All I gotta say.

I had researched intakes for about as long as I've wanted a MINI S (since '03) so I felt when I choose the Alta for my MINI-I-didn't-have-yet I had made the right choice via process of elimination. When I finally got my S I went back to research just to make sure I was right. After reading about all the "hissing" and "whistler"s I reneged my original decision. I checked out a few companies and decided on Dinan's.



My driving style is rather moderate. I do a lot of highway driving and spend a lot of time in the car, so I didn't want to have to deal with any "extra" noises. Dinan has a renowned reputation in the industry, and for the cost it was a no-brainer for me. I love the way the finish makes it look like it's stock, but with a big "DINAN" stamp on it.







Installation was a breeze with the instructions. I used basic garage tools and with the help of a Dremel, I had no need to utilise the "Aluminum Snips" the recommended. I feel I had a bit more control with it, and kept the cutting cleaner anyway.



There have been some concerns and some people that have had issues with the install regarding fitment. I when I got the lid on, I did notice that it was about 1/8in off and toward the firewall, unable to line up the holes for the screws. It took some shifting, tugging, thumping, cursing, and finally something Pop-ed and boom good to go... after I drilled and stripped the one screw (my bad). Even with that one bummed screw, it still is held tight in position. It's hard to see on the firewall side of the box what is going on, so I'm assuming on of the holds on that side was getting in the way.



As far as noise, it is fantastic!!! I can NOT recommend this intake enough!!! There are no ancillary noises, a blip of throttle and you can hear that sucking/popping intake noise, and when accelerating the whine is nearly twice as defined as stock. Being that the intake utilises that cowl intake you can really hear it coming from the driver's side cowl opening under the wiper. I would recommend this to anyone that wants to hear a quality 'charger noise, while retaining a stock "sleeper" look.

 

i have this intake as well. i love it. its the perfect sound, and compliments my 15% pulley well!

 

great choice . that composite is proven to be colder than metal boxes .

 

I have it too...for many of the same reasons...good choice!!

 

Great looking Install !!!
Thinking of doing the same to mine
One question How many have by-passed getting the software
Thinking of installing the Dinan myself ,Disconnecting the battery for a reset
How many have gone this route ?

 

The Dinan is a good choice--very similar to the JCW. It's really the only thing I like from them for the MINIs.

 

Anybody that tries to sell you a software upgrade for a CAI should be drawn and quatered in public!! Dinian does make a nice intake, but it is just another way to get some $$ out you!! IMO it it just like them selling you a modified fuel injection system for a 15% pulley...not needed, unless you are trying to get that last tenth of a hp out of the mod, you money is better spent elsewhare!
I like my intake, very livable on long trips, just enough added whine, and a nice mature look. I like to think of it as a CAI all grown up!! Other than the DDM, many of the CAI I have seen look like they were made by a highschool shop class...not there is anything wrong with that, but I wanted something that looks like it belongs under my hood!! I also did not want a piece of sheetmetal that would rust and corrode after a year or two. The dinian is very elegantly engeneered, and IMO is just better than the JCW which is too quiet and restrictive unless you do the flap removal.

 

do you like the one from m7?
M7 Super AGS Cold Air Intake (R56)

 

Where did you purchase this intake? I've been looking into intakes for my car and this is at the top of my list... just having a hard time finding someone who sells it. Dinan has it on their website but I don't know if it includes the filter?

 

it does include the filter if you order it trough Dinan

 

Yup....just order it through Dinan...will have the filter, the new intake box cover, new bands/clamps to reinstall the intake snorkel, and the template to cut the rear panel, and the chafe strip/rubber gasket to make it look OEM. When done right, the install looks very classy. There has been several price drops in the last couple of years....it was once priced almost as high as the JCW, But Dinian discontinued MINI development a while back....If you want one, I'd get one before they are GONE FOR GOOD!!!

The included filter is a high flow cotton gauze filter, and according to Dinan, it is disposable, (but a long life). A few folks have cleaned them, and re-oiled them, but IMO this may be asking for trouble. Then again, it does look awfully like an K&N knock off.....

A quick search will get you the K&N replacement number on this site, and there was an ITG foam filter that MIN-SPEED used to sell (was custom for them).....That filter may be making a reappearance soon (with a few other select items). I'm sure more new will follow soon.....just keep your eyes and ears open!!

 

Zipp's line on get one before there gone struck home in that they have never been priced lower ...
So I am joining all the KEWL kids and just put my order in

 

Just placed my order today. Can't wait to get it. Probably keeping the stock filter for a bit and the switch up to a Uni foam.

 

Scottie just a heads up They ship UPS signature Only
Left a note on my door for UPS to leavethe package and they would not without a sig

 

FYI it is only $149.00 now.

http://www.dinancars.com/store/produ...cat=762&page=1

 

S'ok. My building has a doorman. :-)

Btw, I saw on another thread that there's a Uni filter that fits the Dinan... I think it's 6275AST or something like that. Might try that in the future. Its' only $20.

 

The filter is pretty big in the Dinian box.....I've heard/read it should be good for 20-30K....I think it seems to be 50% than the universal K&N due to its oval shape....the definately tried very hard to get the biggest filter for good flow that would fit in the box!!
ITG also has a filter....it should be making a re-appearance soon.

 

Damn. I'll skip the Uni then. Maybe ITG if they ever bring back that size.

 

Is the Dinan airbox any taller than the stock unit? I also have a M7 strut brace which just clears the stock unit, I hope there is no interference from the Dinan unit.

any info on this is appreciated.

 

Put my dinan in last week and love it!! However I also love the alta on my lady's MINI in its own quirky way. Sounds like Darth Vader's under the hood

 

Damn.

You just reminded me. When I was doing my research, I read several people had this concern. I wanted to check this as I was doing my install, not because I wanted to get a strut brace, but just to offer some input. Totally forgot.

 

I just ordered mine yesterday and also forgot to check if a STB like M7 will fit. Still, couldn't resist the $149 deal!

Anyone run into STB fitment issues with this box?

Mio

 

I was wondering that too. Didn't install mine yet.

I know it's just the lid and filter, but the lid itself looks very, very well made compared of the some of the homemade looking units out there. Btw, The actual rectangular hole for the cold air to come in is quite a bit larger than it looks online.

 

Installed, I love the look of mine.....It just looks like it belongs!! It is great in daily driving, and is very livable!

I don't have a STB....but I did install the Cabrio strut braces (they brace the strut towers font/back) on my non-cabrio r53....an OEM part...for about $45, and folks tell me they have a similar effect as the other left/right strut tower braces....just a bit...noticeable if you drive with finesse!!
As a side effect....my dash rattles were lessened/mostly eliminated eliminated!!
Your Mileage my vary!

http://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-cab...oss-brace.html
OEM - Cabrio Cross Brace

Looking for more rigidity in your R53 chassis?? When MINI launched the cabrio they needed to add some strengthening to make up for the missing roof. Their solution was these braces. So if you AutoX or track your MINI and need to firm up the front end, here is an OEM solution that will help strengthen and tie your strut mounts back to the rest of the chassis and remove some flex. The engineers at MINI found they would stiffen the chassis on the Cabrio.

 

I've had the Dinan cowl for 3-1/2 years and I still love it. The whine through the vent is awesome. I have the Dinan STB as well ($60 from someone who found it in their garage!) and there are no fitment issues. I would not expect there to be any with other STBs.

I have the ITG from Minspeed. I don't know where to get them in the US since they are out of business. If anyone knows where I can find another, please let me know...