Hey guys,
Back when I bought my '05 MCS, I wasn't very familiar with the aftermarket parts available to my MINI. I went ahead and bought the JCW Air Box. Seeing what's available now and especially at the price difference, I'm wondering if I didn't make a mistake. I've also heard mention of the fact that the power gains are minimal when compared to most aftermarket alternatives. Opinions on the forum seem mixed as well. Would I be better off buying say, a new Alta or Dinan intake?

 

I don't believe you will see major gains switching from a JCW to an Alta intake. It would be a waste of your $$$.

If you want, you could get an aftermarket filter for your JCW box.

Btw, the JCW airbox does a pretty good job at providing cool air.

 

I have been told the K&N filters work well in the JCW air box. Get a -15% pulley then don't look back!

 

Also, you could take out the vacuum flap, then the intake is pretty much similar to most other intakes out there. I did it to my intake, and I love it.

 

Yea, other than sound, your not going to see any noticable differance, if any at all, moving over to an ALTA or other airbox. The JCW airbox adds a factory supported 5hp figure. Some other airboxes might claim more, but in truth, 5hp seems to be a good average for all.

 

The K&N filter definitely fits? For some reason my Alta Panel Filter refuses to fit properly (logo down I'm assuming). Oh, and I'm getting the 15% pulley installed this week, pretty excited. Thanks for the help!

 

A JCW does not use a panel filter...Get a K&N ru 3130 Cone filter,,and remove the plug from the bottom hole...You will feel the diff!

 

What is this plug about which you speak? What does it do and how do I get to it?

NEED MORE POWER

 

Going from JCW to Dinan seems like it wouldn't yield any difference either. They look very similar in design...

Am I correct?

 

Below the flap, there is another hole that goes to the cowl, contained in the rubber fitting is a round plastic plug that when removed allows for more cold air to enter. Just pull it out and replace the rubber fitting.

 

I seriously doubt your going to "feel" anything. Adding a few bhp ... no way you feel that. If anything, it might be perceived as quicker merely because it louder.

To really "feel" anything you need maybe +10 whp. I'm sure somebody will argue their "butt" is more sensitive but I doubt anybody can feel 1 or 2 bhp.

 

Please keep my Butt out of this...Thank you.

 

I went from an Alta back to a JCW w/o the flap and so no noticible difference....

 

I have the 2 (Alta, JCW) air boxes, but I still prefere the JCW.
But if you want a better one than JCW you have to go to a GruppeM in carbon. With that one you notice a difference.

 

Check out the JCW filter upgrade from Minimadness. It replaces filter with a K&N I felt a difference after the install. Later I also blocked the flap open and only really noticed some more noise