I'm trying to understand so many things that my mind gets a bit muddled, but please someone, explain the physics behind cold air. Is it simply to provide more oxygen to the combustion process? What impact might that have on the rich/lean mixture control? Is the engine computer able to adjust the mixture to match the incoming air?

I'm asking because I am having an intersting issue with my Justa wherein the motor dies under certain conditions. I have another thread going out there so I won't re-address that here, but I'm wondering if having incoming air too hot might be at least a partial cause. I'm speculating here because the onset of the stalling issue closely matches the onset of heavy hot summer air and high humidity.

Does cold air induction make the motor run more smoothly throughout the rpm range, or does it simply allow the fuel to burn differently at WOT?

Anyone have some information to share on this issue?

 

The stock intake is a pretty good cold intake --It draws air from the front of the car where the air is cooler and the intake is placed in a high pressure area when your MINI is moving.

This is the primary reason aftermarket CAI don't achieve much performance gains in a "justa" -- the best they can do is make breathe with a little less restriction.

 

The goal is density, and therefore power. Colder Air is denser, you get better compression and more power. Side benefits are lowering temperatures (by a tiny amount really if any) but it is about power. That's why cars just seem to run a bit stronger in the fall. (This is also what an intercooler does)

Modifications to the intake reduce constrictions and increase flow. As you may have read before, engines are air pumps, more air pumping is better. Intakes and exhausts are easy ways to get more out of any engine by letting the air flow in a less restrictive path.

A plugged air filter will make the car stumble, often at higher RPMs. It hurts power and efficiency both. If you air filter isn't clogged and old, you will have to look for a fix elsewhere.

 

OH please not another one PLEASE!!!!

 

 

For the Justa Cooper the Cold air intake makes a good difference in HP and torque. It shouldn't effect the idle or the dying problem you have.

 

Agreed!!! You also have to remember it's just not the car company's that cause the restrictions on the intakes. Government regulations cause them to have to design them a certain way.

 

Having gotten the information I need, I'd ask the moderators to close this thread so that Mr. Porthos is no longer bothered by having to read it.

Thanks folks.

 

Ah don't get butt hurt guy. It is just that this topic has been covered literally hundreds of times.

 

May I politely challenge this post? Cause I hope your are correct. I have just never heard anybody with definitive data showing gains by a CAI on a "justa".

Can you share with us what you have learned?

Thanks -- Ron

 

I'll throw my .2 in here. Considering the N12 has double VANOS meaning continuously variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing based on the MAF(AKA outside air temp/density) readings,engine rpm and electronic throttle position and also having driven 100k with an actual CAI I will say it absolutely makes a difference. If your looking for dyno sheets don't hold your breath since the results vary and the gains aren't that significant without additional mods but you certainly won't lose power and the sound is amazing.

 

I'd certainly consider a CAI for my justa if there was any noticeable increase in horsepower. My previous toy car was a supercharged Miata and my experiences with the forced induction crowd taught me that a "seat of the pants" hp increase doesn't always result in better numbers on a dyno. I like quiet so an increase in engine sound would have to be justified by better performance.