Questions about cold air intakes

[wscruiser]

Ok, considering adding a cold air intake, but have a few questions first.

I have installed a JCW strut bar and understand that some brands of CAIs need "minor" modifications to work with the JCW bar. How "minor" and what mods will be need to be done to the CAI?

How much more noise could I expect to hear at normal highway speeds vs the stock box?

Does the CAI really make that much of a difference in engine performance?

Which CAI setup would you recommend; Helix, JCW, Alta, ??????

[minimark]

I am very happy with the JCW! :D PS: Fits perfectly with the JCW strut bar.

[TWISTER]

I think the only mod would be where the airbox is near the bar. Some bars are lower and need the sides of the airbox trimed. I imagine the JCW would not.

I have the alta CAI with a M7 Bar. I love it! I can hear the whine of the air passing through the throttle and it sings to me.

I have a brand new Helix CAI for sale. Let me know if your interested.

[oznogonzo]

I put an alta on my car about a month ago... I don't know about the strut bar but I can answer a few of your questions...





How much more noise could I expect to hear at normal highway speeds vs the stock box?


On a completely stock engine (with the exception of just the alta CAI) there isn't much difference in sound at normal throttle. There is a noticeable difference if you put your foot down hard... I estimate 2-3 times the normal whine compared to the stock box. My engine is completely stock other than the CAI. I removed the rear false firewall bit as well. If you get a CAI that allows you to keep this, it will probably be a bit softer. There is an alternate mod to drill large holes in the false firewall that will probably produce something in the mid-range. One particular thing to note is the possibility of a slight whistle showing up, but on mine it is only very slight when the throttle is about 10-15%. It bothers some people, I personally love it.



Does the CAI really make that much of a difference in engine performance?


It really depends on what other go-fast parts you have. On my stock setup the alta gives the throttle just a bit more response. One nice perk from the install was my gas mileage went from 30ish to 32-33mpg even though I have been driving it harder. You WILL want to drive it harder once you instal the CAI :D

I managed to get my Alta used (practically new, with a top for it as well) for $150 off the North American Motoring marketplace forum. I only installed the box and top, I did not get the silicone hose. Overall I would say it is a must have mod.

[Vango]

I have the Alta CAI and I am happy with it. I love the extra whine....I too would have to say the cai is a must have mod.

[onefastmini]

Wow, I got to this one late.
I prefer the Helix (K&N style) over open cell foam filters (Alta) simply because I feel the oiled gauze captured more dirt, however, I have not heard of any problems arising from their use. One to check out might be the ITG filter from My Mini ( minspeed.net). If Twister still has the Helix for sale, go take a look, you won't be disappointed.
--Dan

[MidnightDave]

I have a custom Helix, that Dan fabbed for me when we didn't receive the back piece, so stock box with a BIG hole, Helix front and filter. No seat of the pants difference in throttle response to me, like the TSW engine damper, however, I don't have a pulley and I DO like the whine. Of the "standard" mods to any new MINI, CAI is always on the top 5 list.

[BlimeyCabrio]

I have a Dinan CAI and love it. Helix and Alta are nice also. Dinan filter is more like the Helix. The Dinan looks almost like stock (it's a closed molded box top) but opens into the cowl for much more air and much more whine. At 3000RPM and above it sings! If you want something that yells "AFTERMARKET INTAKE!" when you open the bonnet - then go with a Helix or Alta. If you want something that looks like it was built that way, go with the Dinan or JCW (similar to the Dinan, but pricier and with a cowl flap that opens and closes depending on RPM).

Personally, I DID think I noticed a bit more butt-dyno response with just the CAI. Now with the 15% pulley and one-ball exhaust, Blimey seems to have a nice, balanced ability to breathe.