Ok, I'm sure this is a sticky question...
Basicaly, I'm looking for a CAI, that's got a nice sound (the louder the better), and that delivers the best performance (hp is the most important). I hear a lot about the Alta CAI...
Just got my 2004 MCS, looking to to my first mod

 

M7

 

You want loud, get Alta

There is no "best" CAI, all have different attributes. Everyone here is just going to give you their opinion, most likely of what they own. I believe the VGS got more HP than Alta. Try searching on CAI.

 

i have a wms intake that functions much like an Alta with the cover. the thing to look for is good high flow filter and box that seals out hot engine compartment air and sucks in the higher pressure cold air from in front of the windsheild.

 

it doesn't sound like money is a problem for you so i would go with the M7 ags. not to be confused with the VGS. it basically functions like a huge hot air intake and the problem of throttle lag is eliminated. awesome sound too.

 

If your looking for noise, go with the ALTA system with hose. It really sounds open. I can really hear it breathing now.

ALTA did a good job making it sound like it was just the TB with no filter.

Its a very crisp sound. I like it.

 

ALTA if price is an issue

if not...get the m7 AGS for best performance

 

I agree, ALTA if you're strapped for cash, and/or afraid of a tough installation.

The m7 AGS is the best performer, and I think it screams/whines even louder than the ALTA does, but installation is MUCH MORE involved...

Do your research before you buy. I'm sure you can find more info here on NAM, if you look these intakes up...

 

Alta CAI for sure!!!

Not that expensive, has been proven over and over again to be among the greatest intakes for the MCS, and looks great with the silicone hose...

And the s/c whine is addictive!!

 

Plus, the m7 AGS is a much shorter path for the air to take into your engine. It gets rid of all the tubing and mounts pretty much right next to the engine.

I lust for it, after having finally seen one in person at the end of MTTS at Lime Rock.

 

GTT 'COLD RAM' INDUCTION KIT
http://www.gtt.uk.com/home.asp

 

Alta loudest inside the car

AGS loudest outside the car

DDM intake (fomerly sold by WMS) is my choice

 

I'm happy with the WMS HDI.

 

Helix CAI: biggest filter area, no hype, just performance.

 

i love my GTT cai , awesome product nice and loud

 

i have an alta, but if i had my time again, i wouldn't have bought it..

If i had money, which i don't, i'd buy the M7

Next down the line is the GTT

and after that the WMS HDI. (better than the alta IMO) Not quite as loud tho....

 

There are a lot of opinions.

What is your budget? That will limit some options.

Who will install it? That will limit some options. Some you can DIY while others are much more involved.

What do you want to use your MINI for? If for street use only it doesn't really matter which intake you are using.

What other mods are you planning to do? Cat Back exhaust? Reduction pulley upgrade? ECU upgrade? Etc. An intake upgrade alone has limited benefit for HP although it can be louder to the driver.

Loudness inside the car or outside doesn't mean more power or faster lap times.

Will you be adding anything that will interfere with the intake box area?
Often front strut bars will block an intake box so if you do get an alta intake or similar you'd have to match a strut bar with it to fit.

Best bet-
Go for a ride in various MINIs with different intakes and see what you think about the sound and the results. If you don't have that many upgrades in your MCS then the results will be a bit less but the potential is still there.

Cheapest intake upgrade? The hot air intake, just connect it to your throttlebody.

Good intake with a separate intake box and reasonable price? Piloracing intake with green filter or Helix13 intake.

Easy to install moderate priced loud intake- Alta with silicon hose.

M7 AGS- harder to install, more $$$ invested, harder to remove if you ever want to go back to stock, works with more rather than less upgrades, take a look in person.

Have fun with your intake upgrade.

 

Is the consensus to do a CAI and cat-back at the same time (to maximize the benefit of both)?

 

Sure, if you can afford it.

You'll still benefit by getting just the intake first, if money is tight though. That's what many of us had to do, including myself. I bought my Alta CAI a year before I was able to afford my Milltek cat-back exhaust. I had so much fun in that year, hearing the Alta screaming. But when I added the Milltek, the engine note was now a wonderful harmony. The high soprano voice of the Alta, combined with the bass-filled baritone of the Milltek.

Now, my gas mileage is really suffering, because I cannot drive away from a stop light without mashing the gas pedal, just to hear the symphony...

And it makes me smile every time!

 

edit

 

i too am happy with my HDI. i wish it was louder though. simple design and install. huge filter also

 

 

All of the intakes will work...just pick the one you like most! I have a HAI right now, which obviously I would not suggest...that is, if you want fit and performance.

Anyway, I plan on upgrading when I can to either the ALTA CAI or the GTT. I want the GTT, but the intake alone is like $300+ another $90 for the ALTA hose which I would want. Plus I like it because it's blue.

M7 AGS for Performance, ALTA for performace/price.

Good luck in your search!
-Cody

 

I was going to say that the intake sold as the WMS HDI is now sold as the DDM intake.....the company developing the M62 kit..... just for discussion I had the Alta and the HDI works better on my car.....

 

WMS is also currently developing a new CAI, correct?