Soooooo I was thinking of upgrading the CAI and started researching it all, and then I realized my Mini already has a Dinan system installed!

My first question is, would it even be worth the money and time to switch it out and install the ALTA 2.0 system I've been eyeing up for the last week. I have no idea when the filter has been replaced or cleaned last, and it must've been installed several years ago.

The second question, for $120 is it worth getting the silicone inlet hose, or would the Dinan do just as well?

Third question, how effective is the air box top? I read that the hood seals off the box making it useless.

Thanks for any help

 

Hrmm, I would recommend saving that $120 and invest into a good exhaust to complete your bolt-on mods. You already have an aftermarket intake, and it's a good brand, so no need to waste money on that.

 

+1
The Dinan is as least as good as the Alta. Integrated box top, and cutout for the rear as well. I wouldn't bother with the intake tube.
I'd say spend the $ on a rear sway bar (first make sure that hasn't been upgraded as well!)

 

No kidding! Whenever I find another upgrade I want to do, I discover it's already been done! I really shouldn't complain though, it's saved me a lot of money so far :D

 

I would find a way to do both

 

The alta makes more sound....
the one you have is more of a true CAI...it takes air from the outside...the alts tends to be engine compartment air....
That having been said, they get about the same gain...
and don't do the alta silicone hose...the inside of the hose is actually rougher (lots of little fabric shaped roughness from the molding, as opposed to a smooth plastic with the shapes)...and they tend to come off the intake..letting dirty unfilled air in...they do LOOK nice...and it SEEMS like it should make a diff...but it is just bling.

 

+1 on a good exhaust...take the money you saved on the pre-done mods, and get a nice exhaust!!

 

Wow.....are you totally wrong on this

The Alta is open to the cowl area and the V1 seals against the hood liner and the V2 has the box top (totally unneeded) so they both are true cold air intakes as neither one is open to the engine compartment.

The silicone hose is indeed smooth on the inside. I have the hose and there are no castings that I have ever seen. And no it will not deteriorate and let dirty air in. It is indeed more of a bling thing, so don't get it for the minor performance benefits.

 

I did not say it would degrade with age and let in dirty air....the end that attatches to thecar (not filter) is in a PITA spot...and needs to be carefuly trimmed and installed....many folks just try to slap it on...and it pops off from vibration at some point...letting in some dirty air...
when air moves at slower speeds...under 40 mph, surface imperfections, if carefuly desgined, can reduce resistance to airflow..golfballs have dimples for a reason).thus the odd shapes on the factory tube...the alta/samco intake tubes do look nice though....
Quality of the install, and attention to detail means alot when it comes to airtighness.....I have seen many alta intakes just kinda tossed in...not sealed up very much, if at all...that and a sealed plastic box (better best rejection that sheetmetal) with two generous intakes privies lots of air, just like the jcw, and provides protection from heavy rain/splashes....water injestion through the intakes only happens once....boom....alta. does makes coupious SC sounds....good for around town, iffy on a long highway roadtrip....like anything it is all about compermises....different choices are better for different folks.

 

Alrighty...

So basically what I'll be taking away from this post would be that even though the Alta might look nice and pretty and match my intercooler, it doesn't really have any huge advantage over the Dinan CAI I already have installed. Although, the top of the box doesnt seem too secure anymore. I think the threads of the screw holes may be stripped. :S And I think it's time to replace the filter too.

 

The screw holes probably have stripped, they did on mine. I replaced mine with a bolt/nut combo and it seals up fine.

 

Ooooh! Thanks for the tip! I still havent figure out how to completely remove the lid yet, but I can get it lose enough to peak inside. Tomorrow if it's not raining I'll be playing with it again, see what I can figure out.

 

I would respond.....but I am not sure what you said.

 

The dinian oem filter is kinda $$
if you search, there are 2 k&n filters that fit...much cheaper too!!

 

Is it possible to maybe just clean this one?

 

It is a cloth gauze filter resembling a K&N CLONE....
the manufacturer calls it disposible....but a few folks here have cleaned them like k&n's...who knows how it impacts the filtering/airflow....

 

My God what a pain in the *** it is to open up that box! I wish I had a replacement all set to swap out the old one, cause now I'm kind of dreading taking it all apart again.

 

I went from the Dinan to an Alta.

No power gains, and no power loss according to my butt Dyno.

S/C Whine got much louder, but engine noise did not. On any length road trips, the noise of the MINI is the exact same as stock.

My Alta has been on there for quite a while now, along with a few thousand other Alta CAI, and i havent heard of to many people having issues with a soaked air filter. Being in TX, i deal with VERY heavy rains, and never any kind of issue.

Never once have i had an issue w/ my Alta hose falling out of place and thats w/ no clamp on the box itself. Initially i used a hose clamp, but experimented several months ago.....and the hose hasnt moved a MM. A friend has the Samco hose, and it is the same. Hose clamps are around for VERY good reasons if needed.

 

I replaced my Dinan filter with the K&N RU-1480. Bought it off Amazon for $32. The K&N filter is circular instead of oval in cross-section like the Dinan. Other than that, it fits perfectly.

 

Just replaced my Dinan filter with the 1480 as well. At least now I know the last time it's been replaced Also busted out some 2inch screws to replace the old ones that weren't gripping anymore to seal the box properly.

 

I need to do this too. It's seems to be common problem with the Dinan CAI.