Hey everybody, I received the intake yesterday (thanks Randy!) and just installed it this afternoon. This was the first time actually changing something under the bonnet (eh.. besides oil change which is real easy too) and the process took a leisure 25 minutes, it's very easy. The Green filter that comes with it and the heatshield are very well made materials. The heat shield had some machine dust but I just wiped off and all was top notch. The installation is very straightforward so I'll move on to the actual drive.

When I first turned it on, I revved it slightly (2k-2.5k) and noticed it makes a distinct sucking sound when you tap the throttle, that first instant when the throttle body opens significantly. Now I was a bit skeptical about feeling much change from this mod (simply b/c I don't know if I can feel 6-8hp differences) but I have to say, there is a definite difference. I was shocked to feel it when taking off for the first time, it was simply smoother and the engine felt freer, like it wanted to take off with you So, that was pretty impressive. Then by the time the engine warmed up, I started to see what it was like in the mid-top range. In the mid range, first thing I noticed was the sound of it is very nice. It's the similar stock sound, but enhanced beautifully.

Side note: Dave (DiD) had given a ride for me when he was in Socal at a SCMM meetup and he had the Madness filter/Pulley/Borla Exh and although the intake is nearly identical, his was even more intense and high pitched from the smaller SC pulley, an excellent car.

Anyway, after 4k rpm, you REALLY start to realize that the car is pulling a bit nicer. Second gears response has become very strong, I like it, I like it a lot. :smile: I was trying to shrug all of this off as just a placebo effect but it wasn't something subtle, it really feels natural and the way the engine should have been all along.

To MiniPilo: Thanks for putting together an excellent intake, the price set near $150 is what makes this all the more impressive.

One mod down, millions more to go? ops:

 

where are u in Socal? id love to see the Pilo firsthand

 

Cool! Vreee--ooom Vrrrroooom!

 

Hey, Great to sdd that your happy. I have been running this for a while now and know the feeling you have very well. I know that a couple other people have recieved there's to, I'd like to hear what there responces are also. Glad to hear you have such a good experience. Post sone pics of it if you can. I'd love to see it!

 

>>where are u in Socal? id love to see the Pilo firsthand

I'm in Calabasas (and commute around san fernando valley daily).


MiniPilo, I don't have a digicam but maybe one day I can use my friends camera and take all the lovely pictures, hehe. QS Exhaust is on the way as well

I just came back from an errand again and I really wanted to see how it would perform until redline. My brother was in the car with me so I had extra weight but read on. The car was pulling significantly well By the time I went into 3rd, I had to ask him "are you feeling the pull a lot more than usual?" and he responds with great confirmation, "YEA MAN!" I could only imagine with the exhaust and future pulley and chip in the plan, MINI's have *****!!

 

im in westlake! id take a pic for u! wat is it anto??

_________________
Young MINI Motorers

SoCal MINI Maniacs

 

Guy's, Just so you know about the filter, the Recomended cleaning interval is every 10K Miles to keep the top performance of your intake. The Filter Cleaning and Oiling Kit is available from my Site for only $14.00 I have also put up for sale a new product, The Cameramount is now for sale. For each product, please give 1-2 weeks for delivery.

 

It's awesome! Im not going to go through all the details because it would be a repost of what Antranik said above. :smile: :smile: :smile:

Great job Pilo!

 

I'd love to see the Pilo intake 1st hand too. I'm in Encino in the SF valley. Maybe we can organize a meet and greet in the next few days. What say all?

Geoff

 

Hey elblue, I'm glad to see you like your intake. Make sure to clean and oil the filter every time you get an oil change for the best results and consistant performance. The kits are available from my site for 14 bucks.

 

Hi guys...

I have just purchased the Pilo intake but since I live in Sydney, I will have to wait a few more days.

Dan, thanks for your help regarding the courier. Will post some photos when I get it.

I cant wait to test out the difference.

 

Glad to help you out... This is what i'm here for.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

anybody install the pilo intake for the cooper (non S) yet? waiting to see a similar review.... thanks.....

 

will this intake work if you have a BMP strut bar installed, I currently have the BMP intake but was looking at some others and was not sure if my front bmp strut bar would hinder the intake?

 

>>will this intake work if you have a BMP strut bar installed, I currently have the BMP intake but was looking at some others and was not sure if my front bmp strut bar would hinder the intake?

The Intake will require slight modification. Nothing that's can't be done with a dremel and a cutting wheel. I am going to make an intake in the future that will work with strut bars, but not yet.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

hey pilo i was wondering how the sound is?? how does the sound compare w/ the other intakes, if you happen to know... i currently have QS installed and im wondering wat kind of sound im expecting if i get the pilo

thanks for your help!

 

Hey Elite,

I do not know how the others sound. But what I do know is that our intake gives you a great sound from the Supercharger. I find my self just driving with the radio off listening to it as I drive the twisties. Other people have complimented me on the sound that you get as well. I would geuss that it is comparable to the others as they removal of the plastic pieces is why you get the sound, not really from the design of the intake.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

I totally remember giving you that ride. :smile: Very glad you are modding your MINI. :smile:

Dave

 

>>Hey Elite,
>>
>>I do not know how the others sound. But what I do know is that our intake gives you a great sound from the Supercharger. I find my self just driving with the radio off listening to it as I drive the twisties. Other people have complimented me on the sound that you get as well. I would geuss that it is comparable to the others as they removal of the plastic pieces is why you get the sound, not really from the design of the intake.
>>
>>Thanks
>>Dan
>>Pilo Racing


sounds good, i might order it!

 

We'd Love to have you as a customer. There is a slight delay on shipping, I'd say less than a week right now. But we should have every thing shipping real soon.

Thanks
Dan
Pilo Racing

 

Antranik:

Nice to hear you are happy with your intake! Hope you can post some pictures or give more details of the installation.

Thanks,

Juan

 

>>Antranik:
>>
>>Nice to hear you are happy with your intake! Hope you can post some pictures or give more details of the installation.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Juan

Sorry, no personal pictures but this is exactly what it is like:



The installation is extremely simple. You unscrew 4 screws, loosen intake tube, stock box comes right out, put in new heatshield and intake. I just got the Alta pulley installed by Randy last week and the intake absolutely rules! I gave my brother a ride and after a mile he said the engine sounds very different! Basically, the engine sounds more gutsy when you accelerate moderately or go WOT, while before it sounded almost stock all the time unless you went WOT. Sound is just sound though, performance is excellent still.

 

antranik--i am in calabasas too...opposite from the commons in the office buildings..maybe i can check it out in person?

elitecoopers--since ur in westlake

why dont all 3 of grab lunch in calabasas one of these days?

you guys can PM me or email lafun2@yahoo.com

 

>>antranik--i am in calabasas too...opposite from the commons in the office buildings..maybe i can check it out in person?
>>
>>elitecoopers--since ur in westlake
>>
>>why dont all 3 of grab lunch in calabasas one of these days?
>>
>>you guys can PM me or email lafun2@yahoo.com

sounds good!

 

looking forward to it :smile: