[SCB]

I am seeking advice from those of you that appreciate the fine sound of the MCS supercharger and intercooler…

First of all I must come clean and declare that my knowledge of engines is very poor, to the extent that I don’t know if the sweet sound is coming from the Supercharger or Intercooler or both! What I do know is that the sound it makes puts a grin on my face so big I get a little guilty in feeling so great behind the wheel, whilst other drivers are simply ‘driving’ their cars… oh well, I am sure smiles are good for the soul.

Ok, back to the reason for this thread, can you tell be if it is possible to gain a slight increase in the volume of the supercharger or the intercooler sound, and here’s the nub of the matter, without (a) invalidating my TLC or (b) invalidating Mini Warrantee or (c) effecting my insurance premium?

A hard one this, perhaps, but there must be someone willing to give me ‘sound’ advice… pardon the pun!

Thanks,
StevieB

[cliffywong]

Yeah - get a Alta Cold intake - remove it everytime you going in for servicing. You are able to install it yourself .

Defintely louder supercharger whine and brings a grin to you ever time you hear it. Oh the bonus side is an additional 7hp gain..

[DarkMiniCooperS]

Get an intake! The sound is music to my ears everytime I hit the throttle!

I don't think your dealer would void your warranty because of an intake... Here in Montreal, MINI dealers were selling Monster MINI intakes when I bought my MCS but they were too expensive. (750$can VS 450$can from a local speedshop).

They great sound comes from the supercharger.

Many people believe that the Cooper S should have come with an intake and a 15% pulley from the factory...

Have fun with your MCS!

[SCB]

Cliffywong & DarkMiniCooper S, thanks for your replies - the intake option has got me interested, but is it really a DIY job as to me DIY is not 'do it yourself', more like 'destruct it yourself'... and even if I get it on, can it come off easy for trip to the servicing bay; also will I need to declare it to my insurance company...oh the questions I have.

Thanks, oh and for others out there (in the UK) what's your thoughts and advice?

StevieB

[pbonner]

It is a real easy job to install the Intake as I fitted a Madness at the weekend - took about half an hour. The sound from the supercharger is really good and the car pulls much better....

[SFJAMES]

I have the Alta, just put all back on after 34000 mile service. It sounds the loudest of all, looks the best to with the colored silicone intake tube. Brutus has the red hose and the Alta air diverter for the intercooler. sounds like the ride is getting ready to be even better for you, motor on !

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by SCB

... the intake option has got me interested, but is it really a DIY job as to me DIY is not 'do it yourself', more like 'destruct it yourself'... and even if I get it on, can it come off easy for trip to the servicing bay.

If you plan on swapping the stock intake and aftermarket intake quite a bit, I would recommend getting the Rogue/Madness or Pipercross intake as they're much easier to fit. Fitting the Alta intake involves removing the bulkhead between the engine compartment and under-windshield cowl area.

[SCB]

It's all gone very quiet on this thread, I assume that perhaps this topic has been done to death, but 'still' I seek advice...

If I wanted to steer clear of anything under the bonnet, is there another way to allow me (not passers by) to enjoy the sweet sound on the supercharger? Just a though, perhaps a new exhaust (but not too loud)? And how would this effect insurance and TLC?

Help please...and for good advice I will add to your reputation.
StevieB

P.S. MCS arrived at the dealer today, a week early, but I have to wait for 10 days until I am off crutches...the wait is just too much.

[DarkMiniCooperS]

I think you should go with an intake... You said you were looking for an increase of the supercharger's sound, your best bet is add an intake!

Don't worry with the installation. You can easily install it by yourself or get it done by a local speedshop.

An exhaust won't bring up the s/c sound but a deep sound (still great to listen to!).

Hope this help! If I had a voice recorder, I would have recorded the sound of my intake to make things clearer to you...

Keep motoring!

[Keith]

An intake will make you grin.
An intake plus pully is a big grin (both performance and sound!)
Don't be timid - just get the mods and enjoy it!

[obehave]

I'll go along with Miniac's recommendation.
I have the Alta and it's a very good kit but it is the most complex to install.
Not that it's really all that bad but you've stated you're a novice.

Next best bet would be the Rogue/Madness type. Quite easy even for a beginner.

[SCB]

Thanks for all the advice, it looks as if the Rogue/Madness type intake is the winner in this thread, although I am timid to the extent that I don't want to invalidate my TLC package or Warentee; I can cope with paying more on the insurance front... You see, I have always had cars from ney, this is my 7th, and I have 'never' done any modifications, but there is always a first time and now that I have (or will have on the 20th) my first performance car, it gives me the chance of doing something for 'me'....I intend to keep this car for a long time...

There you have it, and thanks for all the friendly advice.

StevieB

[pbonner]

There are a couple of people on the site who are thinking of getting an intake, it might be worth trying to get a group buy together to save on the shipping costs...

If you go for the Rogue/Madness you wil NOT be disappointed. Now that my car is run-in you can really get the supercharger to 'sing'.

[Jones]

I have just had the BMP shipped over from the states. Most of the good intakes will have to be purshased in the states. They are auper easy to install and as easy to remove. They come with easy instructions etc and as long as it is removed prior to a trip to the dealer....what they dont know wont hurt you!!

Jones!

[phil portlock]

Quote: Originally Posted by SCB

I am seeking advice from those of you that appreciate the fine sound of the MCS supercharger and intercooler…

First of all I must come clean and declare that my knowledge of engines is very poor, to the extent that I don’t know if the sweet sound is coming from the Supercharger or Intercooler or both! What I do know is that the sound it makes puts a grin on my face so big I get a little guilty in feeling so great behind the wheel, whilst other drivers are simply ‘driving’ their cars… oh well, I am sure smiles are good for the soul.

Ok, back to the reason for this thread, can you tell be if it is possible to gain a slight increase in the volume of the supercharger or the intercooler sound, and here’s the nub of the matter, without (a) invalidating my TLC or (b) invalidating Mini Warrantee or (c) effecting my insurance premium?

A hard one this, perhaps, but there must be someone willing to give me ‘sound’ advice… pardon the pun!

Thanks,
StevieB

Yes drive in heavy rain - see new thread something like: noise when raining
Cheers
Phil

[TMini]

OK I'm convinced, anyone care to recommend an on-line reseller for the intakes?

T