Ok, I give up....I've read thread after thread and tried all sorts of tech sites, but I just need an honest opinion. What is the BEST cold air intake offered for my MCS?

 

ALTA

Earl

 

Performance (hp and lb) is Alta and the undynoed M7 AGS.

 

Thanks, that was the one I was leaning toward. Just needed someone to say it. About to order it now.

 

One answer to your question would be to ask "How do YOU define BEST?"

Does it have to be LOUD? Which is impressive on wide open throttle but doesn't mean that it is creating more power.

Does it have to be basic and easy to install? Drop in filters are the easiest and keep warranty intact. Alta, Pilo and Maddness are also fairly easy to install -about 30 minutes time.

Does it have to conform to any rules? In autocross you cannot change from the stock intake if you plan to participate in a stock class for SCCA solo II events. So just the Alta intake takes you from being in G-stock which is great to D Street Prepared which isn't as good.

Does it have to be within a certain budget" Under $100, under $160, under $200, under $300. Many choices.

Does it have to work with other mods? Those that want tower strut bars will find that not all intakes will work equally well with certain strut bars due to fitment. Plan ahead. If you are planning to turbo upgrade your MINI, add an M7 cosworth kit, a JCW kit, or Dinan kit then forget the intake.

Does it have to protect against environmental or wet driving conditions? Standing water would be bad for an intake. Some intakes protect against water better than others- a closed box design more in the stock location would be more protected from splashing water than a hot air intake open to the engine bay.

Does it have to be the latest greatest design? Sometimes you want the "most talked about, newest flavor of the month- just for the wowness factor". Check out the M7 AGS but it takes more effort to install and is a bigger investment.

As you can see your question is a complex one with many possible considerations.

Alta intakes offer various options:
The basic intake box and filter runs about $200
Optional colored (red, blue or black) silicon hose runs from the filter to the throttlebody- smoother airflow, slightly more power
The rear cowl partition of the intake box area can be removed (allows more intake noise to reach the driver) or left in place (for a more stock sound).

 

Uhm, I just want a little more power...don't care for more or less sound...don't care about the latest and greatest fad...don't care too much about price....just a little more power.

 

JCW, especially low-end power.

 

Without other mods, it really won't make much of a difference, except in sound. The intake by itself will add a few ponies but not enough to be noticable.

04 MCS, sport pkg, Alta CAI, 15 % pulley, Milltec exhaust, densos, soon to have Alta large IC and Unichip.

 

LOL, you mean below 4500RPM, when the secondary air-intake is closed?

 

Search archives for HAI or hot air intake. Andy has statistic which show his cheapo mod is best. $35 or so and less weight. I don't have personal experience with it, though and have Alta w/o bigger intake tube.

 

Huh?

You've read thread after thread (per your first post) and you still needed to hear someoene say the same thing again? You can't get a straight answer on something like this, and with something like an intake it really doesn't matter anyway.

 

As previously stated by minihune there are many variables and no simple way to define 'best' from everything i've seen about CAIs over hte years. It is very subjective as it relates to the most hp gains and best hp results (ie the JCW does seem to show good improvements lower in the revs, likely related to the flap design).

 

Forget about the CAI, how about a 15% pulley, exhaust, ecu upgrade, or lighter wheels if you want power/performance.

The CAI (any brand/method) is not a magical HP producer. There are gains, but marginal, with other ancillary benefits.

 

I had the Alta, Loved it when i put it on. And now the M7 AGS, love this system too