I have a 2006 MCS and want a new air intake and exhaust.

I am looking at the JCW just because I like OEM stuff.

If you take away the $ from the equation give me your .02 on aftermarket vs. JCW. If you have a JCW tell me what you think the difference is from stock in terms of hp, fuel economy, and sound..a mod worth doing? I think so just want some feedback! Thanks!

 

not to rain on your parade but this is a convo that has been posted several several tiems over and over... please check on the search function and put cai or air intake or something like that and you will be entertained for hours.

matter of fact here is one that is still on the first page...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=94783

gl

 

Since this topic is posted so much, can we just start a sticky intake reference thread, the same as we have for exhausts and wheels? Noise level, price, installation could all be factored in into an easy to read thread.

 

JCW

 

To summarize what you could find from reading about intakes on NAM:

There are plenty of intakes available. It really depends on your needs and objectives. If you want more supercharger whine, get an Alta, Helix, MINI-Madness, MyMINI, ....

If you like the OEM look, JCW or Dinan are you only options.

Don't think you'll get a huge increase in performance from an intake. It does help...

 

But the sound will make you THINK you're going faster - and that's what matters.

Oh yeah - and the other variable is intake HOSE.... which may or may not add power (I think it matters), but definitely adds bling and noise...

I'm a Dinan intake / Alta hose guy

 

If you cannot get enough supercharger "jet-engine" whine, then the ALTA is probably near the top of your shopping list.

If that noise is bothersome to you, then you probably won't like the air sucking sound that comes with it either. The install for the ALTA removes part of the drivers's side cowl wall, (not the firewall, mind you). This allows it to draw in air from both the front intake tube, and the drivers' side cowl vent. Because the intake is exposed to the cowl vent, you hear it more than other intakes.

I think this is a wonderful sound, and many others agree. But some are disapointed with this noisier intake, and end up selling theirs for something quieter.

The more pronounced supercharger whine gives you the illusion of having more power, via your ears, (although there is a power gain, most will tell you it isn't something that our butt-dyno's can feel). But again, it is an amazing sound, and I highly recommend it.

With that being said, if I were buying today, I'd likely be torn between the ALTA and the Webb Motorsports ram-air intake, which draws some air from the intercooler's hood scoop, (a great idea!).

 

Actually, I believe MOST of the CAIs tap into the cowl for more cold air... not just Alta. The Dinan and JCW do, as well as many of the "sheetmetal" ones.

I think two things that really contribute to the Alta being loud are (1) the size of the cowl opening (definitely bigger than with my Dinan), (2) the foam filter, and (3) the Alta hose which eliminates the muffling baffles of the stock airhose.

My Dinan is quite loud with the Alta hose - I think the hose is a major contributor to the Alta sound... I'll probably add a Uni filter to the Dinan and that will probaby turn up the volume a bit more (though it will never be AS LOUD as Alta - not as big a cowl opening, and the Dinan airbox absorbs more sound probably...

 

I just removed my Alta to put the JCW in - I like the look, and I felt no appreciable difference between the 2. The volume of the whine has dropped but thats ok, I am looking to go more "stealth" under the hood...