Just thought I would let everyone know that Alta has introduced a MINI Twincharging System at SEMA.

For a few more details:
http://www.teammightyminiz.com/forum...pic.php?t=3068

 

I didn't know that the MINI would "Backlash while exiting turns under load."

 

The Hydra "fully programmable" ECU also sounds interesting.

 

i just want that awesome black foam filter!

-josh

 

Looks to be promising. Kit looks very clean. I wonder how much it'll cost considering it doesn't include a larger TMIC... Anyone ever considered taking the supercharger out and just running a turbo... The engine can make that kind of power without the supercharger, and maybe then you could run a FMIC, that'd be trick... oh the possibilities lol... i want more info!

 

I just went when I read they said it will fit the MCSa

And to think I was just hoping to see the new CAI hose for the auto

 

I LOVE that manifold they made, however I wonder if they're using the GT3071R just to say "my turbos bigger than yours", because on a stock bottom end, that turbo is a bit overkil, offering more power potential, along with more lag than the Disco Potato used in the TurboKompressor. Perhaps ALTA can explain their rationale.

 

My guess.. and this is only a guess.
Since using an oversized turbo when compressing the air as compared to a smaller turbo there isnt as much heat that will build up. This is most likly the explaination on why using the bigger Turbo. But i agree have no idea how this will compensate for the lag.

 

edit:nevermind

 

i think they are counting on the sc to overcome any turbo lag. I'd like to see what they are doing for fuel management and the now pressurized runner between the tb and sc. also, since it is a kit?, will it be diy or take it to an installer with a dyno?

 

I wouldn't do it, looks too hard to get the oil filler cap off.

 

Well, you could always just use the m7/Venom Nitrous Kit to spray a tiny bit at low rpm in 1st gear (light spray) to overcome any turbo lag you might have. I've seen this done before, although not on a MINI, let alone a tiny little 1.6L.

 

Well, the RPM in which the GT3071R spools up is a few hundred later than the turbos in the SPI and Psi-Fi kits, so the lag isn't too much different. That said, all of them are of similar efficiency, so there is no practical difference in compressor outlet temp per the same boost level. My point is the turbos in the SPI and Psi-Fi kits are better suited for the power the MCS's stock bottom end can handle, the GT3071R is designed for much higher power levels.

 

Also! Be warned automatics, I would seriously consider not buying this kit because the bottom end and the transmission can't handle the power.. but.we will have to see what Alta says... the complete standalone ECU sounds very interesting. This may make my MINI project complete after i replace my motor mount that I am STILL waiting for.

 

The most interesting part of the announcement for me...
Now for the big question... "fully programmable" by who? In my mind, it's only fully programmable if I can fully program it.


I do agree that the turbo is needlessly large. I'd rather have the 28.

 

Sounds like a great recipe for an engine that will last 5000 miles at the outside...

 

You have no reason to think that - especially having zero information about the kit.

 

why not use a bigger turbo?? Thats why this system is great and past twinchargings arent. Our MINIs need a big turbo. The only reason to put on a small turbo is the lag you mentioned but we are fortunate enough to also have superchargers to take care of the lower end so the lag is not of consequence.

Big turbo = big horsepower! this looks good

 

Bigger is not better...the SC is a bottle neck first off...also, remember the TC kits are compound...so if the SC is out putting 11.5 with a stock pulley then a turbo that is good for 35 PSI will only be running at maybe 20% of what it could...that meaning it's not working efficently...and isn't really doing anything...turbos have a "sweet" spot where they are working at thier best...under using them is as silly as over using....this is why unless you are going Turbo only something larger can be completely unnessisary and silly.

 

Very true, Tuls. I wonder, do we have efficiency curves for the 28 and then this one? And, is it a bell sort-of curve, with low efficiency at both extremes, or is it just reduced efficiency at the higher rpms? If the latter, than presumably both would be efficient if they are not reaching that magical point of no return. Correct?

 

I'm not a huge turbo guy but I know that turbos are rated using pressure ratios, not boost. The turbo on the twincharge is feeding the throttle body which is typically under vacuum. That bumps up the PR. Think about it, the turbo is still responsible for feeding (or overfeeding!) the SC it's air requirements.

--
Cheese

 

http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/turbotech.html#garrett

Most people won't know what they're looking at though.


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I'm just thinking of results I've seen with the GT28RS on both the Mini, and other cars - and I know that the power potential of this turbo is higher than these "base" twincharge kits are offering anyway. If you're not going to raise boost to the levels that bottomend changes are needed, I would argue that even the GT28 is oversized.

The supercharger isn't a magical cure for turbo lag. Additionally, peaky turbo's create peaky powerbands which are much more difficult to tune for, not to mention drive. High peak HP numbers make for good advertising though... -- not to imply that this is why Alta chose this turbo. All the other vendors would have to do is raise their boost levels to get higher numbers. Seems like everyone's trying to stay within a generally recognized safe zone.

 

So before the turbo is spooled but when the SC is producing boost would the turbo be spun by the sucking of the SC thus vacuuming the exhaust out of the engine:impatient

 

Well to say it's redueced at higher RPM is relative to the turbo...in fact it should be better due to the SC spinning faster...therefore being less of a bottle neck...technically. However, even at that point...what is a turbo maxing out at...the GT28rs used so far is good for some 350 HP when used on it's own...so if you are only using some 12 lbs of boost from it that's less than prolly 50% of what it's good for....so other than the volume of air per PSI changing in a larger turbo...you cannot get more boost persay. Again, at that point you are using even LESS of what a turbo is good for when going larger...I.E now that 12 PSI may have more volume but is only 20% of what it's good for...

all in all it's kewl to see all the dev going on with turbos. they are way more efficent for power. basically every PSI from a SC is good for 5 HP...where every PSI from a turbo is good for 10 hp...hmmn...survey says!

but the SC helps to Turbo spool and keeps the TQ high..so it's really a great system

 

I would still like to see a twinscrew kit. A turbo only kit would be nice too but it takes the fun out of that whine
I wouldn't mind paying $6000 for those since they would need a new water pump and other mods.

All in all, cool development on that EMS.. it might just take my eyes away from that Motec ECU if I'm able to program it on my own.

Nice to see the prices of these kits falling some more. Can't wait for things to unfold.