Hi all!

I'm loving my new Mini. After some initial problems (rattles and stuff!) and getting to almost 1,000 kms, I'm surprised at how much better this car is when compared to my old R53 (less rattles, a bit bigger, far more comfortable, etc). It's just an awesome car!

I was wondering, though. I live at 8,400 feet altitude. I know turbos aren't supposed to be that much affected by altitude (the Mini feels incredibly strong when compared to my old 07 Civic Si) but I'm wondering if there are certain things to do to help the car breathe a bit better.

Would a CAI help? Or, does the ECU compensate for these situations?

 

Yes, the ECU will compensate for altitude.

Whether a CAI will help is a question that will probably get a range of answers. I don't really know.

 

My car makes a few pounds more boost at high altitudes...

The ECU allows for more boost, to compensate for the lower ambient air pressures at higher altitudes

 

I think turbo cars are less affected by altitude the closer you are to peak boost. More boost = less power loss.

 

I tried it on 4500ft last month. Turbo + ECU will compensate the loss of air pressure, but the turbo is working harder to keep you on boost. I noticed the cooling fan kept working for a few minutes more than usual.

 

i drove my mini to Yosemite where it ranges from 4000-6000ft+ and I didn't notice any loss of power. even with AC on and a passenger but then again I also have the JCW kit so I'm sure that helped quite a bit.

 

I have driven at 9000 + and really didn't notice any loss in power. Trust me, driving thru Nevada on Highway 50 allows for extensive testing.

 

I took my R56 to the top of Mt Evans (14,000 feet) W of Denver and felt only minimal power loss, much the same as my R53 going to the top. Much better than a naturally aspirated vehicle.

 

I would agree with those who didn't indicate any power loss above. Just finished a week above 7000 ft in CO and had zero problems with boost!