HI everyone. I new here, but have a mini s r53, since 2005. I just bought it off lease and started to do some mod's. I started with a borla exhaust, and this weekend I installed a JCW air box. The install was very straight forward, and I was told by the vendor, that the wires didn't have to be hooked up; that most of us here in the states, do not use the 4500rpm "flap opener". No problem. What I don't understand is....1) DOES THE FLAP HAVE TO BE REMOVED OR DOES IT JUST STAY THERE AND OPEN ALL THE TIME? and 2) WHERE AND HOW DO YOU HOOK UO THAT 3-T PIECE?? I've been going nuts looking at the instructions, which came with the airbox, but I can't figured it out. Do we really need to hook up that 3 t piece or not? Does it make difference? I started the car and checked that 3t piece, but there is no vacuum suction, nor any whistle, that air is lost. Can some please explain how this JCW airbox really works and where the vacuum line connects to...with pic's would be appreciated!

 

If you don't hook up the wiring and vacuum line, and also don't remove the flap, then you are getting *almost* no benefit from your nice expensive new intake.

If you block the flap open or remove the flap, then you do NOT have to hook anything up, but you have basically eliminated the value of the JCW airbox over less expensive options like the Dinan.

One thing you can try - block open the flap with a screw, or small wood block, or whatever. Then drive it around for a few days. If you like the sound and performance, and don't notice any objectionable sounds, then you can leave it like that or remove the flap if you'd like. Here's how to do it:
http://www.jwardell.com/mini/jcwintake.html

If, with the flap open, you hear noise (such as throttle whistle) at low RPMs that you don't like, then you need to install the intake properly with the vacuum line and wiring connected, to enable the flap to open over 4000 RPM. Contrary to what you're told, the VAST majority of JCW intakes in this country are installed *correctly*. Here are the instructions:
http://motoringfile.com/files/JCWUPGRADE.pdf

 

thank you for you response....so what do you think i should do, in your opinion? Should I axe the flap, and risk of louder exhasut sounds or whine? Or should I just hook it up, as per the instructions?

 

The choice is up to you. It works fine both ways.

But it will not increase the exhaust sound, only the sound of the intake will increase and only, if and, when the flap is open.

Hope this helps...

 

Thank you!1

 

On my previous Mini I bought the Alta intake and the sound started to bother me after a few weeks of driving. I ended up putting back in part of the stock box to keep the noise down some.

Now I just bought an 06 JCW this past weekend and love the air intake. Its not too loud around town or on the highway, but when I do get on it some you can hear it, and that's the only time I want to hear it.

Do what others have said and drive around with the flap open and see if you like the noise. Some love it and some hate it.

Thanks,

Ken~

 

thank you, for your input!