So it seems like everyone makes a fairly inexpensive CAI system for the Mini. Dinan, JCW, Alta, Rogue on and on and on...

Has anyone done research as to which ones work well and which ones dont? I have a 2004 MCS with a JCW kit. I can see the logic in getting the JCW one, but it's nearly twice the price of say a Rogue, or an Alta. I would not be voiding a warrantee with an aftermarket CAI.

So who knows what?


Thanks,

 

Right now the Alta CAI is most likely the best bet for a cold air system, however i am running a HAI system (Andy's KN) which is abotu $35, check out the thread on it. However, i am waiting for the much anticipated CAI from M7, which is was planned to come out about 3 weeks ago, however it was delayed due to the SEMA show, it should be released fairly soon(hopefully). The M7 system promises much, but i dont think anyone here has seen hard data yet, but claims are that it will be "revolutionary". I would hold off on a purchase of a CAI until the M7 intake is released then compare it to the Alta and make a purchase. Thats what i plan to do.

Nick

 

there is a fairly large thread on mini2.com that is titled "the JCW intake is awful..."

but it ends in

"ly good".

 

Also Randy over at Webb Motor Sports does a head to head comparison for most the CAI’s out there. Price, specs and HP gain.

 

Cold air is barely beneficial on an efficiently intercooled car. Short rams or direct mount filters are the way to go. The reasoning behind this arguement is that when you have an efficient means of withdrawing heat from the system, you decrease the signifigance of intake charge's temperature. You're better off with the gains of a lossless intake tract (more flow) than the colder air(better quality flow).

Ideally, if your intercooler were 100% efficicent, the temperature of the air the engine breathes would be identical to the temp of the air blowing over the intercooler, regardless of how hot or cold the intake charge's temp. In the real world its probably ~70%-80% efficent. But this doesnt make the CAI 20%-30% better... when you crunch through the numbers, its more like 1%-3%.

Obviously there are some other, non performance, factors to consider as well like: CARB approval and the all powerful "underhood bling factor".


--
Cheese

 

A CAI will increase the "rushing air" noise at higher RPMs and give you slightly more umph. I'd suggest going with one that sounds and looks the best to you b/c that's what it's all about. And if you don't care about the sound or looks, then skip it altogether.

 

IMHO, this is the best-performing, cheapest, and ugliest aftermarket intake out there. :smile:

 

I would go with the Alta CAI. I have it on my 03 MCS and it sounds good and gave me a little extra power also . And I have no complaints about it either.

 

BTW, my testing showed the HAI outperformed the Alta (which I have sitting in a box gathering dust right now).

 

Im not to worried about it anyways because it's coming off in a few months because I am putting turbo kit on it to twincharge it.