Any thoughts on this comparison? What is the other major source of heat other than the header and anything else that is below the Aerogel? Kind of bored at work so trying to think of what I should buy...

 

That's how it always happens!
Next thing you know it's bread and cheese until next payday

Step away from the computer... close that parts catalogue... resist the temptation... repeat: "I do not need mods, I DO NOT NEED MODS"

 

hahaha...well if you are gonna buy something anyways I would go with aerogel ex+ m7 DDM. But thats me.

 

Well, I already got an HAI, just wondering what's the incremental benefit of getting and HDI given if I bought the Aerogel EX.

 

i am happy with my hai... it definitely helps the throttle response and makes a little power...and sounds absolutely amazing... the hai with my exhaust makes the car sounds like a screaming banshee!

i dont ever see the intake being the thing that makes a large amount of power on this car anyway...

 

Don't get me wrong, I love the sound the HAI makes. However, it just looks ghetto and I'm wondering if I start modding engine internals and exhaust, will it be substantially beneficial to move to an HDI rather than just buying an Aerogel.

 

I don't think you will notice a huge difference adding either of these parts. I think overall an actual "cold air intake" (in quotes as it seems to be loosly applied term in the mini world) would provide cooler intake air temps then a hai and an aerogel thingy.

Overall the difference in percieved performance will be nominal. If I had to chose I'd ditch the hai and go with a hai and be done with it.

gl and let us know how it goes. This is near impossible to test which setup is better so it's a matter of preferance.

 

The added benefit of the Aerogel EX is that it also reduces heat soak on the intercooler... That, plus reduced temps for the HAI may be greater than just the HDI. Obviously, the best choice would probably be the HDI plus the Aerogel, but I'm trying to save my pennies for some 'revolutionary' items... It seems like a bunch of the guys are running the HDI.

 

heat cannot be reduced in this situation but rather deflected/moved.

 

True, but my point is that heat is reduced at the intercooler. I assume keeping heat in the lower compartment of the engine bay is significantly better than at the top. I could be wrong though. What do you expect from a guy who spends his time at work on a forum...

 

I had a CAI box, but find that I'm liking my HAI much much better. No more highway whistle. Better throttle response, and more boost to boot!

 

Which CAI did you have? Was there really that much of a change in throttle response?

 

I had/have a Webb/HDI DDM CAI clone with a long K&N cone filter, and Alta tube.

Was there that much of a change in throttle response? Yes.

I guess the simple fact that the air has less distance to travel is why. When I blip the throttle to rev match for example, i only have to tap it, where as before, i had to shove my foot into it.

 

When you say clone, do you mean you fabricated it yourself?

 

Read this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=78802

After blocking off the heat from the header & radiator, and opening up the partition to get cold air from the cowl area, the next souce of heat to eliminate is from the IC exit horn. The HAI practically touches this. I recommend insulating it.

 

Like Prime-drk said, while the aerogel material may deflect the heat generated from the SC away from the IC, any gains will be offset by the heat being reflected back toward the SC, you're effectivly superheating the compressed air on the output side of the blower.

Heat has to go somewhere, you can't just stick a piece of thermal material on top of something and expect the heat to just disappear.

 

+1

Well put Danielson.

 

Our MINI, like many cars, comes with heat shielding (in various locations) from the factory. These don't make the heat magically go away, but they can certainly make it more challenging for the heat to migrate to specific locations of interest.

The air flow under the bonnet is quite dynamic, even at minimal speeds as per testing by a few forum members (obehave comes-to-mind). When not in motion, this is when the the evacuation of hot air is problematic. The key at these times is to keep the heat away from desired areas as much as possible. An Aerogel shield under the DFIC for example is not going to reflect heat downward toward the SC. Hot air wants to rise. It will encounter the bottom of the shield, and with minimal heat transmission through it, move on elsewhere, upward toward the bonnet, seeking escape, or until movement begins to flush-out the hot air with cooler ambient air...

Barriers, whether coatings, wraps or shields have proven to be effective in controlling the effects of heat. They are part of a holistic approach...