Clubman CAI

[IzzyG]

So I was contemplating purchasing the K&N Apollo Intake System(09 Clubman non-S) and decided to call outmotoring to confirm some details. I was told that there might be a massive air sensor that will not allow the CAI to work with it(they weren't sure if it was the Clubman that had the sensor or whether it was another model). Either way, since outmotoring cannot give a definitive answer, I'm relying on the NAM gods to point me in the right direction.

I see no other options as far as non-S CAI goes. :/

[pillar]

is the air sensor physically blocking the intake or is it something with the computer not liking free-er air flow.

dont quote me on this but i would think the air sensor would adjust the car to the free-er air supply. i cant seem to find a proper picture of a clubman engine bay

[TChezem]

There is a MAF (Mass Air Flow Sensor) on the left side if the air box if you look under the hood. I looked at the K&N Kit and could not see an adadpter to keep the MAF in line with the CAI. I agree with OutMotoring, I don't think that CAI will work on a Clubman. Perhaps a K&N drop in filter may be best for the Clubman?

[schatzy62]

As i believe the clubman and the coop have the same intake you may want to check out this thread and a few others. Search it your friend.

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...induction.html

Edit: i just checked and both the clubman and the coop use the same intake box and parts to the engine so what every fits a coop should fit a clubman just fine.

[IzzyG]

Originally Posted by TChezem

There is a MAF (Mass Air Flow Sensor) on the left side if the air box if you look under the hood. I looked at the K&N Kit and could not see an adadpter to keep the MAF in line with the CAI. I agree with OutMotoring, I don't think that CAI will work on a Clubman. Perhaps a K&N drop in filter may be best for the Clubman?

That's exactly what I was told. I was also informed that these were added after a certain date so not all(maybe all Clubman) are affected. I'm guessing the ECU will adapt to a perceived increased load because of the increase in air flow?(hence the problem with using the kit) Correct me if I'm wrong though.

I don't see a problem with the drop in temperature(cold part of the intake) but the increased absolute amount of air is probably the issue. Bah, someone make a working CAI for the Clubman non S please. x.x

[schatzy62]

According to Mini Parts there is only one MAS, one Filter Box and one Plastic Intake Manifold for all 07/08/09 justacooper and 08/09 clubman.

With this in mind the Intake Manfold and the Filter Box would be removed and the CAI would go in place of those items. The MAS would be between the CAI and the Engine Intake Manifold. So what ever works on a R56 will work on a R55.

Now i may be wrong on this but This is how i see it. Done this on other cars. Just more parts to remove on the Mini.

[OXYBLUECOOP]

Schatzy62's diagram is correct. The airbox(3) muffler(12) and plastic hose(14) all come out. As far as what filter to use well you can just wait until a complete system is released(probably similar to this one in Thailand)


For those folks who want something in the meantime or just a cheap simple setup there are two obstacles to overcome. The first obstacle will be finding an over the counter cone filter with the necessary 2 3/4" diameter opening needed to fit the MAF sensor as most start at 3". The second obstacle is how to secure the filter. There are a few points in the engine bay to secure it to. Here are my previous setups:


Here's how to remove the stock assembly so grab your popcorn

First off I would disconnect your negative battery cable and press your brake so your ECU will be reset once you finish.

BTW great diagram Schatzy!




Step 1: Loosen the fixed bolt(4)

Step 2: Remove the bolt securing the muffler to the engine(13)

Step 3: Where the plastic intake hose(14)connects to the muffler(12)wiggle that tab(second pic) on the left and pull the hose out.

Step 3: Loosen the clamp on the left side of the MAF where it attaches to the rubber hose.

Step 4: Disconnect the MAF sensor. It's a simple clip just push in on the tap and pull

Step 5: Hold the muffler(12)and pull up to unlock it from the airbox and off she goes.

Step 6: The airbox has two rubber grommets(6) holding it to the engine so your gonna need to give it a good pull straight up and it'll come out.

Step 7: The intake hose(14) is the most stubborn to remove. It has two lips that hold it to the frame. I just squeeze it real tight and wiggled it loose.

Now that the entire assembly is removed it's time to disconnect the MAF sensor from the airbox. Very simple procedure just loosen the two torx bolts(an allen wrench works fine) and pull the MAF sensor out.

When you go to attach your new cone filter take a look at the air flow direction arrow on the side of the MAF sensor. The filter attaches to the honeycombed end.

I found everything I needed for all my setups at Pep Boys. The other stores just had the filters where Pep Boys has all different accessories and sizes.

Hope this helped.

[IzzyG]

I really want to believe you schatzy... gah making it too easy to take the plunge. >.<

[clayvt]

while i dont have an r55 i do have a coop r56 and i also want a CAI. but i was thinking of going with a setup like oxybluecoop has in this thread
( http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...or-intake.html )

pic of setup
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/...6131535a_b.jpg

but instead of buying the whole apollo kit i found that K&N makes these:
http://www.knfilters.com/search/univcone.aspx

you can find the dimensions you want and order that filter and it should just clamp onto the MAF sensor side of the airbox. so all in all remove the airbox and just slap the airfilter on. the only thing that has held me back is that i dont know the exact size i would need for the flange inside diameter. i think it is either 68 or 70mm. my calipers arent that exact to get a 2mm difference. so if someone knows what size the flange is....it would be greatly appreciated. though i do think you can get up to a 5.5 in diameter base in the space. i was thinking of going with either RC-9350 or RC-9310 from the K&N link above.
and as for the flow...the MAF should just tell the computer that there is increased airflow and adjust the fuel mixture. i wouldnt think it would throw a code. and oxybluecoop hasnt said if there was that problem. hope this helps.

