Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R53) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain Dinan intake fitting issues, Stock lower airbox warped???

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Old Nov 19, 2009 | 03:05 PM
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WizardEyes's Avatar
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Dinan intake fitting issues, Stock lower airbox warped???

installed the dinan kit and the lid doesnt match up perfect with the base anyone have this problem? i got 1 screw in 1 side and the other is slightly off and sits lower so there is a gap on one side of the airbox now. almost like its warped or somthing? ive been driving it like this for a few weeks now because its not a huge gap, and seem to have no issues but every time i see it, just really bugs me
 
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Old Nov 19, 2009 | 03:48 PM
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I found it very hard to get the box back over the rear clips on the stock box. I spent about 30 min getting it just right, so it would screw-down right. It is a pain....but I got mine to fit perfect. I did find that the rubber gasket/gap filler that goes between the 2 pieces would sometimes pop out of postion when trying to hook on the rear clips. Give it another shot....it should fit....I was about ready to give up too....I had come to the same conclusion....then after a break, it went together fine.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 05:13 AM
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What do you all think of the Dinan Intake
Sound/Performace
Im stuck between the Dinan and the twice expensive JCW
How often would the filter need to be replaced ?
Thanks in advance for your input
 
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 05:47 AM
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I had a Dinan and switched to a JCW due to the obnoxious throttle whistle at low RPMs that my car has - not all cars do it.

Both are similar performance and similar sound at WOT above 4000 RPM - Dinan is louder at cruising RPMs - you can choose from various filters with either one. I run an Amsoil nanofilter which never needs replacing and breathes very well - I just blow it out with the air hose every several thousand miles.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 06:09 AM
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Definitely not an easy fit putting the top back on, I've had to jiggle it around a bit till it finally matched up. Luckily, I only check it every 15k for dirt or need of a dusting with an air hose. After 60k it was time to replace it, not cheap and will probably go with another brand element next time. Still love the sound and no drone or whistle issues.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 06:10 AM
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Yeah... I broke one of the tabs off the back of my Dinan airbox cover trying to get it back on once.
 
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Old Nov 25, 2009 | 04:10 PM
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It is difficult to get in and out. Thankfully we don't have to do it often. I had the cowl/software in at 5K miles and warping wasn't a problem, but I can see how it might. I've thought about replacing the gasket with something that is glued on to the airbox next time. The last time I had it off it was a PITA to get seated again.

I don't have a whistling sound and haven't heard of it before. I love hearing the SC whine though.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 03:57 AM
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I love my intake. Just the right amount of sound. But I am not looking forward to replacing the filter. Anybody try the Minspeed ITG filter? Any thoughts?
 
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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 12:16 PM
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itg will be my replacement, alot of people said it was kick ***
 
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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ZippyNH
I love my intake. Just the right amount of sound. But I am not looking forward to replacing the filter. Anybody try the Minspeed ITG filter? Any thoughts?
Wash and re-oil the dinan. Have done it twice now with no visible deterioration of the filter.

This fits the dinan box:
http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=RU-1460
 
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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by DanSeals
Wash and re-oil the dinan. Have done it twice now with no visible deterioration of the filter.

This fits the dinan box:
http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=RU-1460
Not a bad idea.....but still taking a BIG chance. A few tiny holes too small to see....could let in enough dirt to severely shorten an engines life. Is it happening? Who knows? What I know is that washing and re-oiling the filter to save 50-85$ you are taking a big chance....IF it is not designed for it...it did look like a good washable filter...BUT..there could be reasons we are privy too why it is not sold as a washable filter (other than the desire to sell more filters!) it might make me worry personally.....To each his own.
Thanks for the K&N number....found it earlier, but I'm sure reposing it will help people in the future!! I have used K&N panels in the past in other cars....The FOAM vs COTTON Gauze filter debate seems to be one filled with much debate. My only concern with the K&N is that it seems to be generally a smaller diameter.....and that it seems would require more frequent cleaning to keep it flowing in an optimum manner.
 
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Old Nov 27, 2009 | 06:02 PM
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I love my Dinan. Cheap now, too. I think i'm going to get another brand new lower air box eventually. The fit was so tight it stripped the threads out of the lower box. I have nuts and bolts on them now and it works OK, but not a simple job to clean the filter.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 05:52 AM
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Originally Posted by WizardEyes
itg will be my replacement, alot of people said it was kick ***
I have one from Pete @ Minspeed. Works great. Better call him quick since he is closing out his business.
 
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Old Nov 28, 2009 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by sBox
I have one from Pete @ Minspeed. Works great. Better call him quick since he is closing out his business.
Yeah...I have bought some stuff from him...but he took the announcement down.....did he change his mind?!

I can only hope!!
 
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Old Nov 29, 2009 | 04:56 AM
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He may have sold the business.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2010 | 08:38 PM
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took the whole box out and saw that the seal that is in there was way too beefy for the to boxes to seal up right, trimmed about 1/3-1/2 the thickness of it and it fits like a glove now, seals right up
 
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Old Apr 14, 2013 | 04:06 PM
  #17  
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From: Southern NH
Dinan Airbox Replacement Filter...
Now sold by waymotorworks!!
Replacement Filter for Dinan Intake for 2002-2006 R53 MINI Cooper S. If you have a Dinan intake on your R53 and need to replace the filter, this is your most cost effective solution. This K&N style filter is a direct replacement for the filter that came in the Dinan intake air box.

Sold as individual filter and includes one clamp.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/t-k-n-dinan-filter.html
 
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