Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R56) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Pipes and intercoolers

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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 06:18 PM
  #1  
Powashiftin's Avatar
Powashiftin
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Pipes and intercoolers

Is it really worth getting all of those silicon or metal pipes from alta and exhaust depot replaced? Do they really give you serious horsepower?

Is anyone running a generic intercooler?
 
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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 06:37 PM
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only if you go bigger turbo,or run more boost ,if not not much
 
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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 07:29 PM
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From: MD
for a peace of mind...
 
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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 07:53 PM
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One thing you need to keep in mind is whether or not you are going to be modding the car to make more power. If so, then go with Exhaust Depot or NM Engineering- hard pipes are the way to go when trying to achieve maximum boost, they are the safest and the most efficient.

If your not looking to make more power, these options are not necessary. Not to say you need these parts to make more power, but they provide better air flow and compliment other upgrades. You will not see HP pains from putting on a pipe, but its the sum of these parts that give you the max gains.
 
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Old May 1, 2009 | 10:05 AM
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From: Bloomfield, MI
I have the whole Alta set (cold/hot/turbo inlet) on my R56 and the biggest difference is the greater acceleration. I can definitely feel it with my butt dyno. I'm also running the stock IC. You can check my signature for other mods. I considered getting the E.D. tubes but after realizing that I would probably not ever buy a bigger turbo or get it tuned for higher boost, the Alta ones were the best choice for me.

If this newfound RMW tune starts to be the magic cure us R56 owners waiting for a good a RELIABLE tune, I would definitely buy E.D. hard boost tubes!! Until then... we'll see how it plays out.
 
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Old May 1, 2009 | 10:09 AM
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Yes you will be very happy if you get the tubes and the intercooler together. I wouldnt get a generic intercooler, it may not work as well. Just wait for a sale or call and try and work a deal on one meant for the car. The tubes are great, but the intercooler is awsome. I noticed a big diff when I did them together. Go for it.
 
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Old May 1, 2009 | 12:37 PM
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Hey guys and gals,

The benefits to the tubes being replaced is reduced restriction at boost. So the air can flow more smoothly through the tube. Less restriction = more HP. On the R56 the OEM Intake Muffler on the hot side boost tube is an especially notable restriction. The ALTA tubes (as well as the other popular models) eliminates that muffler. Combined with silicone smooth transition from the smaller diameter turbo exit to the Intercooler Input further reduces restriction.

Intercoolers: Generics are out. They aren't tested for your application as well as some of the low end imported models (ebay etc.) are SO bad they would be BIG step back from the OEM core.

The ALTA core is larger than stock, profiled to take advantage of the maximum air flow in the bumper area, lightweight, and reasonable to install. Makes consistent HP and TRQ gains over stock.

Also intercoolers will help reduce boosted temps for a longer period of time vs. the OEM size and thus track days etc. will net higher HP gains throughout the session.

I tried not to write a book. But happy to expand on any details here if asked!

Thanks again NAM!
 
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