Hey everyone,

So I live in Colorado, and as such drive around at high altitudes a lot. Would it make sense to swap from the OE intake to one with higher flow? We already have thinner air, so my thought is that a new CAI would help offset that when driving up above 9000'. I have to say, I've taken a few drives up above 10k ft, and I didn't really notice it having any difficulties. But I also have only had my mini for 2 months now, so I may not know if I'm missing out. And besides, who doesn't like to hear the turbo a little more?

As a side note, I'm also having difficulty deciding on a CAI if I was to upgrade. The ones I'm looking at now are the Cravenspeed, the K&N Typhoon, and the AFE package. I've read through the comparison thread for those three filters, and I know that it suggests the Cravenspeed; does anyone else have any insight for good ones? I could get a deal on the AFE wet filter package w/lid for about $250. Cravenspeed seems to be $350 everywhere. The K&N is the cheapest, but that also makes me hesitant.

Or should I just replace the OE filter with one of the performance ones, and keep the stock intake box? Do those really increase airflow? Or are you just paying more for the K&N/AFE name?

 

Wow if you start getting lots of replies on this question you probably going to get a different answer for every person. Cold air intakes just seem to be 1 of those opinion things because most companies don't have hp/mpg gains listed. I don't have the mini you have but have owned lots of CAI's on different vehicles. Gains are very small and even though people claim they can feel a big difference, 10hp would be a nice gain but you wont feel that when you have 180 plus hp. But they do have a nice sound. I had a AFE on my e46 M3 and it was a very nice looking unit (not cheap looking) more of what you would expect from the factory. I would think for a mini it would be the same quality. I have had a few K&N on different vehicles and never disappointed, they use to post on their website real hp gains. Have not looked lately. I see lots of people like cravenspeed products so I'm going to guess people are happy with those. To answer your question on gains for high altitude, CAI's give you car more air, the problem with the higher altitude is the less oxygen and even with more air added it does not make the air contain more oxygen. This is my opinion and I'm sure someone will call me out on something I said, lol. I would suggest getting what you think looks nice or what you want to spend but get 1. A little more HP and nice sound never hurt anyone.

 

The ECU of your car is adjusting for the altitude changes. On these cars most honest sellers are going to tell you that they don't do much for performance and in some instances probably hurt performance. It is for noise and looks. I just went with a dry panel filter, although that probably was a waste of money as well.

 

Being in the Southern Rockies (6,500 ft) in NM, yes it does make a difference. Had an AFE and now a NM CAI. Dealership also did an update on my '15 S JCW tune that is standard software after '17. They monitored the intake airflow pressure and it was at 5-6 bar which was ideal. Too much and you get a high idle. The highest rating for fuel at this altitude in 91. There is a reason for it, less O2-less fuel burned upon ignition. Also found that Shell has given me the most consitencey.