Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R53) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Official ALTA Q&A thread!

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  #1251  
Old 01-13-2008, 10:27 PM
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I had the same problem with my couplers until I got the idea to heat them up a bit to make the a bit more pliable. I just soaked mine in a bucket of hot water for 10 min or so and they slipped right on. The water actually helped by making the boots a bit slippery too.
 
  #1252  
Old 01-14-2008, 01:10 PM
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Damn... I thought of that, but i didn't think it would make a big enough difference and dismissed it
 
  #1253  
Old 01-14-2008, 02:12 PM
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I did the same thing... I filled a bucket 1/2 way up with the hottest tap water my water heater would make and pitched the couplers in for 20 minutes in the sink. I then did a change of the water to reheat and went out to the garage for the install. It took at least 20 minutes of messing with 'em to get them seated correctly. The trick is to be very patient (and to put the smaller one on first)!

I've also seen someone use Windex as a lube for rubber bushings... it might help, but I haven't tried it myself.
 
  #1254  
Old 01-15-2008, 05:24 PM
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Another trick is to loosen the front mounting bolts, it allows the IC to move around a bit more and makes it a little easier to get the boots on.
 
  #1255  
Old 01-16-2008, 04:57 AM
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Does anyone think there is a market for a less than 15% pulley? Everyone has their opinion of which % is best and/or safe for engine. But for the should I mod the pulley (or not) crowd, I think it would be tempting. I'm only suggesting another option that could be swapped (once pulley hub is installed) out to other size pulleys or mixed with crank pulleys. I agree most people will still do the 15% and up, but I think you would get some sales from
people who can't decide if they should swap pulleys. Please, I am all for 15% and up pulleys. I just wonder if a few people might take a 13-14% option if offered.
 
  #1256  
Old 01-16-2008, 08:09 AM
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Why bother when you can get a lightweight crank pulley in stock size.

15% has been shown (and somewhat endorsed by MINI JCW) to be the best all around size for a performance pulley.
 
  #1257  
Old 01-16-2008, 01:19 PM
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I think the JCW is in 13 -14% range. I just think there should be an option between stock and 15%(13,13.5,14) I'm done
 
  #1258  
Old 01-16-2008, 04:01 PM
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JCW is something like a 14.8%.

Not trying to be argumentative, just trying to clarify what you meant.
 
  #1259  
Old 01-23-2008, 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by MaxMini81
Adam,I see a lot of questions for you on here so I'll add my own. When I got my I/C air diverter, I got a nice pair of blue silicone couplers for the I/C itself. I have taken time out on a few occasions to try to wrestle those on and to no success. I even did it once (after installing the bypass valve) with the right 'airhorn' off. Is there some master secret to getting those little SOBs on? I like the look. Its certainly better than stock, so what do I do?
They can be a bugger! Sorry for not seeing this sooner. Warming them up some does help as does a bent awl. Without that tool it is damn near impossible. In rare cases they can be a bit too tight from the factory as well.

Let me know if the problems persist!
 
  #1260  
Old 01-23-2008, 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by ScottinBend
JCW is something like a 14.8%.

Not trying to be argumentative, just trying to clarify what you meant.
Yeah this issue remains. I have heard and seen measured at 13.4-14.8% Might depend on year of the car? Who knows.
 
  #1261  
Old 01-27-2008, 09:16 PM
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Forgive me if this has been asked before.
I'm considering replacing my JCW CAI with the Alta one. Looking at your site, there are 2 versions, but I can't find anything that says what the difference is. From the photos it looks like a silver box or black? Are there any other differences? Thanks!
 
  #1262  
Old 01-29-2008, 08:32 AM
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JCW is something like a 14.8%.
Oh, no! Is this going to restart the debate? Hope K-huevo doesn't see the statement above:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=121173

Adam -- is Alta gonna try to send a trailer out to the Dragon this year? Might be interested in a pulley install (15% will do for me) if you are -- I had set one up for last year . . . but as you know that fell through.
 
