You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
I need to replace my JCW air filter. I've heard rumors that a new filter is pretty expensive; does anyone have any experience with non-OEM JCW filters? How long do these filters typically last?
Also, how difficult is it to change the JCW filter? Is it a DIY for someone with moderate skills?
I went with this one, drops right in , hose clamp and even has the little factory style tab to secure it. Reusable and washable. I know some else who used the Alta which is virtually the same but it doesn't have the secure tab.
2006 MCS JCW #20/64 Competiton Edition (Canada's version of the GP but only 64), JCW Suspension, JCW Brakes, JCW Body kit, JCW Engine & exhaust with JCW header, ITG Filter, Brisk Plugs, RMW Tuned @ 196WHP, JCW CF dash, shifter and ebrake handle. English Panther Leather, full load, JCW R112 Challenge wheels summer and R98 webspokes winter {sig pic by COOPERation}
Last edited by #20Works4me; 06-09-2009 at 11:56 AM.
I replaced mine with a MINI Madness filter which is probably like the K&N....Has no spot for the tab but uses a hose clamp instead....Sounds little better than stock filter too.
__________________
2003 R53 - DS - 135K + Miles
Parts of MINI NOT Modded ( A Shorter List ) Block/Head/HK Stereo.
If you go the K&N style direction, the Mini Madness filter is nice because it has the dual cone. Both ITG foam type (Minispeed or Alta) or K&N type (Mini Madness) filters are reusable/recleanable and last virually forever. I use the Mini Madness filter but both types are nice. It does take some time to clean and re-oil the filters when dirty instead of just dropping in a new filter but reusable filters are much more cost effective. It is a great DIY project. The cleaning kits (cleaner and oil) cost about $20 but last a few cleanings.
__________________
2006 MCS JCW GP #1405: Adj Front Camber Plates, 19mm Rear Sway Bar, MM Front Lower Brace, Milltek Cat-Back, TCE 13" Front/11.75" Rear BBK, 15mm Spacers, Wheel Studs, JCM Modified Intake, MM Filter, Gauges
It's a dry cone filter with a micro-porous membrane in it - very easy to clean (blow it out with an air hose every 10K miles or so, more if you live in a dusty area or drive dirt roads). No oil, no mess, lots of SC sound, excellent filtering efficiency (recommended by Terry Dyson, my oil analysis guy) and lasts FOREVER. About $50 when I bought mine.
__________________
I'm Paul, The car is Blimey--- BlimeyCabrio's Blog--- 2006 MCSCa w/lotsa mods and Union Jacks
Ten-time Dragon Veteran - Occasional Trackrat - Extreme Twisty Addict - Rhymers Ferry Road Fanatic
I'll second what #20works4me wrote above for the ITG. I have the Alta in my JCW... it works well and sounds great but the lack of the securing tab has me planning to swap in the ITG. Whichever filter you choose will be better than factory paper filter, and significantly cheaper too.
__________________ BMW 335i E90 - Crimson Red, 6-speed manual, BMWPerformance suspension JCW Competition Edition #21/64 - sold to a good home Miata - not stock
Thanks for the responses. Due my location (The social republic of Canada), it would appear the ITG and the K&N are my easiest choices to acquire. I've had good experiences in the past with a K&N in a 5.0 Mustang; has anyone ever heard of any problems with filters such as the ITG where bits of neoprene foam will flake off and get sucked into the intake?
Thanks for the responses. Due my location (The social republic of Canada), it would appear the ITG and the K&N are my easiest choices to acquire. I've had good experiences in the past with a K&N in a 5.0 Mustang; has anyone ever heard of any problems with filters such as the ITG where bits of neoprene foam will flake off and get sucked into the intake?
I've had the ITG in my JCW air box for about 2 years. NO issues of foam degrading.
Just had a used oil analysis done and they say:
"Air filtration (see Insolubles) is normal". It showed half of what is considered a "normal" level. This tells me the ITG is doing its job.
Also, like I've said elsewhere, if the ITG is good enough to be used on a Cosworth DFV in a vintage Formula 1 car, it's good enough for my MINI.
I just checked my ITG last week and the foam is 100% pefect no flaking found
__________________
2006 MCS JCW #20/64 Competiton Edition (Canada's version of the GP but only 64), JCW Suspension, JCW Brakes, JCW Body kit, JCW Engine & exhaust with JCW header, ITG Filter, Brisk Plugs, RMW Tuned @ 196WHP, JCW CF dash, shifter and ebrake handle. English Panther Leather, full load, JCW R112 Challenge wheels summer and R98 webspokes winter {sig pic by COOPERation}
I stayed with stock filter, found a deal on new one, and had the dealer install it.
