It is in! This is a personal review and notes on installation of m7's new Air Gain System.

Let me first start off by saying that this is purely my opinion on the matter. I will include some facts based upon sounds and installation experience. Any statements made by myself regarding performance are purely my opinion. I do not have technical equipment to test and veryify any numbers, nor will I make any speculations on that. This being said here is the story....

As MISFITOY had pointed out in an earlier post on JCampos' clip thread myself, he and Reyphile went through the install process last night and today. We also did this without any instruction manual. Before you jump to conclusions or give Peter a hard time about this we knew this beforehand. We begged to get these shipped to us in time for the Dragon (at which we will proudly show!) and knew that he would not have the full instructions completed in time. That being said Peter was simply FANTASTIC! about the help over the phone. I would call and get a series of instructions and was told to call back for the next step. He did this with me several times and even let me wake him up in the evening with some questions as well. Randy (maxmini) was also great to call me and check on me to see how it was going.

The install (plan for a 3-5 hour window):
I am not going to go through the whole process but outline a few things.
First thing you all need to be aware of is that this ain't your momma's intake! What I mean is that it is not a quickie 15 minute side of the road intake install like the BMP and ALTA (those are 2 I have installed before).
This install takes quite a bit of work, sweat and swearing. I would highly recommend you get a professional to do the install if you are not of the mind to tear apart your car.
First part of the installation is to remove the front end and pull the radiator and intercooler core forward (there is no need to remove it and that is difficult anyway) about 6 inches or so. I removed my Alta intake completely and then removed the throttle body and it's tube so that I could add the new AGS tube. There are a whole bunch of hoses to cut, extend and move around so you just need to be patient.
To cut out a lot of swearing, the AGS tube takes some time and finesse to work in place as it is extremely important that you have it seated to the supercharger or you will create a vacuum leak and the car will run like crap. This a big problem as some have experienced it already (I seem to have been lucky on the first try).
The other hard part is actually getting the filter into place. It is a very tight fit in there and you need to give it some firm guido style coaxing; had I had a set of brass knuckles they may have helped.
The whole assembly is very tight in the car. Where the system is located doesn't give you much room. This in itslef is a testament to the development m7 went through to get this in there. I can only imagine what they went through and my hats are off to them.

Crank up:
When you first crank the car up you may or may not throw codes. Some people have and some have not. I got nailed and have my EML and Service Engine Soon staring me in the face. Not to worry. I hope to clear them by Monday. Just don't get all excited when it happens and freak out

Performance:
First off I will give you a little history on the current mods in my car and then break it down into sound and performance.
I currently run a 15% pulley, denso plugs and kingsborne wires. I removed the Alta to replcae it with the m7. I am only running the AGS. I did not purchase the larger throttle body, after doing this install I don't know how in the hell you could fit a bigger TB in the space!
Sound: It is great but I will say it is not the first thing I noticed (be patient, that will come in the performance part of my talk). It sounds a little throatier than the alta did but it has that noticable SC whine. The whine will eprsist as more of a whistle during iddle and constant RPMS. Be aware of this when you get it! Some people have complained about the Alta having a whistle at a constant highway speed. This will happen at idle and other speeds but is more noticable at idle since there isn't much road/wind noise. I actually find the sound music to my ears!
How does it perform? I know you are all sitting on the edge of your seats waiting to read my next line.
I re-iterate my previous statement. I am not making any claims and this is my opinion on the matter.
Throttle response is improved. How you ask? what improved the crowd shouts? Well it was improved for me in that the throttle response is much much smoother. When I use the term 'like butta' (translation: like butter) I mean the throttle response is more even and smooth. When I hit that effective power band around 3000 RPM the rate of increase is much smoother and a little more rapid as well.
Yes I said rapid, the throttle response has sped up a little which in my opinion has given me a little more kick in the pants so to speak but that is the good ol' butt dyno talking.

Overall I am very impressed with the system. Is it worth the money? sure, as long as you like it. In all honesty it was only another $50 more than the Alta so why not? You have a straight shot airflow from the filter into the TB, no diversions, no travel time how doesn't that sound good?

Was the install a pain in my ***? Yes it was but it was a learning experience and was well worth the time I spent. All told I probably put about 5 hours from the first screw being removed until I was able to crank up the car again. That of course means I needed another hour to put the front end back together before I could drive again.

Thx and see you at the dragon!

Chris

 

There you have it - another positive owner review. This is much more important to me than an impersonal sheet of paper with numbers on it.

 

the larger TB only is larger internally.

 

Nice writeup. Thank you CustomAV! I'd be getting one, but I'm saving that money for the SPI Twin-charger system and the AGS would have to be replaced when I get the Twin-charger system. Otherwise, I would have been on the list!

