Hey all, I've been creeping on this forum for a while since I got my mini back in March, and I finally decided to make an account!

I was interested in getting a cold air intake, but the prices for them are bananas. I came across this thread from 2004, and it sparked my interest - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ir-intake.html

I didn't go to this extent, but I added myself a cheap spectre cone air filter for $40, connected it to the intake hose from the throttle body. I know this is a hai, but the thread above had much success when connected directly to the throttle body.

I am curious as to why no one has posted about this, (none that I have seen) and if it is an efficient and cheap way to hear your supercharger scream . I noticed a difference around 4-6k RPMs but my exhaust is far to loud to hear anything with the windows open. So I hear most of it when windows are closed. Sound is very prevalent from outside the car.






I'm going to most likely zip tie the battery connector to the air box wall. I will also secure the filter into the airbox t20 screw holes with a c clamp or something more beneficial so it doesn't bounce around when driving

Lmk what you guys think, open to opinions
TLDR : Is this HAI a bad idea, or will it workout to be an inexpensive way to hear your supercharger scream

Thanks all here's my baby

 

Good initiative but you're now sucking in all of the hot air in the engine bay.

I mean, it works, but it's really not efficient. If you like the sound, keep it. You could buy a K&N Apollo and make a legit CAI the pulls outside air from the that wall that the old air box was mounted to. All you need is a hole saw. pretty simple DIY and you still get all of the great sound.

 

Welcome!

Hyper Blue is a great color. What wheels are you running?

Here’s a link for a DIY CAI for about the same price: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ir-intake.html

It was originally known as the Dave F mod. If you google that you’ll find more info on the UK forum.

 

When I bought my car, the previous owner had done something similar.

I definitely want to fashion some kind of heat shield to go around it though. I obviously don’t have a before/after impression, but the car pulls just fine and supercharger whine sounds good.

I don’t think you’ll hurt anything or lose that much power, so if you like the sound, it’s all good.

 

Because you are drawing hot air off the engine and exhaust manifold, that's why.

 

What everyone above me said - drawing hot air from inside the engine compartment is actually hurting your performance. If all you're looking for is sound, go for it. But, keep a lookout for used units on this forum. I bought a complete Madness Mini CAI, including the cowl mod, in perfect condition from a forum member for $100.

http://www.madnessmotorworks.com/mad...ld-air-intake/

 

Thanks for all the replies, you guys are great!

Unfortunately my mini went into limp mode within 50km of driving. Engine light flashing, DSC light on and a very rough idle. Car still drives but it's a very rough start. I put the stock airbox on the side of the road but nothing changed. I'm wondering if I messed up the air fuel ratio, or I caused a vacuum leak. I am curious, If I clear the code if the problem will go away, or persist. I am open to all opinions and suggestions,

Thanks again!

 

I do it. Here’s mine. And i have my hoodvents to let hot air out as well.

 

Thanks for the reply! I am running XXR wheels, they look like this. I believe the tires are 215 45 16!

 

Wow, eye candy and inspiration for sure! Looking great man.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. Will keep the cone on as I have fallen in love with the sound.

Bad news though,
Got a P0138 (Bank 1 Sensor 2) code as well as a P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire)

I have a feeling it has nothing to do with changing the filter as the coil pack looks stock (not sure though)
Will be changing the coil pack as well as the wires and spark plugs sometimes this week. Will give an update.
I am also sure that the o2 code will go away as I am only running on 3 cylinders so it is getting over fueled causing the issue... Opinions?

 

A stock coil will handle anything you can throw at it so don't waste your money with a more expensive aftermarket coil.

 

just ordered plugs , coil and wires. Will swap out the plugs and wires and see how she runs. If it’s still the same , I’ll swap out the coil. If the problem persists , I think I’m looking at injectors or something to do with air. Thoughts ?

 

When you have the plugs out do a compression test on all the cylinders.

When you swapped filters you changed the airflow thru the motor, did you reset the ECU and let it relearn its new state?

 

Hey, thanks for the reply!

I changed the coil , plugs and wires and the issue solved itself. The o2 sensor bank 1 sensor two is throwing a code. I think It’s because of the missfire so to much fuel was going through the o2. I bought sensor clean so I am going to take it out and clean it.

I never reset the ECU, didn’t know you had to. Will look into that.
thanks again!