I'm thinking of getting the BMP CAI next week... plz tell me wut eveybody thinks about it; since everyone seems to like the Alta one or the Pilo.

 

The BMP looks cool if you're into the bling bling. I've tested it on the dyno - it was good for about 3HP. It doesn't sheild the heat as well as the Pilo, and especially the ALTA.

Hope that helps,
Ryan

 

I suppose it could be argued that the stock box draws cooler air than many/most CAI's on the market, especially the BMP. That said, Andy's HAI seemingly flips the bird at the whole concept or emphasis on a CAI; revealing that flow is the way to go.

 

Density is the way to go. Density involves both temp and pressure, so the optimum is to get both the highest flow and the coldest air. If you can make one side of the equation huge enough, you can forgo the other, but it is best to try to get the most out of every variable.

I don't think anyone, even the folks not selling it, argue the horsepower of the Alta. The issue is the more involved install and the increased supercharger whine. As long as those are OK with you, I don't think you can go wrong with the Alta.

Hope that helps!
Randy

 

I've got the BMP. Most photos show the prototype version with the heatshield extending nearly all the way to the firewall. The production version has a gap of several inches between the wall & the shield. Kinda cheapens the look, but is likely functionally the same. The shield itself looks nice, but the welds are kinda crappy. I think the Pilo is cleaner looking, and is what I was going to buy initially. I doubt there is a measurable performance difference between them..

I vote Pilo - Bodinski

 

Well said Randy - density is the bottom line, and flow and temp contribute to it. That does ring a bell... colder air being more dense, and molecule expansion with increased heat. And I guess increased alititude also makes for less density (thinner air), but that's not exactly a controlable variable...

It seems that the gains the after mkt intakes achieve are primarily due increased flow rates though. I don't see my Rogue/Madness CAI for example as being better insulated than the stock box. I guess that lends itself to what you said about making one side of the equation huge enough...

Because the SC spices things-up anyways, it almost seems logical to keep the focus on flow at the induction level, and cooling afterwards; understanding that a cooler intake should make for a cooler SC output (the same delta, I don't know).

To get more back to the BMP, bodinski, I wasn't aware that BMP has a heat sheild option. They, along with Rogue, I believe had the first after mkt intakes for us and my images of the BMP are of no heat shield, thus my comments above. The plumbing appears to be larger than stock, and most likely smoother on the inside, so I would think those are pluses...

 

I have the BMP I like it I also added the crowl from mini madness which permitted more air.
I also have the front stut bar and when you pop the hood it looks really nice.

 

I've had my BMP on for over a year now. When I 1st installed it, it felt like the engine could breathe easier. Like the power was more available. I not only would recommend it, I have installed one on a fellow SCMC member's car. 1 thing that is nice about the BMP is the 5-minute install. If I get another MCS at some point, I can put Alice back to stock and put the BMP on the newer car in just a few minutes.

 

By "heat shield", I meant the shiny metal thingie. Please forgive my non-specificity..

 

I think you mean this:

http://www.promini.com/product-exec/...category_id/28

I would say that qualifies as a heat shield. Maybe I'm thinking of something different. I recall an intake that was open and had silver (I think aluminum) tubing...

I was thinking of this, my bad:

http://outmotoring.com/k_n_typhoon_intake.html

 

Yup, that's the prototype. It is longer and has prettier welds than mine does. I got mine used for $100 so I can't really complain- I just thought you might want to know that they look different than the picture shows. I'm sure you'll enjoy either one.
Bodinski

 

Having just removed a BMP intake & replaced it w/ a Dinan unit I think the Dinan design produces a more linear throttle feel. Also the throttle drop-off response is faster (now requiring faster shifting to keep up w/ the increased pace) as well as a better overall throttle modulation during acceleration and normal city driving.
-Despite the nice BMP aural factor (it is a loud intake) the Dinan unit seems to maintain better (linear) pressure levels and actually seems to out-perfrorm the BMP system (subtle but better) w/ a nicer "fatter" mid-torque curve.
-W/o any hard science to back this up I find my car ( 04' Works package w/ JCW software) has a more seamless/linear throttle feel w/ Dinan as opposed to BMP.
-I do miss the BMP racket/noise!
-And yes, from a driver's perspective I can tell the differences in various intake designs as it effects throttle response & torque curves in cars like my Cooper and my BMW's (as anyone might once they stop "listening" to the intake and focus on the rest of the experience.)
-Conversely some drivers' are convinced that more noise = a better intake design/more power. Look at BMW's own "sound tube" design in the Z4 that tunnels E. manifold resonance to the fire wall in order to convey an "increased feeling of power and engine dynamics". Here is a non-functioning 3" diameter tube in the engine bay that exists solely for this purpose.
-Don't overlook Dinan this time!

PS. I have several intakes systems for Coopers & BMW's laying around my garage if anyone needs one!

 

If any of this makes you want to buy a BMP I have on with about 2k miles on it.


PM me with an offer.