Just wrapped installing a new boost gauge in my MINI. Here is a test drive!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9YCRGPRAmQ

 

Looks good! Thanks for the video!

 

The gauge looks great! The temp on the tach display scares me!

More details, like how did you connect the boost gauge.

 

Ahh yes, the great state of Connecticut in the winter! Alta Performance has directions available on thier website that clearly detail how to install the pod and boost gauge.

 

CLICK HERE

Or HERE and then click instructions tab if the above doesn't work.

Hope that helps!

 

That gauge is sweet... I want one.

 

Doing my Alta gauge this weekend...looks great

 

I have had a couple of questions over the past view days on this install so here is a quick update:

Just a pointer; take your time to get the best results. The pay off is worth it.

ALTA provided an insert for the gauge pod to accept the 52mm gauge. You will need to check you horizantal gauge alignment very carefully as fitting the gauge and insert into the gauge pod is EXTREMELY tight. I used a liquid soap to lubricate everything to help it slide together easier. Still, it's a very tight fit.

You will need at least eight feet of boost line. I originally bought six feet which was not enough.

The boost line connection is very small on the back of the boost gauge. I picked up some equally small spring clamps from NAPA Auto Parts. NAPA was the only place I found that had spring clamps small enough.

Different vendors have the boost port adapters available so pick the one that you like.

You will need to pull the left side wiper and cover off in order to feed the boost line through the rubber boot at the firewall.

I tapped the power for the boost gauge right off of the power port on the center console. It draws very little power and the center console power port only powers up when the MINI starts. It's a perfect match.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

I too just installed my Alta gauges ...put a link w/ photos in another thread on this forum. (seems to be several gauge threads going).

Anyway, I must say that the Alta/Prosport gauges are super nice. The install was very easy (thanks to Alta's instructions). It took me about 8hrs total time, -over about a 2 week period. Yet I really like to take my time and do everything so it's perfect ..even making sure all wiring is hidden and very neat, etc.
The gauges are very nice, I LOVE starting up my car and seeing those gauges turn on. I went w/ white coloring for daytime driving and orange coloring for nightime, ..the orange matches our OEM gauge to a T. When turned off the black faces match my black interior perfectly.
great gauges, -I highly recommend the Alta/Prosport brand.

 

Thanks for the props eR1c! Post up a pic!!

 

 

eR1c.... Nice photos of your Mini gauges. Just curious as to how difficult it is to install a Prosport temp and oil pressure gauges in the Mini? I have a Mini Cooper Clubman S and am debating if I should do the install or have a dealer put them in. Thanks, Dave (Davedbq)

 

Just FYI, with the Prosports you get what you pay for. I had an electrical boost gauge on my Subaru STi and it was complete crap. Worked fine for a few months then ultimately bit the big one. It also wasn't very accurate. I had a COBB Accesport that would log data directly from the ECU and the Prosport was always a few pounds off and would read the vaccum completely wrong. If I ever got one for the MINI, I'd spend some money and get something a bit more expensive that will last longer and work better.

 

I have had this gauge installed for two years and no issues!

Here is the link: http://www.vgauges.com/catalog/index...c4c57fe5410ae1

They have a wide selection of gauges.

 

ur making 200 whp at that boost level?!

for that much power the car feels very "undramatic"

 

No. That boost level is in winter (see 19 degrees F to the right). The R56 pulls a lot of boost once in gets cold out. I peaked at about 16 PSIg right now for boost. Mine is also a R56 JCW.


Funny though, I have never heard my MINI described as "undramatic". Maybe you should take it for a drive?

 

I see these gauges installed in nice pictures with the camera looking right at the gauges so you can see them..........
While im driving my car i look down where these gauges shown to be mounted but i just don't see how you can read them. Seam like the steering wheel would be in the way.... guess im not grasping the location correctly.

I mounted my scan gauge up by the visor on the head liner....

I temparory mounted my VEI gauge next to my scan gauge. I don't care for that location for the round gauge but i can "SEE" my gauges easy....

I have not come up with a good spot yet but im sure i will make a dash or A-piller mount at some point...

You guys with the gauges mouted on your tach.... can you REALLY see them while driving or do you have to move you head around ?????????