is HIS customer service. I didnt get much help thru ALTA themselves, but Adam was proper and a stand up guy to give me his personal cell phone number to call him anytime with questions or problems during install. This is one thing I will commend and praise.
Soon after I decided to give them another shot and purchase the ALTA Intake. Again, fitment problems were there. I expect to pay for a product that fits properly and OEM fitment, not something that has to be modified to fit my car at the right angles. The ALTA Intake was a good start for a design, but poor in execution.
Immediately following install, I had to remove and cut the silicone that came with it as the vaccum line for my brakes was now rubbing up against the ECU area from moving the connection ~3" to the drivers side.
The "heat shield" seemed to be pointless on it mostly because its blocking air to from the lower part of the engine bay....which is on the intake side. Didnt make sense to me (those of you who understand this know what I mean since the exhaust is on the front, not below).
Also, on WOT and acceleration the metal heat shield majigger thingy rubs on the noisemaker connection. The reason I know this is because there is red that has rubbed off from it onto the black paint on the intake shield.
Needless to say, I took off the ALTA intake and went back to the stock box.
Also, in regards to the exhaust, it is now for sale and I have moved back to an OEM exhaust...the Factory JCW downpipe back (which costs less than your turboback). Fitment is perfect (as it should be) and mounts up to my new catless downpipe flawlessly with stock connectors for obvious reasons.
The reason I went catless is this: If I am going to have a CEL on 24/7 with a cat, whats the point of having it?
This is just my .02 cents in regards to the matter. Again, Im sure the people who work at ALTA are great in general, but the business seems to be more interested in revenue (which is an obvious goal for any company), but making products that generate customer returns and happiness.
Again this may seem a bit harsh but I hope it does not get taken the wrong way or deleted for some odd reason. I wanted to post up my honest feedback about the experience in products and services that I have received from ALTA so that others can also use this in their decision making process for quality products. I have no hard feelings about the troubles Ive gone thru, but if I had to do it over again with the knowledge I have I now know better.
One question I do have for you guys though, is how are you getting your HP numbers? It seems every single dyno chart I go to on your website have 8-15HP gains for EVERYTHING. We've obviously seen otherwise, as I see more response and smoothness with my stock intake box and RMW tune than I do with the ALTA. My butt dyno works, and so does wheelspin
When I first purchased my MINI I tooked for modifications that I could run on the MINI and get a nice performance gain. ALTA was my first turn to things as I had heard many good things about them with R53 products.
First I purchased the ALTA oval tip turboback exhaust mostly because it had a great deal on the website that was hard to pass up. Little did I know the trouble that was to come. Installation was simple enough as I have a large automotive modification background so it wasnt intimidating at all.
I start by removing the original exhaust and downpipe with the upper and loewr heat shields. Put the ALTA downpipe on, and realize this cat is HUGE and is not in the original location so my heat shield was tweaked and rubbing on the primary cat.
Leaving all the v-band clamps loose while I continue to install the rest of the exhaust, fitment was bad...at the least. The resonator (when I purchased it, I hear its been changed) its WAY too big and thought definitely did not go into this (especially when you are recommending customers cut the under brace for it to fit). Rattles up the rear! Even after tweaking for hours, it wouldnt fit right. I had to end up rolling and stretching the crap out of my heat shield. Also, the v-band clamp that is located immediately after the resonator is a horrible placement for it. It ended up rattling thru my heat shield onto the body itself. I ended up having to have a friend fabricate a section there, as in cutting off the v-band adapters and angle welding in a piece of 3" stainless to resolve it.
Again, fitment with the muffler was OK at best. hangers that do not work and stay in like the factory is a poor idea, and holding them with the small allen clamps was another no-no in my book. I had to sit there and go back and forth from my car for about 20 minutes to get it perfectly lined up.
Anyways, after about a month I got all the rattles to stop. Sound was great...for about 2 months. The 3" exhaust made me car civic sounding...nothing like the video clip on YouTube that ALTA made.
Another HUGE problem that I eventually got sick of and used to, was the CEL it caused. P0420 as always and as most MINIs past 07+ experience. I understood this was POSSIBLE before buying, but now ALTA states its basically guaranteed to get it on an 07+. Technicalities I guess.
One thing I will give Adam at ALTA props for is HIS customer service. I didnt get much help thru ALTA themselves, but Adam was proper and a stand up guy to give me his personal cell phone number to call him anytime with questions or problems during install. This is one thing I will commend and praise.