  #1263  
Old 01-29-2008, 08:33 AM
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Originally Posted by joshamman
Forgive me if this has been asked before.
I'm considering replacing my JCW CAI with the Alta one. Looking at your site, there are 2 versions, but I can't find anything that says what the difference is. From the photos it looks like a silver box or black? Are there any other differences? Thanks!
Thanks for asking! You have nailed the difference. One is silver one is black. One has a laser cut welded badge, the other an aluminum add on badge. Potato - PO-TAH-Toe.

Thanks for asking!
 
  #1264  
Old 01-29-2008, 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by eager2own
Oh, no! Is this going to restart the debate? Hope K-huevo doesn't see the statement above:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=121173

Adam -- is Alta gonna try to send a trailer out to the Dragon this year? Might be interested in a pulley install (15% will do for me) if you are -- I had set one up for last year . . . but as you know that fell through.
YES! Come hell or highwater we will be there! Even looking at other trucks for this years trip after the breakdown last year!

Stay tuned.

PS: We will also be at AMVIV this year as well.
 
  #1265  
Old 01-29-2008, 08:44 AM
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Great news. I'll be PM'ing you for a price on parts and install of a v2 15%.
 
  #1266  
Old 01-29-2008, 08:45 AM
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SWEET!
 
  #1267  
Old 01-29-2008, 04:56 PM
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...........you going to get a new truck Adam?



LOL
 
  #1268  
Old 01-29-2008, 05:20 PM
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BTW, this kind of customer service is kick ***.
Forgive another noob question, but is there a bottom on the CAI? I know you guys sell a nice top to fit it, but in the pics, the bottom looks open.
 
  #1269  
Old 01-29-2008, 05:24 PM
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The box in fully enclosed.
 
  #1270  
Old 01-29-2008, 06:02 PM
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Adam,

The wierdest thing happened to me today, I ordered a classic 15% pulley and I was called back and told they are discontinued and out of stock!

On this forum it's been stated both designs will be available moving forward?

Also... it's still on the website (and I appear to be able to still order it)...
 
  #1271  
Old 01-29-2008, 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by ScottinBend
...........you going to get a new truck Adam?



LOL
As funny as that sounds we are poking around right now. The Chevy gets about 5 MPG when towing and only 9-10 not. We are going to try an F-450 in the coming days, to see with different gearing (we have 5.33 now the Ford can have a 4.30) if we can get closer to 10 mpg when towing. Means we can go twice as far on a tank. There are some spots in the Mid-West especially, that the fuel stops can be spread pretty far. Makes it a nail biter in some cases.

The only other rig would be the International CXT, but they are a bit pricey!

Stay tuned!
 
  #1272  
Old 01-29-2008, 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by kgardnez
Adam,

The wierdest thing happened to me today, I ordered a classic 15% pulley and I was called back and told they are discontinued and out of stock!

On this forum it's been stated both designs will be available moving forward?

Also... it's still on the website (and I appear to be able to still order it)...
WHAT? That is a mistake. The 19% is in jeopardy but NOT the 15 or 17%. Email me your contact info and I will get it figured out. Sorry for the confusion!
 
  #1273  
Old 01-29-2008, 10:00 PM
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Nah.......go for the International RXT hauler.

Only the best !
 
  #1274  
Old 01-31-2008, 06:07 PM
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Hey Adam,

I am having a very un-Alta like problem. My girlfriend bought me a nice "eat,sleep,mini" sweatshirt for christmas. It was too big, so we sent it back with the return auth. # to exchange for a smaller size, it has been a huge hassle and I still dont have my sweatshirt.

If it is ok with you I would like to just call you directly to resolve this, what is your phone # ?

I WANT TO SPORT MY ALTA GEAR !!

Francis
 
  #1275  
Old 01-31-2008, 09:58 PM
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SO many posts! I didn't read them all but I have one quick question. I have the Alta 2.0 intake for my 2003 MCS. All I have ever used was K&N and I know when they are dirty and how to clean them.. But how do I really know my Alta is durty and what do I clean it with? Do they take oil?
 


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