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Any chance this could cause a problem to or damage the engine in any way if the tape becomes dislodged? Sounds like a great plan, but I really worry about the tape loosening down the road and getting sucked in somewhere it shouldn't...
As long as the stock filter box is not removed should the tape ever come loose the worst that would happen is a clogged filter it seems.
I now have a VIP and will play around with both tape and that to see which I prefer. I like the fact the with tape you can take it to the dealer without worrying they may not like the aftermarket intake. What are the chances of them ever noticing some black duct tape? I know they should not care, but crazier things have happened. On the other hand the red VIP does look cool.
I'm still curious about this. Do you have to take the box completely off or can you fish the tape in and cover the holes? Wondering which one you prefer, the VIP or the tape? Keep us posted.
I put the in the VIP a couple of weeks ago and later added an Alta filter (took advantage of the 50% off deal) and am very happy with it. I may someday try the tape. I will be putting the stock air box back on when it visits the dealer so next time that's needed I guess I'll try the tape thing. Installing the VIP takes about 5 minutes and that's if you drop the one bolt involved under the car. While it may or may not do anything, it sure is well made and looks great (in Red). It still is way overpriced for what it is. To justify it at all you have to think of it terms of paying for results, not what it should cost to make.
It is louder, but not obnoxious. By my ears half the "improvement" in sound was the VIP and half the filter. The resulting sound I think is very nice. Because of the sound, and always wanting to hear more of it, I suspect I am driving a little more aggressively. The car therefor feels faster because I am driving it harder. On the other hand, maybe I am driving it harder because it is faster. Probably all the former and no doubt placebo affect. Since the Mini is my anti-depressant the improvement in sound makes it work somehow even better.
IMHO if you have the spare change you can't go wrong with this set up. No doubt it will at worst be harmless. Everything in life should have that kind of guaranteed worst outcome.
How does that intake muffler/silencer actually come off of the filter box? Do you need to unlatch anything? I am getting the VIP aftermarket intake pipe to replace the silencer so I need to remove the silencer and install the VIP pipe to the filter box.
__________________ 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman; 6 spd MT
Mods: K&N Air Filter; Magnaflow Performance muffler; VIP intake
How does that intake muffler/silencer actually come off of the filter box? Do you need to unlatch anything? I am getting the VIP aftermarket intake pipe to replace the silencer so I need to remove the silencer and install the VIP pipe to the filter box.
It will come with detailed instructions to install it. It is actually very simple.
On the front inlet there is a tab you have to push to release the inlet tube that fights back a little. You have to push and them force the box to the side to get the other side of the inlet without the tab to release. The back connection just kind of twists off easily. Make sure you take the single bolt out first and the entire thing should take 5 minutes.
I did this mod yesterday, like the tone. I used aluminum tape as I thought duct tape would not last long with the heat of the engine. I will check it in a couple of weeks to make sure it hasn't moved or anything.
got me some $6 Gorilla Duct Tape and did the mod today. removed the screw. then squeezed out the front tubing. then twisted the silencer box out from it's back connection. put a long piece of tape over the holes from both the edge of both ends of the "L" to the corner. patted it down with the screwdriver. highly unlikely to ever move IMHO. when putting it back, twist in the back connection first before re-connecting the front tubing.
nice sound. not much louder at all when cruising. already had the K&N filter. throttle response seems better. i had originally planned to install the VIPCutson tube, but my wife accidentally threw away a used one i had gotten. i had planned to paint it black, and it was sitting too long in the house i guess. i'll bet TRL won't notice much difference if and when he switches his tube for this much more "stealth" modified silencer.
once you actually take out and look at the silencer, you'll wonder why you didn't do this mod sooner.
Finally had a rain free weekend so I took out the VIP and put in the tape.
Immediately noticeable was a reduction in sound at idle, but not so much beyond that. Still sounds very nice when you get on it even a little. Don't remember the stock sound, but I suspect the tape at idle is between that and the VIP.
I never believed the VIP made a noticeable HP difference, so I can't say this is better or worse. I also had put in an Alta foam filter shortly after installing the VIP and overall I felt that made a bigger difference then either intake.
End of story?- Look for my VIP on eBay soon. They are very nice looking (especially in Red) but at this point I think I would rather have some of my cash back (hopefully there are some potential bidders that are not reading this thread.)
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[Guinness--- Its A Mans Drink ]
i'll bet TRL won't notice much difference if and when he switches his tube for this much more "stealth" modified silencer.
