Im new to minis but relatively knowledgeable in terms of modding. So I was wondering. Are Alta parts like Mugen to Honda and like Nismo to Nissan? Or are they just another brand like K&N?

 

Alta parts are not in house like Mugena and Nismo are. There are there own company that make after market parts for the Mini.

 

JCW would be the "Nismo", "STI", or "Mugen" for Mini.

Alta makes some good parts and some okay parts. There are a couple good brands out there (and a few hyped up personalities). Be careful and do your research.

 

Actually I believe that JCW is more like HFP for Honda and TRD for Toyota.

 

True. I guess JCW would be most like "STI" since they offer a full car from the factory and a few parts.

 

Check out the review section on this forum. Just click reviews, then vendor reviews. You will see ALTA does not get great ratings...just a heads up.

 

Ok and what would you guys qualify as being up to par with Mugen?

 

Unfortunately there aren't many companies that only make good parts for the Mini, or at least for the entire car (motor and suspension, etc). You have to look at each part individually IMO. If you're the type of person that wants all your parts to have the same brand name, I get that, but that's going to be tough.

Helix
WayMotorWorks
NM engineering

These are good trustworthy shops among a few others. Talk to them, but do your own research too.

- Andrew

 

I second the vote for Way Motorworks. NM's reputation is top notch. I have no experience with Helix, but have heard good things about them.

 

Thanks Andy I'll look into those brands and +1 for having the same name as me.

 

No problem. I'm a suspension geek so I'm not up on a lot of the power stuff but the board here has some knowledge.

- drew

 

Ok cool I'll pm you later on bout some suspension info cuz planning to work on that in te near future.

 

I've had good experiances with Alta, Craven, M7, and Outmotoring for things I bought on line or by phone. Excellent products from NM Engineering and H&R, bought through local shops who were installing these parts.

 

MiniAJ, Way (of Way Motor Works) is the best on the East Coast and one of the most knowledgable MINI people in the country! NM sells primo stuff and are very easy to talk to on the phone. Way sells NM and Forge among other things. Don't go to WMW looking for Alta products.