Looking into fmic's just don't know if I should go with Alta or Helix. I wanted some feed back from a couple of people.

 

I have a Helix FMIC on order. When I was researching which to buy I chose Helix because it fits better, installs easier and doesn't require any trimming of the front grill in order to replace it (all based on what I've ready in various threads here).

Look at both from the side and you can get an idea of how the Helix would appear to fit in there better.

 

I looked at the posts, the graphs, their physical configurations and the like.

The other two factors I would add are price and availability. Given you too may conclude it's not persuasive either way, think about those factors to break a close race. Helix has a group buy concept to reduce the price, while if you watch Alta is prone to periodic sales (seemingly tied to holidays). Helix is a long wait (now since just near the end of the winter holidays) on a group buy, but I'm not sure how available the Alta IC is, particularly if a sale is on. Certainly worth asking in both cases before you put your money down if you want to get moving on it, especially w/ the warmer season approaching. The wait on Helix GB is now getting pretty long, though I have had other things/mods to work through meantime.

 

I wonder how the fit is with the 2011.

 

Good point. I'm actually on the current Helix group buy. In fact, if you're serious about getting a FMIC, some folks have had to drop out of the buy. Those that have asked to be on the backup list for newly opened spots have gotten in on the buy at the last minute. Worth a try anyway.

I think the Helix has been confirmed to fit the 2011s.

 

Okay 2 more questions before I add my name... Does the fmic come with it's own pipes? Does it hook up to stock pipes? Sorry I didn't mod my last mini because it was a lease and the car before that I modded but I'm a little dusty on the area

 

Both FMICs do not come with plumbing, they can be hooked up to the stock pipes.

 

Sweet adding my name to the back up list now

 

Thanks for all the input!

 

that while it in general is "plug and play" with existing components (and if Alta, some modest trimming), you or your installer will need to take the bumper off and do some disassembly to gain access. It isn't just a pretty direct bolt in with minimal disassembly like many other mods (cat back exhaust, intake, hoses, Alta AP, NM torque bushing, etc.). There are instructions available and it doesn't seem to take specialized tools, but it is another step up the curve of seriousness. I'm not thrilled when I pull off body stuff, but BTDT when needed.

 

That's fine I rebuilt my eclipse gst with custom set ups. And by looking at the video on the helix web site it's not too bad just a lot of disassemble to get to the fmic. The eclipse was easy but I'm up for the challenge.

 

The Alta I put on my car fit fine with very little trimming. I cought it on sale.

Any IC is probably better than the stock part...lol

 

Looks like there are enough names already for another group buy to begin so if you don't make it into this one Helix has enough demand to start another one right away.

 

Alright sounds good... I hope shipping isn't too bad

 

can anybody compare the pressure drop of both?
my alta fmic dropped the peak pressure from 18 psi to 16
i have no leakage. is this normal?

 

Shipping is $30 Fedex.

 

Yes this is normal as per Alta Performance website.

On a side note I just read that Helix only drops .5 PSI. But also hasnt released dyno's for HP increase on thier website.

 

An intercooler won't generate HP. It's only a radiator which removes heat from air or water, in this case air.

What it does do is prevent heat soak from occurring which keeps it from robbing your car of HP. A very effective addition to cars with turbos, especially if you track the car or live in a hot climate.

 

You're right, a big intercooler, by itself won't give you more horsepower, but an intercooler and a tune will get you more horsepower. The big intercooler cools the air more than than stock one, increasing the charge air density, allowing for more fuel to be injected by the Engine Control Unit, resulting in more horsepower for any given throttle setting.

Alta says that if you have the over sized intercooler and a free flowing air intake, you can safely load their stage two tune.

Dave

 

That's the route I'm going. I've upgraded my exhaust and I have the Alta AP so now I'm just waiting on my Helix.

I love the Alta AP. It's probably the best addition to the MINI for pure power.

 

Is this what they are really saying? From posts the last two weeks on their AP thread, I take them as saying basically you need a turbo back exhaust to be in either the Stage 2 or 3 categories. I have a sense more than a few of the AP owners are pushing it from a few post comments here and there, though many more aren't saying anything. On a 2010 S coupe w/ 6 speed I'm currently holding at Stage 1 with a JCW kit intake, a JCW factory exhaust and a couple of intake hose tweaks (muffler delete via Alta hose, JCW turbo intake side hose). Pending a Helix GB FMIC, though as I recall there they still have tunes in each stage but then with an FMIC option.

Not arguing, just trying to decipher what the practice is and the risks and benefits.

 

Yeah, I would like to know as well. I am in the same boat, MCS with JCW intake, JCW exhaust and Forge FMIC. Would I require a stage 1 or 2 AP tune? Also, can I add a downpipe to my current JCW exhaust and then run a 2 or 3 tune? I would prefer to stick with the JCW exhaust from the cat back and stick with the JCW intake. I've not read anywhere that there is any real benefit from an after market CAI over the JCW intake. Same goes with after market exhausts over the cat back JCW. The real benfit seems to come from the addition of the downpipe only. Opinions, guidance?

 

BMC Kid, stay the hell out of the middle east, a good place to be from.
Thanks for your service .

From what I understand, a JCW intake is about the best out there with the stock MCS a close second. The only one that may be better is the DOS, but for the $ I'd keep the JCW. I think the others sure look nice and sound better, but are maybe more like WAI (Warm Air Intakes) and tend to work against a FMIC.

As for exhaust I'm considering a 3" system, just because that's what Alta designed their system around. Overkill, probably, but turbos don't care about backpressure, and a JCW exhaust certainly has better flow than stock.

I recently installed a Exhaust Depot (Billet Design) downpipe. It bolts up to the stock exhaust, no problems, but the heat shield no longer fits, I wrapped the downpipe, and after a couple hundred miles, no CELS or any other problems. I,m happy with it, although I had some issues regarding the initial purchase concerning the ceramic coating offered (it's still offered on their web site, but no longer applied), overall confusing. If you are considering a downpipe look at Akrapovic, same $, and I may think of getting one in the future to replace the E.D. Other DP's sound like they have fitment problems.

You can also get a custom made DP without a cat (cell issues) but the AP takes care of that.

Anyway you could give Alta a call and see what they think. Good luck.

 

I'm running hot and cold side boost tubes, a custom Magnaflow exhaust and will soon add the Helix intercooler. The last thing on my list is the downpipe.

Maugre, ED sells two DPs:

http://www.exhaustdepot.net/exder56do.html
http://www.exhaustdepot.net/costudo.html

Which one did you get? Also, since they and many others have stopped selling 3" exhausts for the R56, I'm assuming these are a direct fit for a 2.5" exhaust?

 

I got the ceramic coated catted DP from ED, and it has a CARB number on it (not sure if its fake or real) But it sounds and work great.