Finally got through break-in and had my 1st mod's done to my MCS. Had Helix in Philly install 15% RP, JCW CAI and H-Sport rear sway. BTW, Eric is very knowledgable and accomodating and I highly recommend his services. My 1st impressions are that the car definately pulls better and the power comes on more evenly. It feels like the car should have been like this from the get go. The rear sway is a must and makes cornering that much more precise and fun. The CAI is the only mod I'm not sure of. I love the way the JCW factory part looks under the bonnet and I like the functionality of it opening at 4500 rpm so as to avoid the noise at 'round town speeds. My beef is that I guess I expected a more pronounced sound at 4500rpm. I actually can't hear any difference and the only sound(which is a sweet one) I hear that's different from before the mods is the 15% RP. I had someone rev while I checked the flap on the CAI and it definately works, just no extra noise? I guess if it is doing it's job I'm fine with it ,I just was looking forward to a little more audible pleasure in the higher rpm's. If anyone can give me some insight to my JCW CAI confusion it would be appreciated, other than that I'm very happy with the mod's and look forward to getting to know them on a much more personal basis

 

I doubt your hearing anything from just the pulley other than the SC turning a bit quicker. At 4500 you should hear a very different high pitched whine. You can't miss it. If your not hearing it, something is wrong. DId they test drive the car at installation?

 

All I hear is the SC spinning quicker as you say. I thought that if the flap was opening @ 4500 the CAI was working correctly. Honestly, I didn't ask if they test drove the car after install. BTW, how does the high pitched whine from the CAI differ from the sound of the SC spinning faster?

 

When the flap opens, it sound like a jet taking off (kinda). My wife calls it ''Making the car sing .... make the car sing ...."

The difference between say Alta and JCW is the Alta is always loud. The JCW is only "loud" when that flaps open and you WILL know it.

 

lol that's cute!

 

The fact that the JCW intake is quiet most of the time is what drove me to buy it. Hearing an air intake wail all of the time would get old for me pretty fast. Like Chow says when it hits 4500 it just sings. The only way to test the unit that I know of is to have someone rev the motor to 5000. Put your hand behind the airbox so you can feel if the flap is opening. It should pop open at the proper RPM.

 

The SC whine on mine is very noticeable when the flap opens.
Did you also remove the round plug cover in the back of the JCW box? I did it on mine.. there is even a cut-out on the back partition that mates up to it... That allows more airflow and whine.

 

I also pulled that plug out. I reasoned more air = more goodness. Also the stock airbox has that same hole open. You can check if that plug is removed on your JCW intake by pulling the top of the air box off & having a look.