Cold Air Intake Desicion

[scuderia]

I am trying to convince myself and justify the value of JCW CAI over the ALTA, my biggest thing is to get the optimum power and sound. Tell me what you have and what you think.

[k-huevo]

If you want sound, the noisiest on the market is the Alta. I had one for over 15,000 miles and can testify to that.

For power, it will give you a slight and I mean very slight edge in the very high rev range.

The JCW adds unnecessary complexity to a simple component.

Now for some un-asked for advise. By 10 stock air filters and replace them at 7,000 mile intervals or less during cedar/oak pollen season or dusty environments. It will cost less, be easier than cleaning and oiling the aftermarket filter, sound more refined and the performance difference, at anything less than a racetrack or drag strip, will be negligible.

If you go for the Alta, I have a modified rear engine compartment weather strip you can have.

[weezer2282]

k-huevo,
What are your thoughts on the Alta panel vs. a stock panel filter(the direct replacement type)? I was considering getting the Alta cold air intake in the next few months, but I don't know if I want to start taking parts out of my MINIs engine just yet. I'd just like something a little freer flowing than the stock filter. I don't think the Alta intake is worth $200 either for basically an air fiilter and a piece of sheet metal.

[k-huevo]

The first modification I did was replacing the stock panel filter with the world’s most expensive, race proven, highest flowing panel filter on the planet, made by BMC in Italy. It must be free flowing because you can see through it.

Then I began doing research and discovered that: 1. Nothing filters better than oiled paper; which I confirmed the BMC was not doing a good job at. 2. Testing done with an atmospheric pressure gauge showed very little pressure loss between the lower air box and a point down stream of the air box with the stock air filter. 3. A test without the stock filter showed no difference with the filter removed or with it in place. 4. My first dyno run with the panel filter certainly had no effect on performance because the car behaved like a true dog.

From this information and experience, I determined that a panel filter was not worthwhile and moved on to the Alta intake.

The Alta panel filter probably filters better than the unit I used. I’ve read (on the internet) instances where people said they showed a gain on the dyno with the drop-in filter; however, putting a clean stock filter in will also show a gain on the dyno. And that’s something you can feel (and see with improved mileage) without having a dyno measure it for you.

The stock air box and filter do an adequate job of flowing up until the 5,500-rpm range. If you spend a lot of time above that area of the power band, then a replacement will provide a benefit. If you want an aftermarket panel filter or air box replacement for other reasons, that’s ok too.

[scuderia]

Alta CAI ordered yesterday, hopefully will install next week, and let you know what I think.

[weezer2282]

Alta CAI ordered yesterday, hopefully will install next week, and let you know what I think.

Let me know what you think and how the install goes. I might get one in the next month or two and it would be nice to have some help installing it so I don't screw anything up.

[scuderia]

ok, I will let you know, if successfull I would pass my help to you too, because I know you are pretty interested in that as well.

Let me know what you think and how the install goes. I might get one in the next month or two and it would be nice to have some help installing it so I don't screw anything up.

[weezer2282]

berk, have you had a chance to install the alta intake yet?

[scuderia]

Today my sales manager and I installed the CAI, and I am LOVING it. There is a slight change as far as power is concerned, on top end, high rpms, oh the whistle is priceless though.

[weezer2282]

Are you going to the European Car club friday night? You will have to give me a ride in it! :thumbsup

[rpgsat]

Does it sound different all the time or just at high rpm?

[scuderia]

you hear it going up gradually, between 3-4 k range the thing starts really.

it is not a huge big noticable difference in sound wise, higher rpms= whistle=more power, I think I got a little better top end speed, will try (have to risk dl)

Would I suggest it= absolutely, for $250 can't beat a little more power and sound


Does it sound different all the time or just at high rpm?

[scuderia]

I will try to show up, depending on my schedule, and of course you can ride in it.

Are you going to the European Car club friday night? You will have to give me a ride in it! :thumbsup