Hey. Well I'd first like to start by saying that I'm new to these forums, so not quite sure how everything works yet.

Ok, well on to my question... I do not currently own a Mini. However i am seriously considering owning one. I would buy a used one, probably and '04 or so. On top of purchasing it, i would customize it with performance add ons.

Currently, I am not that knowledgeable about performance parts and upgrades...I am doing a lot of research though. The other day I came about a company called Alta Performance. They seem to be good in what they do. Their web site is http://www.altaperformance.com/. Has anyone bought anything from them? I just want to know if their products are worth the money.

Also, i came upon a turbo kit made by Alta. It boosts engine output to about 400HP. It sells for about $3,500. I've been reading up on it and one source says it makes your car illegal to drive on highways. Does anyone know if this is true? if you want to take a look at it its here....https://www.upscaleautomotive.com/p-...-cooper-s.aspx


Any input is appreciated! Thanks!


Edit-Their has been some confusion about which type of Mini these upgrades are for...their for a Cooper S

 

Alta is one of the better vendors and developers of parts.

But I would personally stay away from the turbo kit. If you want to try and get that kind of HP, try another car. The MINI is plenty happy with 200-300HP. And these numbers can be achieved easily.

 

Alta makes good parts, or they wouldn't have been around as long as they have. As for the turbo kit, it's something I would hold off on until you have a good mechanical understanding of the car and a good local mechanic. The car may be perfectly reliable after installation of such a modification, but if there are problems you will need someone who knows how to fix it. Also, the car itself will still be road legal, so to speak, but will not pass an emissions inspection if your state has them.

 

Thanks a lot! so if I stay away from the turbo kit as suggested what are some easy ways to give the car an extra 80 or so hp?

 

I suggest you drive the car first and then see what you want to do with it. There really is no "easy way" way to get an extra 80hp on these cars. At a minimum you would be looking at a head swap (among other things).

I have to ask, why the need for so much extra power? Perhaps a better question, what do you want the car to be for you? Let that dictate where you modification money goes.

 

cold air intake and exhaust are always good starting mods!! I bought both of mine from Alta, aslo if you get a S, supercharger pulley is a good one too!!

 

I have bought 15% pulley ,22mm sway bar ,cai and stb all from Alta.I have
to say i got what i paid for .All quality service which i really did not need is fine .My dealing with them has been a good one and will do so in future .
Now why so over the top with hp ?I would look into another car.

 

I have an Alta Intake and I like it. I had an Atla sportone exhaust and it was awful, blown resonators etc. but they stood by their product and gave me a full refund.

There are many good vendors on this site and some not so good, do your research and you shouyld be fine. Hope you enjoy your future Mini purchase

 

Another 80hp out of a cooper would be really tough...If youre looking for a MINI with 190hp I would say stick with an S. If youre trying to get that much bang out of any MINI I would say stick with an 05 and up cooper due to the better transmission in the 05....but definitely drive the car for a bit first.

 

Thanks for everyones help! i learned a lot just from my first post!

 

Oh, hahaha, I didnt even see that you were talking about the non-s my bad. In that case getting an extra 80hp would be very expensive, over 5 grand easy. You would be better off just getting an S and then working from there. Not to mention doing it on a stock 04 transmission is basically a recipe for the transmission to implode, so look at another grand or so for a six speed swap.

 

I have a bunch of stuff from Alta on my 03 MCS and everything is good quality other than the exhaust. I have had the the sportone cat back with an Alta header for about two years now. The tailpipes NEVER sit center it is always crooked (VERY annoying), and the chrome is starting to peel. So far I am happy with the header, just stay away from the exhaust.

 

There is a ton of info on Alta products here on NAM. You can always use the search function to visit some threads that will get into better detail on specific mods. And since I havent seen it mentioned so far, why not just give Alta a call and chat with them about your thoughts. No one better to talk about their parts then the people who make and sell them.

 

I didn't see where he said Cooper or S..........?

 

I have bought all Alta parts - you can take a look at my signature. I've had the parts on the car for the past 15K miles - through summers and through snowy winters. Everything has held up perfectly and the car's performance is great. You should probably drive your Cooper for a while and then decide on what to buy, along with reading other upgrade posts.

But, I love Alta's parts, and they gave me a great deal since I bought everything at once. I would start out with a cold air intake and rear sway for immediate gratification.

 

Im talking about the Cooper S. Sorry about the confusion

 

I think that a lot of people have hit things right on the head. 200-300 hp is a lot to handle in these cars. The biggest thing to remember about producing all that power is making sure that you can plant it to the road too. With the twurbo kit just remember you are going to put a lot of unnecessary wear and tear on your engine. But to each his own....Also remember that if you are going to put that much power through the drive line your going to need to put a stronger clutch into the car that isn't going to get eaten alive. I'd have to say that there are many better area's to put your money into the car as opposed to a twin charge kit for it. But keep us posted as to what your doing with it all!

 

We sell Alta products, but don't rule out other brands. There is alot of good stuff and some of the bad. Feel free to call or email us with any questions.

WAY
317.201.8670
info@waymotorworks.com

 

I've gotta say that, yes, Alta is great, however, as a student on a budget I have used other, less expensive, brands to the same avail. The places where money matters the most in my opinion is in buying an S instead of a Cooper because there is a whole list of advantages and also an RMW cam, header, and tune. These products are worth the money. As for other parts: you can get an excellent exhaust with the Invidia Ti Catback from eBay. It has been on my car a year now and everybody LOVES it and I have had NO problems with it. WAY Motor Works is the top suspension dealer in my book as well. Any suspension questions and you can just call up the owner and he'll tell you exactly what you need or dont need and will give you great technical advice as well. Oh, and again...BUY A MINI COOPER S!!

 

I'm contemplating about the Alta exhaust...it seems like not many people like it?

 

I got one, it could have had a better exhaust tone & less rattle.