Testing the Mini Madness JCW Filter Upgrade
 

Speednut let me know he was doing this, and asked if I wanted to take a little data. I said sure and off we went!
http://www.mini-madness.com/ProductI...intake_kit.jpg

First off, the JCW filter replacement is expensive. No matter what, this upgrade will eliminate this expense as it uses a re-usable filter. Also, the Madness instructions (very complete for sure) also suggest some modifications to the box that would keep the flap open all the time.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...m/P1010129.jpg
We went even further, and took all that crap off! No flap, no vacuum resevoir, etc.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...m/P1010128.jpg
After our little data session, Dave (speednut) finished off the parts removal and sealed the box up with some Al tape.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...m/P1010134.jpg
The only signs we were here is the new hose clamp, and the missing vacuum diaphragm.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...m/P1010144.jpg
So, what did we find? This total change improves things a little bit. But some of the data is baffeling. Here's the pressure pre-SC
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...stream_MAP.JPG
I think it's cool that you can see the flap open so well. But the stock JCW filter, with just this data, seems to flow better. Let's look at boost.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...dium/Boost.JPG
Here the Madness Filter is doing better in boost. Let's look at density.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ir_Density.JPG
Here the Madness is showing a bit better performance as well. As a check, let's look at calculated mass air flow. This is how much air the ECU thinks it's getting.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...s_Air_Flow.JPG
The ECU sees a bit of difference as well. Not a lot, but a bit. Really, we'd need to run the stock JCW filter with the modded box and the madness filter without the mods to have a complete data set, but what do you expect for free!:lol:

Matt and Dave,

Dr Obnxs and SpeedNut

was the jcw oem filter new or used?

Now try this with the ITG filter!

I can donate it for the testing if you'll donate it back to me.

mb

IT was lightly used...
 

but I don't know the exact milage. And it's Dave's car, so I don't know if he wants to do more, or if he's happy with just doing the before/after look on the change that was made.

Matt

Does anyone know the ID of the Madness filter? I assumed this would be approx 3". But looking at the pictures, it appears to be more in the range of 3.5 - 4"

Just looking at other filter options.

Thx!

Just did this with a 3.5" K/N clamp on filter from Advance auto. $35.00 :thumbsup:

Wow JCW filter not as restrictive as I thought.
Doctor, I removed the the flap and rubber plug, but how do you remove the vacuum resevoir and the tubes and wire? Any precautions or special things I gotta do?

PS: Nice to see how the ITG fared against JCW filter.

It's been so long...
 

that I don't really remember! But I do remember that it wasn't too much trouble, not that this helps at all. But what this all means is that the biggest driver for the filter switch is to get away from the high cost replacements, not really to get much better performance.

Matt

And, if you want to save even more money, go with the Amsoil for under $60

https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaau.aspx

Why would air density be related to the filter being tested>

I bought this intake filter due to the quoted promise below:

"Lifetime warranty with a proven 4-5 HP gain."

Looks like it may not really make any additional power after all...

Thanks for the great info Matt & Dave!

As always, you're the best :thumbsup:

I did as well, and I noticed considerable more power after adding it. I wonder if the statement should read "...with a proven 4-5 HP gain after replacing your dirty stock filter":lol:

Any time...
 

that air undergoes an expansion or contraction, it's tempurature changes. That's why just looking at pressure is never really enough to know if you're getting more air into an engine.

Matt

Thanks on advice but I already got a pre-purchased but unused ITG filter for 60 bucks shipped

I got ITG would you be willing to test Doc?

Nope...
 

this is a really old thread. Take it for what it's worth.... But personally, I'm not sure if a filter is going to make a huge difference one way or another. Small difference, maybe. Perceptable? Probably not...

Matt