Soon after I decided to give them another shot and purchase the ALTA Intake. Again, fitment problems were there. I expect to pay for a product that fits properly and OEM fitment, not something that has to be modified to fit my car at the right angles. The ALTA Intake was a good start for a design, but poor in execution.
Immediately following install, I had to remove and cut the silicone that came with it as the vaccum line for my brakes was now rubbing up against the ECU area from moving the connection ~3" to the drivers side.
The "heat shield" seemed to be pointless on it mostly because its blocking air to from the lower part of the engine bay....which is on the intake side. Didnt make sense to me (those of you who understand this know what I mean since the exhaust is on the front, not below).
Also, on WOT and acceleration the metal heat shield majigger thingy rubs on the noisemaker connection. The reason I know this is because there is red that has rubbed off from it onto the black paint on the intake shield.
Needless to say, I took off the ALTA intake and went back to the stock box.
Also, in regards to the exhaust, it is now for sale and I have moved back to an OEM exhaust...the Factory JCW downpipe back (which costs less than your turboback). Fitment is perfect (as it should be) and mounts up to my new catless downpipe flawlessly with stock connectors for obvious reasons.
The reason I went catless is this: If I am going to have a CEL on 24/7 with a cat, whats the point of having it?
This is just my .02 cents in regards to the matter. Again, Im sure the people who work at ALTA are great in general, but the business seems to be more interested in revenue (which is an obvious goal for any company), but making products that generate customer returns and happiness.
Again this may seem a bit harsh but I hope it does not get taken the wrong way or deleted for some odd reason. I wanted to post up my honest feedback about the experience in products and services that I have received from ALTA so that others can also use this in their decision making process for quality products. I have no hard feelings about the troubles Ive gone thru, but if I had to do it over again with the knowledge I have I now know better.
One question I do have for you guys though, is how are you getting your HP numbers? It seems every single dyno chart I go to on your website have 8-15HP gains for EVERYTHING. We've obviously seen otherwise, as I see more response and smoothness with my stock intake box and RMW tune than I do with the ALTA. My butt dyno works, and so does wheelspin
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Im going to put an honest feedback write-up here about the products and experiences that I have had with ALTA. Not necessary positive, but it is constructive, and I hope its taken to heart.
When I first purchased my MINI I tooked for modifications that I could run on the MINI and get a nice performance gain. ALTA was my first turn to things as I had heard many good things about them with R53 products.
First I purchased the ALTA oval tip turboback exhaust mostly because it had a great deal on the website that was hard to pass up. Little did I know the trouble that was to come. Installation was simple enough as I have a large automotive modification background so it wasnt intimidating at all.
I start by removing the original exhaust and downpipe with the upper and loewr heat shields. Put the ALTA downpipe on, and realize this cat is HUGE and is not in the original location so my heat shield was tweaked and rubbing on the primary cat.
Leaving all the v-band clamps loose while I continue to install the rest of the exhaust, fitment was bad...at the least. The resonator (when I purchased it, I hear its been changed) its WAY too big and thought definitely did not go into this (especially when you are recommending customers cut the under brace for it to fit). Rattles up the rear! Even after tweaking for hours, it wouldnt fit right. I had to end up rolling and stretching the crap out of my heat shield. Also, the v-band clamp that is located immediately after the resonator is a horrible placement for it. It ended up rattling thru my heat shield onto the body itself. I ended up having to have a friend fabricate a section there, as in cutting off the v-band adapters and angle welding in a piece of 3" stainless to resolve it.
Again, fitment with the muffler was OK at best. hangers that do not work and stay in like the factory is a poor idea, and holding them with the small allen clamps was another no-no in my book. I had to sit there and go back and forth from my car for about 20 minutes to get it perfectly lined up.
Anyways, after about a month I got all the rattles to stop. Sound was great...for about 2 months. The 3" exhaust made me car civic sounding...nothing like the video clip on YouTube that ALTA made.
Another HUGE problem that I eventually got sick of and used to, was the CEL it caused. P0420 as always and as most MINIs past 07+ experience. I understood this was POSSIBLE before buying, but now ALTA states its basically guaranteed to get it on an 07+. Technicalities I guess.
One thing I will give Adam at ALTA props for is HIS customer service. I didnt get much help thru ALTA themselves, but Adam was proper and a stand up guy to give me his personal cell phone number to call him anytime with questions or problems during install. This is one thing I will commend and praise.