 

hee heee.....I was up till 2-3AM this morning after assembling the AGS and went to check my email when Ryan IM'd me. I said what are you doing up? Same thing We shared notes and realized that neither of us were insane. It was hard work because as CustomAV mentioned, we had no written instructions but...we asked for it I believe this was a test from the Dr Evil I'm glad to say that I've finally passed the test. As attested by CustomAV, this was not a tire rotation job...but neither was my clutch job and they are both well worth the effort. That said, let's be fair to Peter and give credit where credit is due. I don't know how the FUDGE the man engineered this with such limited space The MAN is passionate and has spent more hours than any of us can imagine to develope this idea and put it into production.


Here's my story so far...I got everything put back together in time today for our "Detailing" party prior to the Dragon trip. When I rolled out my driveway, I knew that I had a small vacume leak. My idle was rolling up and down. My boost gauge showed less vacume but I headed out anyway to meet the gang. Everyone was there already and the first thing they told me was that my intake sounded awesome Like a turbine From the inside, I hardly noticed because my NVH has gone through the roof since the installation of the diesel clankn clutch and Webb head blown hard out the header

After I got home, I forgone the scheduled the evening social party and jacked the Mini back up for another go around. So nice to have a wife who's supportive This time around, it took me less than 30 minutes before I had the AGS in hand ready for problem solving. After talking to Randy (Maxmini), he told me that the OEM gasket should go onto the SC prior to installation of the AGS. I did that and with liberal application of RTV (just for insureance as I didn't want to do this three times), fired her up and she purrrrrrrrrrrrrrddddd:smile:

I'm letting the stuff cure and will bolt the face back on tomorrow for a blast down the road if it's not raining

Stay tuned:smile:

 

It's too bad the AGS is so much work because it would be nice to easily change back to the stock box when one goes in for service.

 

After doing it the second time, I have to say it was much easier. The tools were already laid out and like I said, it took less than thirty minutes

BTW...Great write-up CustomAV I look forward to meeting you at the Dragon

 

Damn...I'm fast I said I'd wait till tomorrow to put the face on and go for a drive but what the hell...couldn't wait. Took her out for a short drive and everythings fine. I didn't open her up for fear of suckin in RTV into the SC while it's curing so look for another post tomorrow


Night

 

Thanks for relating your installation and initial drive experiences. Please keep the info coming as it develops.

What you've said so far makes me inclined to purchase the AGS. The questions that remain for me are whether to do the install myself and whether to do the TB.

Opinions?

 

I would say... until something changes with this product...check your mechanical competancy. Be honest...if you don't have a problem putting your Mini up on jacks, removing the facia, disconnect the wiring harnesses, removing the bumper, wrenching the condensor package forward until it almost comes off, unbolt the OE throttle body/TB, reverse procedure with AGS...and leave lotta DNA under the hood as my knuckles can attest...then it's not a problem. A good evening's work but it's theraputic...I'm done now and very content

If you rather just hang with the martini as I like :smile: It takes longer. Or you could just farm the job out

 

Sorry for not posting anything sooner but I have been out enjoying some 'martini's' as MISFITOY likes....

JLM, I realized after I wrote my comments that the TB is the stock but left it since I was trying to be funny about how tight the space is. Thanks for the clarification as some people may not realize that a m7 62mm throttle body is a original MINI TB bored out to 62mm. anyway.....

I will again say how amazing the gang at m7 is for going through what must have been nothing short of hell to figure out how to fit so much stuff into a tight space.

Most definitely be warned that the install process is long the first time. I actually managed to pull some things apart and found it easier as I went along. When Peter says he can do it in about an hour or 2 believe it! If I had torn apart the car 3-4 times to do this I would have been able to do it that fast as well. Heck I would even help someone do this, won't touch your pulley so don't ask! (I'll be bringing what is left of my stock pulley and wearing it at the dragon just to prove it). There are certain things that are painful to do and you realize that even a group of victoria secret models (naked) and a bottle of 25 year old scotch wont make you do it again (like the pulley install) but the AGS, I'll venture out and help anyone in the area cause it was fun!

Sid- had i known I would have told you to put the gasket on the supercharger and not on the AGS tube.... sorry, now I know to ask next time. the best lessons learned are always the hardest.


eMINI- Not sure about the new TB. I want to do it but it comes down to where do I want to spend my money this week. As I always say, if you got it spend it! now the do it yourself question is a little more tough. Take what MISFITOY says to heart, if you have problems turning your front end into swiss cheese and removing so many bolts that you don't know which end is up then leave it to someone who will, otherwise go for it and enjoy


I will be happy to answer what I can from a novice perspective and help out where I can. If you are coming to the dragon please find MISFITOY, REYPHILE or I and we can show what is there...... I will be serving margarita's to dull the pain (after any and all driving events of course). If you are coming to the cigar smoking on the dragon I will have some good scotch.... who knows, enough of that and I may be willing to throw your car in the air and try to put in an AGS...