[pillar]

thats a lot simpler than i thought... as long as its after the MAF sensor you should be alright. only issue is that these filters are very oily and will drip.

[inimini2007]

VIP Custom Parts just sent an email saying that a CAI will be introduced by them for the standard R56 Cooper on 18 Jan 09. I believe the price is around $179.00

[djam43]

Originally Posted by pillar

thats a lot simpler than i thought... as long as its after the MAF sensor you should be alright. only issue is that these filters are very oily and will drip.

Yes--- oily filters will ruin the MAF sensor.

[BR55]

Anyone interested in a Group Buy for CAI? I emailed VIP and they might be interested in the Group Buy from NAM Members - anyone have experience with this?

[FONT=Eurostile]AIRVIP: R55/R56/R57 Mini Cooper, Cabrio and Clubman Air Intake for 2007 - 2009 Models Part # 802[/FONT] (It was just released)

[IzzyG]

BR55: I'm definitely in. Was just waiting for VIP custom to release this. At the same time though, I am curious as to see what DDM releases. :P Any info on what gains the VIP intake gives(if any?). Or at least a different sound?

[BR55]

No, I was wondering the same thing. When does DDM's product come out? VIPCP also has a nice strut brace (only $139) - they might cut us a deal on both...

[IzzyG]

Not sure if their brace clears for the non-S Clubman hoods though. I wanted to get the M7 and their's didn't clear. DDM is only in their testing phase so another few months. :/

[IzzyG]

I just confirmed the intake option from VIP Custom. It is going to be a replacement for the stock air filter and a new cold intake tube. It won't be like oxybluecoop's setup. I was hoping it would be an open cone design. I guess the only way to do that would be DIY. VIP custom did state that we're looking at 5-8 horsepower(not sure how they came up with that number)

[lacning74]

Originally Posted by IzzyG

I just confirmed the intake option from VIP Custom. It is going to be a replacement for the stock air filter and a new cold intake tube. It won't be like oxybluecoop's setup. I was hoping it would be an open cone design. I guess the only way to do that would be DIY. VIP custom did state that we're looking at 5-8 horsepower(not sure how they came up with that number)

pleading for dyno guinea pigs before i take the plunge. anyone?

[lacning74]

Originally Posted by IzzyG

I just confirmed the intake option from VIP Custom. It is going to be a replacement for the stock air filter and a new cold intake tube. It won't be like oxybluecoop's setup. I was hoping it would be an open cone design. I guess the only way to do that would be DIY. VIP custom did state that we're looking at 5-8 horsepower(not sure how they came up with that number)

just saw a new picture of the intake option from VIPCustomParts. I already have the K&N drop-in filter. do y'all think the new intake tube will make a substantial additional difference?

[jbewley]

Originally Posted by lacning74

just saw a new picture of the intake option from VIPCustomParts. I already have the K&N drop-in filter. do y'all think the new intake tube will make a substantial additional difference?

I just added this tube as I already had the K&N filter. I have noticed a big difference in power responce. Too soon to tell about mpg. I like it and it is a snap to install. I asked VIP about the open cone set up and they said it was just too loud for their liking on the MC which is why they stay with the closed box. I can neither confirm nor deny this statement.

Jim

[pw4]

I can confirm the open cone is seriously loud. Much better with the cold air tube.
Also, without the tube, you have a HAI because the air has come through the radiator and around the hot engine before it gets to the intake.

[OXYBLUECOOP]

The sweet spot for the coolest air with the least restriction is behind and below the block and requires pulling the intake manifold to be able install the cone filter.

[pw4]

I'm impressed with the effort you went to to mount it there!

[jbewley]

I gave the VipAir2 a good test over the past two days. There is a lot more responce when you step on the gas, even between 2K & 3K. When you pass through 3K it actually jumps. I have several long grades that I go up almost daily and I find I can now hold sixth and not have to shift to fifth half way up. I have been taking the same route over and over getting 42+ mpg like clock work. The last two trips got 46+ mpg. This is a combination city and back road. Car idles smoother, the sound is just perfect and any louder would not be as pleasing, IMHO.

I did not think this car could be any more fun to drive, but, for me, this mod has made it so.

I highly recommend this for you Non-S folks.

Jim

[TChezem]

I have a 2 1/2" to 3" adapter hose fittted to the MAF sensor connected to an 18" Polished Aluminum 3" intake pipe, with an RS Akimoto (K&N) cone filter on the end, using the 10 mm bolt location on the right side of the block as an anchor point for the bracket that keeps it all in place. I used stainless steel hose clamps on all connections. Works great!

Very similar to oxy blue coops original set up. I kept the air ram tube from the bumper cowl up to where the air box/baffle chamber used to be to move more cold air into the engine bay. I have pictures, not sure how to post them. Send me PM and I can send them to you, if interested. A lot louder on acceleration and almost sounds like it has an open exhaust---it's amazing how much noise canceling is engineered into a factory air box and baffle.

Thanks for all the ideas on this link....