I have an Alta 15% pulley and have been thinking about the Dinan CAI. The authorized Dinan dealer here also wants to install the stage 3 software. I called Dinan to ask if the software is available for 2005s and was told it would be available on Aug. 10. However, they don't have any software for the combination of their CAI and the Alta 15% pulley. The Dinan pulley includes fuel regulation components so its not the same as an Alta. He said installing the CAI without software would also be bad. As a result, he doesn't recommend my installing their CAI at all unless I removed the pulley, which is not going to happen.

So, my questions:

1) has anyone used the Dinan CAI with an Alta 15% pulley (or similar), and if so, does it work?

2) has anyone tried the above combination with Dinan's software and did that work?

3) it seems a lot of people have 15% pulleys and various CAI's without software or chips, etc. and don't run into problems. What makes the Dinan different?

 

Dinan CAi and alta 15% were my first mod, and when I fitted them, I runned my car for about 2 months without ECU tuning and it was running right, the ECU tune is only neccesary if you want to squeeze some more out of the combo you want.

 

They told me the same. Went with it anyway

 

Sounds like its worth taking a chance on it. I appreciate the input.

 

Why would you get a Dinan product which can be warranted with another company which doesn't offer a warranty like Alta?

 

Well, I already have the Alta. Just like you, I have a Randy install. I'd like to get a CAI and happen to like the Dinan. Its available now for $199, so it seems like a good product at a good price.

 

Agreed.

 

Did you have to cut out the Cowl plate?

 

In the end, I ordered the HDI rather than the Dinan since the Dinan was proving difficult to procure. Dinan wouldn't sell direct and their area dealers were all BMW guys who didn't know much about MINIs. However, its my understanding that the Dinan CAI comes with a template to cut out a portion of the cowl plate.