From: http://www.4wheelparts.com/buyers-gu...le-bodies.aspx


"Stock Replacement Filters

There are many different manufacturers that offer many OEM filter replacement options. Factory air filter elements use a paper media as their source of filtration for your vehicle. While this is adequate, it is by no means the most efficient method of air filtration, which is why aftermarket solutions exist. Aftermarket solutions use far more efficient medias, such as cotton gauze and foam. These filter not only flow more air but they are also able to capture finer particulates. In addition, they offer the benefit of being reusable, which reduces your impact on the environment.

Increased Filtration
Increased Flow
Increased Power
Increased Mileage
Cleanable and Reusable

Air Filters

Air filters are your vehicle's main line of defense when it comes to keeping dirt and grime out of your engine. They can also be a choke point, robbing your engine of valuable power and fuel economy. Filter upgrades are among the most common upgrades people make to their vehicles and with multiple options at your fingertips, it's easy to find the right filter to suit your needs.

Performance Filter Medias


Since there are many different filter manufacturers, many different types of filter medias have been developed. You'll need to choose between the following types of air filters:

Oiled Filters – These filters use a cotton-based weave as the actual filter media and are complemented by an oil, which is applied to them to help capture more dirt and particles. They offer higher flow and are reusable. When the filter becomes dirty, you simply apply a cleaning solution to them, hose them off, and reapply the filter oil once the filter has dried.

Dry Filters – Dry filters are just as the name implies. They feature a dry, non-woven, durable media designed to capture the finest particles and increase air flow. Their non-woven nature allows them to shed dirt unvibration, which results in less cleaning. When it does come time to clean them, you simply use a manufacturer-produced mild cleaner and reinstall the filter once it is dry."

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One more thing. All of which I have done (and do), except the "tune-up" of course.

From: http://www.carsdirect.com/car-mainte...el-economy-mpg


"5 Tips to Improve Horsepower and Fuel Economy (MPG)

There are numerous ways to improve horsepower and increase fuel economy. Despite the fact that modern cars are increasingly more fuel efficient, there are still several simple things car owners can do to maintain or increase factory horsepower and fuel economy.

1. Replace the Air Filter (*Done)

The air filter performs a vital engine function and should be replaced at the proper intervals to ensure the car is performing efficiently. Large volumes of air enter the engine and a dirty air filter not only reduces horsepower but it can also cause drivability issues. A clean air filter can potentially increase acceleration by as much as 10 percent although it may have little effect on fuel economy. Most auto manufacturers recommend changing the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure (*Checked weekly)

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is mandatory for safety and performance. Underinflated tires can cause a drastic reduction in fuel economy and increases rolling resistance, which can affect overall performance. Under or over inflated tires are a serious safety hazard and can affect ride quality, vehicle handling and stability. While tire pressure monitoring systems will alert the driver to low tire pressure, it is important to make sure all four tires are properly inflated. Most tire pressure monitoring systems will only report a significant drop in tire pressure. Maintaining the correct tire pressure can increase fuel economy by an average of 3%.

3. Perform Regular Oil Changes (*Done - every 5k miles, despite MINIs recommended 10k mile intervals)

Regular oil changes help keep the engine running cooler, which saves fuel and allows the engine to perform better. Dirty oil causes the engine to work harder and use more gasoline while also reducing available horsepower. Most new cars have oil-monitoring systems to inform the driver when it is time to change the oil. It is always a good idea to follow the car manufacturer's maintenance schedule and perform the required oil and oil filter changes at the indicated intervals. Using the recommended grade of oil can increase fuel economy by an average of 2%. Furthermore, it is best to choose oils labeled as "Energy Conserving."

4. Use High Quality Gasoline (*Done - use Sunoco 93 octane)

Using high quality gasoline will improve gas mileage and overall engine performance. Gasoline can cause deposits to build up in the engine and fuel system which can reduce performance. Using a lower octane than is required can reduce horsepower, especially in high performance cars calling for higher octane fuels.

5. Tune Ups (*MINI will handle this - at least for the first 3 yrs or 36k miles)

A tune up can improve gas mileage by as much as 4%. Although a large number of new cars can go as long as 100,000 miles before requiring a tune up, some experts suggest that the spark plugs and spark plug wires be checked more frequently and replaced as needed in order to maintain optimal power and performance.

Cars are designed to achieve the highest possible fuel mileage and performance; however, a dirty air filter, low tire pressure and using low quality fuels can affect horsepower and MPGs. Proper maintenance will not only increase power and improve performance, but it can also reduce ownership costs."

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