All:

I'm sorry if someone else posted this elsewhere, but in a search I couldn't find the thread (if one exists!)

I just got my JCW CAI and I'd like to install it. However, it didn't come with instructions and while I don't mind plugging and prodding, I'd rather not waste excessive amounts of time or, worse yet, damage something during the installation.

Does anyone have a thread that shows pictures of installation, or a downloadable instruction guide?

Any help is appreciated!

Dave

 

No worries, I was able to get it installed. Only had one fubar before I found the instructions (which aren't very good). But, if anyone's looking for them, they can be found at:

http://motoringfile.com/files/JCWUPGRADE.pdf

Cheers!

Dave

 

I have this intake with my JCW kit and really like it. There are a couple of 'upgrade' kits available for it to get a cotton mesh cone filter.
Also, I think you may need to get the ECU flashed from the dealer such that the flap opens at 4500rpm for the fresh cowl air. Another option is to permanently disable the flap leaving it in the open position all the time. The SC whine will become more pronounced and most, including myself think it sounds better.

 

As some folks have discussed, I took out the flap and the associated electronics (anyone need them?) and I do like the sound it makes. I did find the MiniMania filter last night and it makes a lot more sense than the stock filter that came with it originally. So, I ordered one of those (along with a 15% pulley) and hope it will be here shortly!

Incidentally, my MINI (a 2005 R53) came with an uninstalled ALTA silicone CAI (the previous owner bought it but never installed it). I bought the JCW because I like the more-stock look of it though and it seems to work fine for what I need it for. The ALTA one looks great too, but will be up on the chopping block for sale here in the not-too-distant future.

Dave

 

No, there is no ecu flash for this. There are vacuum hoses that connect to the mechanism on top of the intake, closest to the cowl partition. The vacuum/pressure in this system opens and closes the flap.

 

I removed my JCW CAI and installed the Alta CAI - sounds a whole lot better. In addition to the vacuum hoses coming from the cowl partition there was also one leaving the JCW box that run's behind the radiator and goes somewhere that I never was able to trace.....

 

Got it and thanks, I must have miss-read something somewhere along the way.

 

The most tricky part is hacking into the ECU's wiring , you will need a strong magnifing glass. Disconnect the battery first.

 

Can anyone tell me where the vacuum connection actually goes. I can't tell from the instructions where they are referring to.

 

Didn't want to make a new thread so;

The instructions for the JCW CAI install say that it is for cars equipped with the JCW tuning kit (On the very first page). My question is; is there a different set of instructions for cars without the JCW tuning kit engine, or will the directions from motoringfile work just fine?

Also, will there be a sound difference using an ALTA replacement filter inside the JCW intake over the stock/factory filter? I'd rather not have to pay for a new filter when i could just clean the ALTA version. Only asking b/c i have no idea how these work, or what causes the extra sound with my ALTA CAI that is currently installed on the car.

Thanks for the help in advance. I'm looking to get this change made asap.

 

I don't have the JCW tuning on my MCS, and it installed just fine. I did leave out the flap and controls, so that might make a difference, but I don't think it will.

Also, I have the MINI Madness filter on it. It's visually a better filter than the stock one, but I can't tell any noise/hp difference from inside the car with it.

I actually was contemplating putting on an ALTA CAI just to try it out (one came free with the car) but I just bought an M7 AGS instead and that will be my next project.

Dave

 

Thanks, that's what i was looking for.