I'm finally finishing up most of my engine mods, and right now all I need is my tune afterwards.

I'm debating on with hot side boost pipe I should go with, it is between the NM or Alta one. All I want is some feedback from others on what they have and mind you, I do live in Michigan. Thanks!

 

Dude... alta or NM. Is there really a question?

 

Don't worry about the cold side... You don't need it with the 2011.. What is this "Craven Strut Towers" I see in your sig line?

 

Mel, by now I know you love NM products

but I think in the end I will go with NM. MINI Dynamics is having a good deal for it, $215 with tax and shipping.

The Craven strut tower defenders is what Detroit Tuned recommended over the strut bar. I wanted to go with the NM stress bar but he said don't waste my money on that, and get the Craven strut towers(same results).

 

Dude, Gen 2 MINIs don't have the strut tower prob... When I first bought the Dread Pirate, I got Craven strut tower defenders, not knowing. Get a bar instead for stiffness (all the fancy supercars have them), or I will send you my old strut tower defenders for just the cost of shipping just to save you the cash.

 

And I don't just like NM... I like quality and buy what I think is best for my idea of my perfect MINI. Notice the sig block. A few of those things could have been NM but I thought other solutions were better for me. When it comes to hot side pipes, most concede that NM is the gold standard.

Oh.. Check out my Chili Red calipers!!! Custom power coated.

 

Thanks Mel, but I just want to buy my hot side pipe, I think I am just going to go with the NM tonight! Then get my tune next month. I don't want to start with my suspension work til the fall. I want to enjoy the car for a while.

But agreed, NM makes amazing products and great quality!

Btw, those calipers look mighty GOOD. Did you paint them yourself?

 

No no no... Powder coated.. MUCH more expensive than I originally thought because they have to be totally deconstructed then rebuilt because of the baking. Loving then though!!! I meant it about the Craven (love those guys) Strut Tower Defenders. If you really feel strongly about them, I will send you my old ones for the cost of shipping. I've pretty much finished modding, or am as finished as a modding MINI owner can be. I have built the perfect MINI... for me. The Dread Pirate is an amazing beast that recently went toe to toe with a coworkers 2008 Carrera S and stayed on his *** up to 80mph (when we had to brake) (legally NAM! Not illegally road racing.). The owner drove mine and was seriously impressed!. He loved the handling especially... and the bass note from Ak DP and VIP Custom DP-back! I drove his and... nice but not a MINI!

Eagerly waiting for your stage 2 tune!

Just stay away from cheap eBay crap!

 

Okay well I will let you know on Monday about the strut towers(I'll PM you).

But yeah powder coating is a lot! I was going to get my rims powder coated then I changed my mind and got my rims painted(was close to buying Drag Dr-33's). I'm glad you love your MINI! I'm sure it helps with that tune! Are you going to dyno btw?

 

I went with the Alta. I really liked the NM, but I couldn't justify the difference in price- well over $100. Plus that blue doesn't fit with my color scheme. There seem to be a lot of Alta bashers on NAM, so far I have been happy with the design and quality of what I have purchased from them (hot side pipe and 22mm RSB.)

 

Yea, the NM is nice, but the price not so much. I would just get the Forge Motorsport pipe. You can get it in red, blue, or black if you want too.

 

I tried just buying that one from DT but they sell the Forge in a kit. Where can I buy it just the hot side pipe?

I've also looked at the M7 one since DT has them for $140.

 

Never mind, went to the Forge website and it's $160. I'm going to order that as soon as I get home in red:-).

 

They are both practically the same. Forge and Samco always make good quality pieces.

 

Got my NM tube in black.

Rob, yes I am eventually going to dyno. There's a place here in Savannah that gives 3 runs for $100 or so.

 

I have had both the Alta and the NM pipes. The Alta is a good product because of heat dispersion in the silicone but, I can not confirm that because I do not have the data. I ended up switching to NM because it is a cleaner and easier install. The overall fitment is great and I like the solid aluminum pipe so there should be no flex. Just FYI what ever you do choose it is really going to open you up to the sound of the turbo. That muffler in there works and it just quiets the turbo down way too much. So be prepared to sound like a trucker when you get on the gas and here the turbo spool.

 

Porthos, I ended up buying the Forge one for $160. But definitely can't wait to add it to my Helix I/C and get my tune already!


Mel, make sure you post the dyno results in the N18 tune thread!

 

Why did you get a Helix intercooler? I would have stayed Forge for both. Mostly because that is the OCD in me.

 

Helix was from a group buy, so I said why not, they are somewhat similar. For $520 and free shipping, can't beat that.