Lotsa special deals out there and was wondering if using an aftermarket CAI screws with the GP tuning. I know the JCW has a flap that opens at 4k and you can sure hear the SC wake up at that point so it obviously works.

As another option if a total swap isn't a good idea... is it cool to swap in a K&N or other cleanable filter in place of the BMW paper? Your opinion is valued.

THX

 

I would not waste money on an aftermarket CAI because there will not be any performance gain over the JCW (or at best very little gain). Also, in many states you will fail the smog check with a different CAI.
Swapping the stock filter to a K&N type or foam type filter would be a good idea if for no other reason than cost. The stock filters are very expensive and the aftermarket filters are reuseable (cleanable).
I use the Mini Madness JCW filter. I also removed the flap and associated mechanisms. It made a little over 1 HP increase so there is not much HP to be gained by the filter swap but it makes economic sense.

 

I just have to keep reminding myself that a big reason for buying/coveting a GP is that I love factory spec hot rods It's just that there are some deals out there and it's usually an easy swapout along with stashing the original parts away for posterity. Here's one that caught my eye: http://www.eurosportdesign.com/p-112...ntake-kit.aspx

I read this thread (which involves you I believe) https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ification.html and it amuses me that some people wouldn't like more of the SC scream. Along with the popping and spitting that the GP does I could always use more. Having said that I do applaud BMWs intent of keeping the mild option in effect when you keep your shift points down below 4k.

I def will pop in a reusable filter...something I have on my other cars, since BMWs price for paper is ridiculous. I agree that the performance claims are somewhat ludicrous, but the filter manus are not the worst offenders in this area.

 

Yep the JCW CIA is already great! I use the K&N filter and took out the lower plug. Good to go!

 

lower plug? By this do you mean the "flap open mod"? Also which K&N model number works for us?

inquiring GP owner wants to know

 

If you slide your hand down past the flap opening, you should find another smaller opening, many have a small plastic disk inside the rubber boot that can be removed allowing another access for air. Yours might already be removed but if you can't stick your finger all the way through, it hasn't. Gurss they block it off for sound deadening. I left the flap intact. K&N RU 3130

 

good tips...thanks everybody.

The GP is so great out of the box, I just need to concentrate on the basics of my driving skills anyway, and again remind myself I wanted one because it's an awesome factory package.

 

Bout the only thing I'd do to a GP is get a RMW dyno tune! Lets out what's already there.

 

Hmm another thought. Does anyone think there is a benefit to the open end, 2 stage filter cone of the mini madness filter...and perhaps the Helix, though I can't tell from the pictures...and the close end cone of a K&N?

http://www.mini-madness.com/jcw-inta...placement.aspx

http://www.helix13.com/images/rdr-intake-comp.jpg

http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=RU-3130

there's a $30 to $60 +/- diff from a K&N up to the MMadness

 

I've got the Amsoil. I had the Mini Madness and I can't say I felt any difference, in fact they look quite similar (dual cone design). The biggest advantage of the Amsoil is that it's cheaper and easier to clean.

 

I have the dual cone Mini Madness filter because I thought the dual cone made sense. However, after looking at the shape of the JCW airbox and the location of the small top cone when installed in the airbox, I suspect there is not really much advantage with the dual cone because not much air is even going to be directed to the small top cone area.

 

That's one thing I like about the K&N, it tapers a bit towards the tip, giving a little more space and direct flow of the air.

 

adjustable camber plates markedly improve the GP driving experience

 

You can do both, remove the flap and remove the plug
Amen brotha!
Albeit the ITG filter and JCM mod is nice.

 

Found an ebay deal on a spanky new K&N RU3130 so that will go into the Garage Prince ASAP...we're having a huge wet weather spell in otherwise Sunny Socal, and at this point the daily driver HHR is getting all the attention, so I actually have to wait for better weather to do a proper install. The GP is such a spoiled brat that I won't even let one raindrop on it. How special . While I have the airbox out I'll prolly do the flap mod and look for the other flap as well...I don't mind a little more SC noise at this point. THX again to the GP community for the help...much appreciated.

 

2 days dry here in Socal, so the Garage Prince got the K&N install done today, along with the "Flapendectomy". I can't see why anyone wouldn't want to do the Flap mod, the GP sounds instantly better with the SC being heard at lower revs. Love it...a true Ghetto mod. Of course the filter itself doesn't make the car feel any different to me and I don't see why it would, since the power of this little beast comes from elsewhere. I will say that the JCW box is a bit of a bear to get in and out, esp the little vacuum hose thingy. It was easier with the SC cover off, but still fiddly. My thanks to the kind folks @ Mini Madness for their video and to the Mini2 website for the pictorial how-to...both those helped.
Glad it's done now...next new fluids...mainly some M1 5w-30. Since I bought this used I have no records of whether a change was done after the break-in period, something I like to do on all my cars @ 1500-2500.

 

mrwilson,

Always great to see a GP loved by its owner! I hope we have a lot of GP's still on the road 10, 15, 20 years from now. And, that they have been taken care of properly.

Enjoy!