I currently have a K&N drop-in air filter in the stock box. I've seen a few comments that this filter's airflow will add a few hp. How does a CAI compare? I see threads spelling out how there's not much hp gain difference between the CAIs, but no actual numbers (or maybe I missed it). Anyway, the K&N, with the slight increase in sound, makes me think that I wouldn't be bothered by a CAI after all, so I just thought I would find out if the increase in power would be worthwhile. If it's just for sound, I'm not very interested.

Thanks!

 

I think the consensus is that it is very minor if any at all.

 

Most say the drop-in will give you the same power gains as a CAI, which aren't much. However, every little bit counts in the R50. I have an aFe CAI and i do feel more pull higher in the rev range, even when my stereo is drowning out the additional noise.

 

This is actually the Cooper non S forum, it looks like you have an S.

On the S we have seen a gain of 5-7hp over stock with a complete intake, with just the drop in filter we see 1-3hp gains, and actually the most was with a foam drop in not the K&N, which was surprising since the foam was cheaper.
You will notice the car to be faster with an intake, throttle responce improved and def more sound. So is it worth it, I think so, but it's really up to you and what your trying to get.
If your really looking for more power look at getting a supercharger pulley.

 

Oops! Just realized that I posted this in the non-S forum. Sorry about that.

As for the pulley, I just had one of yours installed last month! Best money I ever spent on the car!

 

I have a new 2011 JCW
should I add a pully?
If I do add a pully do I have to get a tune ....remap ECU?

 

Jack$on, your car is turbocharged, not supercharged, (like the 2002 through 2006 models). Therefore the famous "Pulley mod" doesn't really apply to your MINI.

There are certainly many other ways for you to see increased horsepower, but for that, you should do some searches for R56 power-adders...

 

Man don't I feel dumb
all this research and learning .... digging through the forums .... is making me crazy

Thx for the correction

 

There are lots of ways to add power to your turbo charged vehicle. Might I suggest a :

1. boost controller
2. larger capacity BOV and actuator
3. larger intercooler

the list is never ending with turbo charged cars!

 

Just something I would like to share...

I will be wiritng up a full review on a comparison between the aFe intake and the WAY/DDM intake here in the next week. I volunteered to test one out at Way Motor Works this past weekend and I promise to give a complete an unbiased look into the world of the R50 intake! I hope you guys enjoy it. I am going to enjoy testing them out for sure!