I am the proud owner of the ALTA turbo back exhaust. I am curious too hear if anyone else has some carbon around the Vbands. I tightened up the clamps, tight enough to worry about snapping them, I tend to do that and checked for any gas escaping, none at the time of install. I put her on a lift after 1,000 kilometers an noticed some small, about a 50 cent peice, size carbon deposit on my connections....Normal?
Now I swear I can smell exhaust....I think its in my head though, no one else notices it.

 

It happens at times with some flanges. Take some hightemp Red RTV silicon and put a light coat on the flanges and reinstall.

 

not sure if it's supposed to do that, but mine did the same thing.

 

NOT SUPPOSED to do that! Check that they are both tight and undamaged.

Member it is 70 INCH lbs, not 70 FOOT lbs when tightening.

Let me know if I can help further!

 

SO I retightened them again and its at the 70 in lbs. I checked again today and there is some new half dollar spots of carbon, Adam is this faulty clamps? Is this warrantied?

 

Sorry you are having any problems at all. Please send me a photo if you can of what is going on to adam.taft@altaminiperformance.com and I will check it out ASAP. Also, do you have any rattling from the clamp?

No matter what we will get it fixed ASAP!

Thanks again!

 

Ill take some pics here shortly. No rattle from the clamps, but there is a high pitch rattle somewhere else. I just gotta get back under there.

 

dude i just noticed that today when installing my rear konis. i was on the rear clamp going to muffler. it was only on the bottom. i am curiuos if we have faulty clamps. i occasionaly get a rattle when backing onto my garage which is on a 30 degrees slope. i just thought was from hitting the center brace but i guess its the clamp. please fill us in on the fix.

 

Adam here is the pics. I bought and installed the Cat back exhaust February, March time frame. The DP was just installed this month, everything was done in 2008. Im also curious about the rust on the welds. PLease HELP!!!!

 

If you cannot see these pics, try these links:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...033&i=32855149

 

Anyone else check the bottom of their MINI lately? Im curious if others are having issues similiar, or if anyone elses if rusting?

 

I'm no expert, but having played with v-band clamps on airplanes I'd have to say that the pictured clamp appears as if it might be a tiny bit large and tightend against itself thus limiting it's ability to properly clamp the exhaust.

 

I agree I have never seen vband clamp ends touch like that.

 

E-mail our tech dept at tech@altaminiperformance.com with all of your contact info and order # if you have it. Then we can send out a new clamp. Be sure on the new one to only tighten to 70 inch / lbs. There isn't any rust on the exhaust but a bit on the clamp may be from road spray splashed up with both salt and minerals on it. No worries there!

Anyway, thanks again sorry for the delay. Chat soon!

 

does anyone have a temp fix solution, I do not have access to the suggested Red RTV sealer either. The exhaust is leaking bad and I will have to fix it OR REMOVE IT

 

I am so sorry that USPS still hasn't delivered the package to you. USPS blows when it comes to things like this!

On the leaking for a temp solution you could line the clamps with a high temp RTV or exhaust maker and that would temporarily resolve the issue. I understand you are having a hard time getting access to that.

Christina is working on your lost package today.

Thanks again!

 

You can get vband clamps from summitracing.com if they still dont fit correctly.

Also when putting on the new clamp try using just a dab of motor oil to help things slide together without binding.

Also and if you can, take as much weight off the exhaust and wiggle everything while tightening the vband clamp.

Also I would not advise getting under a car with only a floor jack holding it up; even if its just to take a few picutres as death may occur.

 

I too am concerned. I had my turbo-back installed by a Mini dealer yesterday, and when I looked at the installed exhaust all of the clamps were tightened to their fullest travel. It appears that the clamps are just slightly oversized. I am hoping they will not leak. BTW, the car threw a code after only 100 miles with the new exhaust and downpipe. :-(

 

Thanks for the post! The dealer needs to pay special attention to the notes on the clamps to tight to 70 INCH lbs not FOOT lbs. Overtightening can stretch the clamp and bolt making them useless.

These are EXPENSIVE clamps and not something chinsy we are throwing in the package. Just implore the installer to read the instructions.

On the code, be sure the O2 sensors weren't damaged during installation, and that everything is buttoned up properly. If the code persists, get the CEL# and e-mail or call us. We can gladly help!

Thanks again!

 

Note this and every other problem is ALWAYS the customers fault and could never be a problem with Alta's kit.

 

I get a high pitched noise from the rear too. Only when I shift or get on the throttle. I'm even getting rattling from the front now too, and yes, the HS is connected properly. The only thing it could be is something with Turboback exhaust, as the car is brand new, and I have had issues with touching and rubbing already.

My mech fixed the noises the first time having it be some loose nuts, but he made sure to inspect the entire system so I wouldn't have to worry over a missing nut or bolt. Shortly after, maybe a week, they came back. My mech is not some make-shift mech either, he is a great friend of the family, and does his very best work at a high class shop in my area.

Adam, could these noises be coming from the exhaust? Have you experienced it? I'm not putting blame on your products, as I thoroughly enjoy them, but some help and advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

Oh for poops-sake! Give me a brake. I am NOT saying the clamp isn't faulty. What I am saying is that folks need to read the instructions as do their installation facility, to be sure it is done properly.

Even though I have been wrenching professionally for more than 15 years, I can say that inch lbs. is NOT the first thing i would assume when reading a torque spec printed on the clamp. Having me drive that point home to fresh clients can only be helpful.

You have made your opinion of ALTA well known, I have tried to work with you as recently as this week to no avail. Again I apologize for anything we (I) have done to irritate you post sale, but lets not let that pollute a worthwhile thread about an exhaust system that YOU don't own!

 

No blame taken at all! Just want to know about the concern and get it fixed. If the problem was gone, and now came back, it would time to inspect the clamp connections and tubing to be sure it hasn't rotated slightly.

A client of mine had all of the v-bands tightened properly, but had failed to tighten the pinch clamp on the trumpet to the OEM downpipe and the system would rotate and move a bit as a result. Also, made a whistle toward the front under boost due to the small leak thus created.

A simple re-orientation of the system, tightening of the clamp, slight movement of the heat shields out of the way, and boom, no more problem!

Ring me if you want to chat in more detail!

 

Adam you have never tried to help me. You have only spoke as if I had no idea what I was doing. Your products have many problems and cause many cel's just be an adult and admit that Alta makes mistakes. Have you noticed the pnp problems, that product is crap and you should refund everyone who asks for one. Passing the puck to unichip is poor business, Alta sold the products and should fix all problems. Since it is clear that all problems can not be fixed you should then refund the money you took from those customers. By the way you have no idea what products I own.

 

ohhhh okay, so this could be the result of just the exhaust moving because its not tightened or positioned correctly while in use. Although I have your complete system and no oem business, I hoping it can be worked out.

Well tonight, I'm going back to him again to see if we can work it out. Maybe a re-adjustment will fix the problem. Thanks for the prompt reply. If there are further noises, however, I will most certainly be giving you a call.