__________________ 2006 MINI Cooper S, John Cooper Works Tuning Kit, Chili Red & black, 18" JCW R105 wheels, Ireland Engineering front fixed camber plates
I went with the AMSoil Nanofilter EaAU3570 and will be installing it this afternoon.
Lon
Replaced my stock JCW filter with the Amsoil Nanofilter and immediately realized a small improvement in response. Had read somewhere that the filter technology in the 3570 is used on the air filter of the Abrams tank. If so, can't be too bad of an investment for engine life. Not that I plan to cruise around in the desert.
__________________
2006 MCS PW/B, 15% pulley, JCW CAI, 22mm Alta rear sway bar, first owner---www.SooperCooperinfo.com-a very complete MINI aftermarket/DIY/information library
It's a dry cone filter with a micro-porous membrane in it - very easy to clean (blow it out with an air hose every 10K miles or so, more if you live in a dusty area or drive dirt roads). No oil, no mess, lots of SC sound, excellent filtering efficiency (recommended by Terry Dyson, my oil analysis guy) and lasts FOREVER. About $50 when I bought mine.
I'll second that. I had the Mini Madness filter and after a while, it's a pain to clean. I bought the Amsoil just prior to my last track session at VIR and used it with my new tune. It's a dual cone design very much like the MM, but much easier to clean.
Wanna thank you guys for identifying the various filters you use in this application. It was time for me to replaced the same filter, but I didn't want to do the research. Now, it's easy.
P.S. think I'll go with the AmSoil. thanks to blimey for providing correct product number
My AMSoil filter fit very nicely.. We will see how it goes, but I placed a dob of silicone on the end of the filter where it meets the factory piece, installed with a screw meets the filter. I let this dob dry until it had a good skin on it and then installed the factory piece. This allowed the silicone to take the shape of the factory piece and made a nice mating surface.
My AMSoil filter fit very nicely.. We will see how it goes, but I placed a dob of silicone on the end of the filter where it meets the factory piece, installed with a screw meets the filter. I let this dob dry until it had a good skin on it and then installed the factory piece. This allowed the silicone to take the shape of the factory piece and made a nice mating surface.
Good idea!
__________________
I'm Paul, The car is Blimey--- BlimeyCabrio's Blog--- 2006 MCSCa w/lotsa mods and Union Jacks
Ten-time Dragon Veteran - Occasional Trackrat - Extreme Twisty Addict - Rhymers Ferry Road Fanatic
My AMSoil filter fit very nicely.. We will see how it goes, but I placed a dob of silicone on the end of the filter where it meets the factory piece, installed with a screw meets the filter. I let this dob dry until it had a good skin on it and then installed the factory piece. This allowed the silicone to take the shape of the factory piece and made a nice mating surface.
I shimmed the gap between the filter end and the factory end piece with multiple layers of Gorilla tape cut into one inch squares. FWIW
__________________
2006 MCS PW/B, 15% pulley, JCW CAI, 22mm Alta rear sway bar, first owner---www.SooperCooperinfo.com-a very complete MINI aftermarket/DIY/information library
I have the ITG foam filter and it works great. Along with the flapectomy it sounds great and seems to do a good air cleaning.
+1. Exactly what ive done in the last couple of weeks and its really very good, the extra noise (combined effect of flapectomy and the ITG) as addictive!!!
__________________
UK - R56 Cooper s, Stealthcat DP, MeisterR coilovers, SPC arms, fJCW backbox, BBS RC323 (ET35 7.5Jx17) and 205/40/17tyres. 190bhp 210lbft
Wanna thank you guys for identifying the various filters you use in this application. It was time for me to replaced the same filter, but I didn't want to do the research. Now, it's easy.
P.S. think I'll go with the AmSoil. thanks to blimey for providing correct product number
Good choice! And it's cheaper than the ITG, MM or Alta replacements
I agree with this one. I have the same one on my JCW. Only real difference is that it doesn't have the little screw anchor on the closed end of the filter like the factory one does. Isn't necessary in this case. It's a good fit in the housing, and a good fit over the intake duct.
__________________ 2006 MCS-JCW No. 15543, BRG/W, Sport Pack, Chrono Pack, M7 SRP I love deadlines. I love the "whooshing" sound they make when they go by. - Doug Adams ambientpixel@mac.com
2006 CR/B MCS JCW, RMW (Newman) Cam and RMW Street Header, JCW Suspension, H&R 19mm rear anti-sway bar, IE fixed camber plates, Mason Engineering lower strut brace, Continental ExtremeContact DW Tires, Red interior, Chrome, HK, RMW Tune, 223 WHP / 200 WTQ
