Hey All Countryman member. I'm introducing the Intercooler and the CAI from ALTA Performance for the R60 Countryman S/ALL4 S.

I got the parts while back and just recently have chance to help them finallize the test fitment for the parts. I would love to tell you THESE 2 PARTS FIT on our lovely Countryman. These parts from the R56 Mini Cooper S, which is the greatest products in the Mini Community as what ppl already know.

Since it is really not making for our car spec, both parts req. to have some custom work (related to cutting and drilling).

I started with the intake first, The silicon from the kit was too long, so req. to cut it both side to get it fit (Cut about 1/2 inch for both sides). The intake filter side for the tube need a 2 -3" silicon add on to get it perfect, since I don't have the silicon on hand I just force it in, but it better to have it. Other than that everything is perfect.

The intercooler, just same as the R56, it req. to cut or drill the plastic on the side to fit that in. For the future buyer, you guys can just follow the R56 installation guide to get the job done. I totally recommand not using the stock holding cam. to tight the intercooler and also not the one comes with the kit. Use the cam. for piping for the extra secure. The reason of that, because our car is bigger and have more space than the R56, so the cooler not sit against the cross bar, so if you using not prop. right holding cam. it may lose and the cooler will fell off on the highway . I already report to ALTA, they will work something out later on.

Driving Performance:

Awesome!!! Overall the lower end much improve the turbo spun faster and def. feel the tq. gain. I haven't put on Dyno, but i assume going to be the same as the R56 do. You will feel the tq in all gear....yep even on 6th. I recommond to have BOV install with these.....def. going to make you SMILE . Also it helps to get out better performance.

I include few pic after installed, so you guys will understand what do I mean.


CAI:





Intercooler:

 

Looks great! As you know I want to look into the intercooler option as I have the CAI from NM Eng already on my car... Both are great systems and the only problem on the Countrymans is that we need to find a way to get COLD air to the intake itself... The tube that brings the air in from the outside is just left sitting in my engine bay blowing cold air onto the firewall... I have a heat shield but that still isn't going to solve the problem. If anyone has any ideas let me know!

Kyle

 

Kyle,
That was the reason I went with the VIP CAI. The air feed tube from the front grill is secured into the mount with the VIP intake, right under the filter. It may not be getting tons of cold fresh air, but it is still getting some from the front. I've seen another CAI solution that takes its air from inside the firewall (is it the DoS CAI??) which seems like a better idea. Do you have that air feed hose secured or does it just flop around in there?

 

I have it secured so it isn't flopping around... I just need a tube to fit right over the intake to feed up the cold air up there!

Did not realize that the VIP utilized the fresh air hose, that's pretty nice!

Kyle

 

Is there any info comparing the Alta intercooler to the Forge intercooler?

 

Ooooh good question. I'd love to see a technical shootout between the Forge, NM, and Alta ICs on our CMS.

 

Another question on the install. The Alta FMIC is bigger than the stock IC; it looks like it comes up onto the bumper a bit. For some of us that have quad driving lights there is a center mount that is attached to the rear side of the bumper. Is there anyone with an idea how much the Alta extends towards the bumper?

 

thought it just post it here:

i emailed Alta and asked whether they are going to make an accessPORT or CAI for the r60.


"Hello,

There are no plans for an AccessPORT for the R60 Countryman, sorry.

If you need anything else please let me know."

would be a shame if they never made one for us and no response regarding the cai

 

To let you know about Alta.. They might be, I just need to get my butt down for them to tear my ecu and obd port so we can see..

 

I haven't see the Forge IC in person, but from the picture Alta one looks much better and slime. About the over size that you post, it is not the problem at all according to have the driving light. The IC just little about the cross bar, so it is no affect. In addition you have to take off the light to get the bumper out.

The only different that I see is the Forge is more perfect fit because it makes for R60 and it is more secure than the Alta one. As a person I thing the Alta quality is better and the performance may me the same.

 

When the market need the ECU, I believe the Alta will work on it. I understand why hey said "No", if they invest the money for the ecu but no market, it is a waste for the development.