Chris

 

Cheers for the write up guys! Theres some good feedback on these AGS systems!
I got a message of Randy yesterday saying mine is on its way to the UK right now..wooo hoooo

 

What would cause this product would throw trouble codes from the computer upon initial start-up, and what's to keep them from returning after having them cleared? Just idle curiosity...
Bodinski

 

If the running dynamics of the car are suddenly changed, the ecu may tell the systems to do things that aren't the best (fuel trims come to mind). This may result in a lean or rich condition..... But without knowing the codes, this is just a guess.

After running for a bit, the ecu adapts, and no codes. The other possibility is a vaccum leak that heals itself.... Not too likely though....

Matt

 

Keep in mind that you are unplugging a whole host of things, including the ECU and the connection to the throttle body.

Now of course I could clear them on Monday and they could come righ back, of course I will need to see exactly what the codes are to make sure.

Dr Obnxs comments about the vacuum leak are a possibility but the car cranked up smooth and has not had a performance issue so I am not sure. The only reason they are a possibility is that it could have been so small and quick that it may have corrected itself before I noticed yet threw the codes.

I will keep everyone posted on that front.

Chris

 

I'm curious if M7 told you to expect both the long install and this engine light issue from their experience developing the product, or did these both come as a surprise to you. Also, from what I understand when a check engine light is on the ECU is not allowing for optimal power output.

It is hard to tell yet if the AGS is a product worth spending any money on without dyno numbers and with these unknowns. It does seem to be different, but different isn't always better.

Good for you though for stepping up to be an early adopter so we can see what this AGS is really all about. Keep us posted.

 

It is great to read this review...hearing peoples enthusiasm is always impressive...

the impersonal sheet gives one thing that (as CustomAV said "my opinion") a person can not. the sheet states a fact....not an opinion...

the AGS is obviously a crowd pleaser...and so for the $50 over the alta...it's pretty neat...especially cause it sounds kewl....

I still wanna know some facts though...

Custom thanks for taking the time to do a great wrtie up...have fun at the dragon!! we can't make it this year....

 

As far as the codes being thrown that was not known but not really a surprise considering the work being done in the car and that fact that I was the one to do it....

For the time of install we were told this going into it. Peter made sure to let me know that install time could take longer than 4 hours for the first time. I think part of the reason it took me longer is that I took some well needed beer breaks in the middle

I have heard that when the service engine light is on there is a n issue with optimal performance. I gotta say that I am not seeing any performance degredation as of yet.


Tuls- thanks for the kind words and it is a shame you can't make it. I was hoping to get a good look at your sweet ride!

 

Someone needs to dyno a setup with stock, ALTA CAI, and the AGS. That would be the best comparison from where I sit. Even with a pulley, an ECU upgrade, or any other more popular modes that would give good evidence about a power increase from the AGS. Afterall, intakes on their own don't do much but do serve as a complement other upgrades.

 

Within the next few weeks I will be posting results before (with Pilo intake) and after (with AGS). Hopefully we will see some good #'s.

 

Ideally, that would settle the issue of which is the best but who's got the time and resources? You? Certainly not me. Dyno time takes big money and while your car sits on the dyno waiting for a teardown/buildup until the next setup is ready, the cashier keeps countn...big bucks to prove something you could find out by talking to enough people who have experiences with multiple CAI. You could get better results by asking or waiting for a "Tuner" magazine to do something like this. Until then, you'll have to rely on what you read here. Take my word for it or not, but I've tried all five...stock, Rogue/Madness, Alta, HAI and now AGS. According to my mushy butt dyno, the AGS wins for better throttle response and even more higher up in RPM. But don't forget...the best part of the Alta (not discounting the hp gains) is the SOUND!!! The AGS beats that hands down and that alone (hp being equal) says winner in my book I hear less of the SC on the inside but the world sure notices it more. If that's for you (plus a few extra ponies), then the extra $50 bucks is well worth the price. I've seen JCampo's HAI/AGS dyno comparison and it was significant. I'm sorry I can't quote the figure due to the antagonist who will surely follow...you know who you are

I just got back from my WOT runs with the AGS and I am a very...very happy boy Tried out the Venom for the first time too since waiting to have the Spec clutch broken-in. Speechless I'm only running the green...I don't know how the guys running purple and black hang on to their Mini

If you're gonna be at the Dragon next week, stop by and I'll be happy to give you the low down:smile: I'm stayn at the Inn.

Sid

BTW...when are you going to chime in here Rye?

 

come on..that's lame...

come on mang...where's the love!! LOL

you said it was significant...so what can this so called antagonist say

 

LOL...nothn personal Tuls...just Jason's request. Why don't you PM him?

 

I've got all the free dyno time I need. Just no access to any of the intakes unfortunately.

 

I would love to see some pics of the installation. Also some video of revving standing still. I know someone did some sound clips the other day but...what about sitting still revving. The kind we do to just hear the noise.