Soon after I decided to give them another shot and purchase the ALTA Intake. Again, fitment problems were there. I expect to pay for a product that fits properly and OEM fitment, not something that has to be modified to fit my car at the right angles. The ALTA Intake was a good start for a design, but poor in execution.
Immediately following install, I had to remove and cut the silicone that came with it as the vaccum line for my brakes was now rubbing up against the ECU area from moving the connection ~3" to the drivers side.
The "heat shield" seemed to be pointless on it mostly because its blocking air to from the lower part of the engine bay....which is on the intake side. Didnt make sense to me (those of you who understand this know what I mean since the exhaust is on the front, not below).
Also, on WOT and acceleration the metal heat shield majigger thingy rubs on the noisemaker connection. The reason I know this is because there is red that has rubbed off from it onto the black paint on the intake shield.
Needless to say, I took off the ALTA intake and went back to the stock box.
Also, in regards to the exhaust, it is now for sale and I have moved back to an OEM exhaust...the Factory JCW downpipe back (which costs less than your turboback). Fitment is perfect (as it should be) and mounts up to my new catless downpipe flawlessly with stock connectors for obvious reasons.
The reason I went catless is this: If I am going to have a CEL on 24/7 with a cat, whats the point of having it?
This is just my .02 cents in regards to the matter. Again, Im sure the people who work at ALTA are great in general, but the business seems to be more interested in revenue (which is an obvious goal for any company), but making products that generate customer returns and happiness.
Again this may seem a bit harsh but I hope it does not get taken the wrong way or deleted for some odd reason. I wanted to post up my honest feedback about the experience in products and services that I have received from ALTA so that others can also use this in their decision making process for quality products. I have no hard feelings about the troubles Ive gone thru, but if I had to do it over again with the knowledge I have I now know better.
One question I do have for you guys though, is how are you getting your HP numbers? It seems every single dyno chart I go to on your website have 8-15HP gains for EVERYTHING. We've obviously seen otherwise, as I see more response and smoothness with my stock intake box and RMW tune than I do with the ALTA. My butt dyno works, and so does wheelspin
When I first purchased my MINI I tooked for modifications that I could run on the MINI and get a nice performance gain. ALTA was my first turn to things as I had heard many good things about them with R53 products.
First I purchased the ALTA oval tip turboback exhaust mostly because it had a great deal on the website that was hard to pass up. Little did I know the trouble that was to come. Installation was simple enough as I have a large automotive modification background so it wasnt intimidating at all.
I start by removing the original exhaust and downpipe with the upper and loewr heat shields. Put the ALTA downpipe on, and realize this cat is HUGE and is not in the original location so my heat shield was tweaked and rubbing on the primary cat.
Leaving all the v-band clamps loose while I continue to install the rest of the exhaust, fitment was bad...at the least. The resonator (when I purchased it, I hear its been changed) its WAY too big and thought definitely did not go into this (especially when you are recommending customers cut the under brace for it to fit). Rattles up the rear! Even after tweaking for hours, it wouldnt fit right. I had to end up rolling and stretching the crap out of my heat shield. Also, the v-band clamp that is located immediately after the resonator is a horrible placement for it. It ended up rattling thru my heat shield onto the body itself. I ended up having to have a friend fabricate a section there, as in cutting off the v-band adapters and angle welding in a piece of 3" stainless to resolve it.
Again, fitment with the muffler was OK at best. hangers that do not work and stay in like the factory is a poor idea, and holding them with the small allen clamps was another no-no in my book. I had to sit there and go back and forth from my car for about 20 minutes to get it perfectly lined up.
Anyways, after about a month I got all the rattles to stop. Sound was great...for about 2 months. The 3" exhaust made me car civic sounding...nothing like the video clip on YouTube that ALTA made.
Another HUGE problem that I eventually got sick of and used to, was the CEL it caused. P0420 as always and as most MINIs past 07+ experience. I understood this was POSSIBLE before buying, but now ALTA states its basically guaranteed to get it on an 07+. Technicalities I guess.
One thing I will give Adam at ALTA props for is HIS customer service. I didnt get much help thru ALTA themselves, but Adam was proper and a stand up guy to give me his personal cell phone number to call him anytime with questions or problems during install. This is one thing I will commend and praise.
Soon after I decided to give them another shot and purchase the ALTA Intake. Again, fitment problems were there. I expect to pay for a product that fits properly and OEM fitment, not something that has to be modified to fit my car at the right angles. The ALTA Intake was a good start for a design, but poor in execution.
Immediately following install, I had to remove and cut the silicone that came with it as the vaccum line for my brakes was now rubbing up against the ECU area from moving the connection ~3" to the drivers side.
