and I'm interested in 3 particular models: Alta, Helix and Pilo Racing. Considering all 3 are similar designs and produce similar gains, I'm shopping based on quality. Which seems to have the highest quality construction and is the cleanest install? A few dollars more and a more involved install are worth it to me for an overall better product.*

Opinions, please.

*No, I'm not interested in a JCW or Dinan, but thanks for asking.

 

What about Webb or M7?

 

Greatest Bang for Buck/Effort, go WMS or alta, and for what looks like the most powerful (but dunno if it's proven), go M7 AGS v3, but its a b1tch to install, and costly to buy.

The Alta is tried and proven, and i've never heard a bad thing about it ever, and i love mine. The WMS i think might be slightly better for performance, but i don't like the aesthetics. The M7 wails like a banshee

Good luck with your choice. Whatever you get out of these three, i can guarentee you'll love it.

 

do a search for andys review of the hai

 

Check out this shootout article....it might give a little insight

http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...read.php?t=700

 

The Webb HDI box rocks... great performance, and great looking on top of that...

 

They're all within spittin distance of each other!

Matt

 

I have had the Dinan, Alta and now the Webb...... each was an improvement over the other IMO.....

 

I don't like foam filters and the Helix is the only one that isn't. I think Helix uses a S&B filter which is a 8 layer cotton where most if not all other cotton filters are 4 layer.

If you have an interest in autocrossing, none of these is legal in STX as they all modify the back wall. The GTT intake is said to offer flow at least as good as the Alta and doesn't require modifying the back wall. It looks good to, though I'm not to keen on how it's attached or it's 4 layer filter.

Edit, 5/31/06 The Alta can be legally installed if the back wall is left unmodified and it is possible, I've seen it done. In dyno testing I found the GTT to be a little worse than the Madness and both were 4-5 whp better than the JCW.

 

The AGS uses a cotton filter, and it is a sweet piece. Definately, if performance is your goal, go with it- the people who have it swear by it, and the number on the current tube show improvement over the old king, the Alta. One last thing: I hear that the brand new AGS v3 will be made of an uber-sweet unobtanium metal compound [hehe], which will make it even more unique still. The install is, though, more involved. It's definately nothing horrible, but you have to remove the bumper. Good luck!

 

If you go with the Pilo (cheapest option), you may want to consider cutting the cowl panel (as long as you're not concerned w/ autocross classing as mentioned in prior posting). This would arguably provide somewhat comparable air movement as some of the other options (at least would provide the opportunity to take advantage of greater air flow from the cowl inlet). However, note that the Green filter utilized by the Pilo is shorter than some of the others and doesn't draw air at the end of the cone (i.e. less surface area).

 

That is a great review! I can only hope my MCS gets that high of HP output stock! I will say, that after reading this, I am leaning more towards the Alta. I was first considering the JCW intake, but since I have to have the dealer re-program the ECU, it will add to the (already high) cost.

 

Is a dealer re-program required on the JCW intake? Note, helix has the JCW intake listed for $250.

 

I went with the complete alta kit... and i love it.

 

It has been stated many times, there is no ECU flash for the JCW intake. You need to splice a wire in. (my source is motoring file).

I use the ALTA and I am happy with it. I looked at others, I like that Alta replaces the Tube between the intake & the throttle body. Other intakes may offer fractions of a HP more, I am plenty happy with this one. I am too old to be trying to eek out every HP of a daily driver. A few nice mods for a little more HP & sound - i'm happy.

The Alta makes a bit of noise, nothing too offensive to me. I felt the stock MCS was a little too quiet anyway, so that was nice.

 

The dealer reprogramming for the JCW has nothing to do with the intake, it's only if you change the injectors.

 

Interesting.
I do plan on doing 2-3 autox events this year, but just for fun and getting to know my car. I'm really not concerned with where I'll be classified.

I've been leaning towards the Helix simply because of the filter.

Thanks!

 

I'm afraid most people are drawn to the couch potato intall...nothing wrong with that but they don't know what they're missing

I have installed several AGS since beta and I believe this is the truest CAI available to date (small force induction added with a modified 360 degree heat shield)...I need to put a screen in front of the filter in order to keep bugs out of it...

 

I love my pilo, i wouldnt ever change what i have!

 

Is M7's CF heatshield not 360 degrees? I want the AGS so bad, it's just the installation that sounds like a pain considering I don't have several of the tools. I wonder what the third iteration will be like...

 

Don't be afraid! Just ask a few of your buddies with the tools for some good ol' help and offer them the priceless opportunity to bond with you as only the AGS could allow! Heh.

 

I am leaning toward a M7 myself and really like how it looks. Only downside is that it cost almost double the others (Alta, Pilo, etc.) and a pain in the @$$ to install. I currently have the Alta but would like to switch to the M7 to see what its like. Anyone interested in buying my 3 month old Alta CAI?

 

You're getting the the pro package? I was intending on only getting it with the CF heatshield. But I might also just wait for something else... from M7.


I was wondering if anybody would burden themselves with putting up some more soundclips of it. I can't decide if it's TOO loud are just PERFECTLY loud.

 

Duly noted. I forgot to include the part about the fuel injectors. Thanks, fish.

 

do a search....someone posted them a while ago when it came out. Jcampos was his name.....the sound is what makes me really want it.