Which intakes are the best? I'm looking at some cold air intakes. (K&N's mainly)
I haven't decided if i should spend some bigger bucks on the whole system or just get the filter..
As long as i get the noise

 

well many opinions on this subject . some data suggests volume increase of just a filter on throttle body offsets colder air of cai . former known as hai . but if cold is what you want ; the stock box or one of similar material seems to be better at insulating than say a metal sheild type . some drop in filters are quite good . i went hai and can say the noise is there .

 

What year and Model MINI do you have? I carry several brands, but one brand is good for one car isn't the best for the next.

 

04 Mini here - I am running "just the K&N on stock tube and modified box( mine is cut into the firewall/ air intake below the windshield so fresh air is pulling in from the top and works great for me - BTW you will get "the noise " Also - don't go after the bucks or the noise go after the real deal. that way when that (insert car model name here) pulls up next to you, you actually can walk on him as you pull away from the line, or out of the corners

 

ALTA CAI 2.0

 

Voltage, JCW, or DINAN

 

you should really try a SEARCH - there are tons/years worth of discussions on CAI.

 

I Actually did search through a few..about 10 topics on this.. None had very straight answers about which added the moist noise or which gave the most power. Just a bunch of comparisons on models that are over priced.

But I have a 04 JCW

 

If you already have a JCW intake then just get this.

 

ITG, KN, Alta, Madness, AmSoil
Take your pick basically the same in performance nothing to really compare, all the same in the end. Whats good about them is that they last longer and you can clean them. I have a ITG, just because I liked what I seen on their website. http://www.itgairfilters.com/

 

1) there is NO best but what is best for you !

what are you trying to accomplish? power, sound, bling, .....................



ps -

sound - most noise would be M7 vgs
power - any where between 3-5 hp, so they are all virtually the same.
original box - probably he most thermal efficient.

 

if you have JCW intake, I will say good enough. the only think that you need to do is change the good air filter. All the CAI is similar power gain. if you want some noise from CAI, Alta CAI v2 is the best sound.(That is what I like )

 

yeah it sounds great I love mine!

 

Personally, I'd do a ITG drop in.

 

I just joined the alta band-wagon, they havent shipped 2 days after order though..im so excited.

 

I had the K&N and threw it out!! Then i put a Alta one in with a lid. Wasn't very impressed with the hole it has down the side that is directly above the Exhaust manifold so i sold that one and dropped in a Voltage intake. My god, if noise is what you want, noise is what you will get!!! Awesome sound and it uses a foam filter and seals to the box just like the stock box. It also requires you to remove the wall so you can suck cold air from the window cowl. Also you can ask the guy to do a custom paint job on the box as well so it can look unique

 

I have the k&n typhoon and must say the best thing I did for it was aerogel heatshield over exhaust, fully enclosing the filter area (sheet metal and a brake working on molding some plastic for even less heat transfer), modified bulkhead plastic. Good and loud plus I got the k&n typhoon for only $90 shipped off eBay

 

woohoo