The "heat shield" seemed to be pointless on it mostly because its blocking air to from the lower part of the engine bay....which is on the intake side. Didnt make sense to me (those of you who understand this know what I mean since the exhaust is on the front, not below).
Also, on WOT and acceleration the metal heat shield majigger thingy rubs on the noisemaker connection. The reason I know this is because there is red that has rubbed off from it onto the black paint on the intake shield.
Needless to say, I took off the ALTA intake and went back to the stock box.
Also, in regards to the exhaust, it is now for sale and I have moved back to an OEM exhaust...the Factory JCW downpipe back (which costs less than your turboback). Fitment is perfect (as it should be) and mounts up to my new catless downpipe flawlessly with stock connectors for obvious reasons.
The reason I went catless is this: If I am going to have a CEL on 24/7 with a cat, whats the point of having it?
This is just my .02 cents in regards to the matter. Again, Im sure the people who work at ALTA are great in general, but the business seems to be more interested in revenue (which is an obvious goal for any company), but making products that generate customer returns and happiness.
Again this may seem a bit harsh but I hope it does not get taken the wrong way or deleted for some odd reason. I wanted to post up my honest feedback about the experience in products and services that I have received from ALTA so that others can also use this in their decision making process for quality products. I have no hard feelings about the troubles Ive gone thru, but if I had to do it over again with the knowledge I have I now know better.
One question I do have for you guys though, is how are you getting your HP numbers? It seems every single dyno chart I go to on your website have 8-15HP gains for EVERYTHING. We've obviously seen otherwise, as I see more response and smoothness with my stock intake box and RMW tune than I do with the ALTA. My butt dyno works, and so does wheelspin
Thanks for the feedback and I am sorry to hear about your fitment issues. It sounds like you were in contact with Adam about the exhaust, did you contact us about the intake? The issues you are having seem odd. I PM'ed you with a few more questions. Please get back to me ASAP so we can get things cleared up for you. Thanks!
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
R53 Pulley Performance Package 15% - 394.99 and includes
15% pulley
belt
belt tensioner stop
plugs
wires
coil pack
or I can purchase seperately and order
15% pulley
belt
belt tensioner stop ~ 124.97
then add on
plugs
wires
coil pack ~ 209.99
Total savings buying them seperately 60.03
-Luke
15% pulley
belt
belt tensioner stop
plugs
wires
coil pack
or I can purchase seperately and order
15% pulley
belt
belt tensioner stop ~ 124.97
then add on
plugs
wires
coil pack ~ 209.99
Total savings buying them seperately 60.03
-Luke
PLUGS-48.99
BELT-36.99
PULLEY-129.99
TENSIONER STOP-19.99
COIL-89.99
----------------------TOTAL $407.97. You save about 13 bucks buying all together! We will be going over pricing structures this week to ensure you are getting the best deal possible!
THANK YOU: If we can ever help in the future, PLEASE let us know! Always happy to help!
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Hey Alta guys, I was wondering if there was going to be a memorial day sale in a few days. I didn't want to miss out by ordering a day or two early.
Also, I see that I can order a red or blue R53(6-spd) intake hose if I order it stand alone, is there a way to get a red hose and a red airbox in the full CAI Package?
Also, I see that I can order a red or blue R53(6-spd) intake hose if I order it stand alone, is there a way to get a red hose and a red airbox in the full CAI Package?
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Hey Alta guys, I was wondering if there was going to be a memorial day sale in a few days. I didn't want to miss out by ordering a day or two early.
Also, I see that I can order a red or blue R53(6-spd) intake hose if I order it stand alone, is there a way to get a red hose and a red airbox in the full CAI Package?
Also, I see that I can order a red or blue R53(6-spd) intake hose if I order it stand alone, is there a way to get a red hose and a red airbox in the full CAI Package?
I do not mind that it doesn't match the box, Why i want it is, to match the SC couplers, and OCC I will get in the future. I will contact you just as soon as i get a chance to sit down, and have time to devote to it.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 505
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg, PA
Hey Alta guys, I was wondering if there was going to be a memorial day sale in a few days. I didn't want to miss out by ordering a day or two early.
Also, I see that I can order a red or blue R53(6-spd) intake hose if I order it stand alone, is there a way to get a red hose and a red airbox in the full CAI Package?
Also, I see that I can order a red or blue R53(6-spd) intake hose if I order it stand alone, is there a way to get a red hose and a red airbox in the full CAI Package?
