If anyone has reached stage 3 on an Alta AP with the required after market parts, I would like to know how the experience has been so far.

Is the power difference much noticeably different from stage 1?
What parts did you install?


Note:
I am lacking the FMIC and turbo back exhaust required to go to stage 2 or 3 and I am contemplating if I should keep my 2010 JCW and reach stage 3 or consider trading it in for a used m3 or 1m.

 

Man i can't imagine stage 3? I use stage 1 also @ events.... Stock normally... And it's amazing the power difference.

Wish i had the money for a FMIC.... One day?

Cheers!

 

I would have to say anything beyond Stage 1 + FMIC will be severely hindered by traction issues. It probably makes a little more power but I'm not sure the cost of the exhaust system, and the IC plus needing to loose the cats is a good trade off in my opinion. Not much return from that investment in parts.

 

I would be interested in hearing the results from a stage 2 or 3.

I think you have a good point on traction. Cause with the stock program I loose traction.... on take offs and corners. Than the traction control comes on and the MINI loses all power....trying to regain traction.

I have tried to turn off the traction control and it still comes on.... during a take off when the wheels spin? I am not sure if this only happens at take off or when the computer sees that the MINI has lost complete traction or what?

Any info would help.

But, again as you stated... I think traction is a big key. I'm sure the extra power would be nice from 3rd gear to 6th in a straight line or large course..... but I would be concerned on the twisties and tight autocross?

Hmmmm?

 

Sounds like you don't have a wide enough, non-run flat tire to hold the torque.
Try a dedicated summer-tire with a contact patch of 225 or greater.

There are three main levels of the 'traction control':
* DSC = corrective for little mistakes, actives brakes and reduces engine power if vehicle path is off
* DTC = traction control optimized (via engine power) without stability; typically used in snowing / adverse weather conditions that ensure maximum forward traction
* EDLC = stability & traction control off (no reduction of power if wheel spins); only differential lock is use

When you first start the car, DSC is active.
If you press the traction button once, then it's DTC.
Then after, you press and hold the traction button for 3+ seconds, and then EDLC is only left.

- Erik

 

@bluefox280
Thanks for clarifying the traction control options!

If I were to go stage 2 or 3 I would definitely update my runflats to summer performance tires.

out of curiosity, I wonder if anyone with stage 3 clocked their 0-60 or 1/4mile using the Alta AP.

 

getting the NM engine torque arm bush greatly improved traction for me and it is a MUST in my book with a tune. the 0-60 prob won't be any different between the stages but the in gear will be a lot quicker the higher you go.