Lately I've been noticing more posts that suggest the stock intake gives better torque/HP after a tune when compared to any aftermarket intake. What the NAM community is not seeing is any proof. I don't think I'm alone in wanting to know the down and dirty on this one. I personally have no interest in bashing this or that vendor/product, but I would really like to see the DATA.

I understand that it is difficult to measure the effects of a CAI without a wind tunnel, but what people are saying is that they are measuring a difference just on a dyno. So, what I'm asking for is easy:

Show me the dyno numbers before and after switching to an aftermarket CAI. If you are making these claims, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you did the measurements (a butt dyno doesn't count). Obviously I'd prefer to know which CAI you tested, but I'd settle for a trend. Those vendors who make aftermarket intakes - I'd like to see YOUR numbers. I have to assume you tested.

I don't want to hear crap about "we don't give away secrets" or "we're afraid it will start a big pissing match". I just want DATA.

Finally, what I'd REALLY like to see is the following:

Measure performance on a dyno before/after you upgrade the intake from stock - then datalog on the track and do the same thing. It may very well be true that how the intake affects performance on a dyno does not mirror real life (wind, temperature, etc).

Is this too much to ask?

 

I meant to put this in the 2nd generation MINI forum - can a moderator please move it?

 

Some aftermarket "CAI" are actually unsealed, so they are technically hot air intakes, HAI, and in real life the concensous is that they are fine in a moving car....remember, a dino is an attempt to simulate a moving car, and as such, is not perfect. For a true test of an intake, the "test" would have to be done in a windtunnel!!! Many CAI's utlize airflw when a car is moving to help make hp.....putting a fan on a car strapped to a treadmill (Dino ) simple does not replacate the conditions of driving.
Unless you have $$$$, and a windtunnel dyno, this discussion will never get byond the hypothical stage.
Maybe you should call mythbusters??

 

I understand these issues, and in fact I pointed them out in my post - but they don't seem to stop folks from posting that the stock intake is giving them increased performance gains (after an ECU tune) compared with the aftermarket ones. Basically, I'm calling them out - they need to put up the data or stop making unsubstantiated claims that serve to confuse people. It may very well be true that the stock is better after a tune - but without data it's meaningless conjecture.

Again, this was meant for the 2nd Gen forum - although I suspect that the issues are the same for both. My apologies for any confusion.