Have a new 2011 JCW
I have read that many suggest a drop in replace filter vs some do a full on CAI
Thoughts? Recommendations?

I have noticed also on many sites ... one being OutMotoring ... that there is no JCW section only R56 Cooper S. Do all parts for R56 Cooper S fit JCW? Sometimes confusing ... cause obviously some upgrades would be useless for a JCW

Thx for the advice

What was your first upgrades besides tires?

 

My first upgrades were the JCW strut bar and the carbon fiber hood scoop.

 

The only thing I have done to my 2009 JCW is drop in an Alta filter. It claims it will open up the top end, but I have not really had a chance to go over 80 or so. I was pleasantly surprised by the way it eliminated the slight stumble off the line that I was experiencing. Now it revs smoothly all the way.

 

There are SO many topics on this subject, just start doing searches and nosing around. Personally I have the JCW Stage 1 intake and like it. Its not obnoxious loud, provides great performance and does not use an oiled filter and is covered under the MINI warranty. It IS more expensive than most, but not the most expensive...a higher price, wouldn't expect anything less from a MINI part.

 

i have the stage 1 too with a mini madness filter. filter did nothing noticable at all but it was cheaper than a new factory replacement. the intake sounds nice when your above 3500rpm. engine sounded a lot better over stock intake.

 

You won't notice the improvements with just a drop in filter, save up and get the JCW airbox.

Yes 99% parts that fit an R56 S will also fit a JCW, so it's silly to seperate the models JCW or not.

 

Okay decided to do a Alta foam filter - Drop in -- for the 2011 JCW (JCW air box)

My next question (haven't received filter yet... but should be here tomorrow)

Will I be leaving the top of the JCW air box open with the Alta Drop in?

 

Dumb Question? I think I know the answer.... but have to ask?

I do have a JCW air box ..... since I have a 2011 JCW. Website pics look just like mine except logo?

Has to be ..... right?

Man am I tired to be second guessing myself.

 

Your Factory JCW box is NOT the same as the JCW Stage 1. The factory JCW box uses a flat panel filter. The JCW Stage 1 box uses a Cone filter which many feel breathes better.

The Filter you ordered has to be oiled for it to work properly. Be careful about the amount of oil you use as this oil has been know to foul out MAS sensors. You will not see or feel any performance gains with switching to this new panel filter.

My suggestion is to stick with your factory filter, save your money and get the JCW Stage 1 air box if you really feel compelled to have a new CAI. You will get some gains going to the cone filter, the panel filter will be useless.

 

Man I guess THAT was not a dumb question. WOW! That would have been a ... oooo sh$t ... when I opened the Air Box. H'm Everyone kept saying to get the JCW Box and I was a little confused... cause I was like..... I have a JCW soooo I must have a JCW air box.

Thanks for clearing that up.

Also I ordered the Foam Cone replacement from Alta. I was assuming I already had a cone.... that's what assuming does
(I think my terminology was also wrong; I kept saying Drop-in .... assuming that a Cone filter was a drop in just as much as a flat panel was...... Looks like everyone was meaning a drop-in only as a flat panel)

So! I now need to order the JCW Stage 1 Airbox.....or ..... to many choices.

 

Okay I am confused!!!

Did you buy a Flat Panel Drop in?

Did you get the JCW Stage 1 box than add the Alta Cone?

 

The JCW Stage 1 box does have a cone paper filter in OEM form. Do NOT put an aftermarket filter on this if you cannot properly secure it on both ends like the OEM filter as it can fall off and you will be left w/o a filter. Filters like Alta cone cannot be secured at both ends but others like Mini Madness can. That said, I would still tend to keep the OEM paper cone filter.

 

Thank you for the input ... helps

What about so many saying Foam Filter is the way to go?

If foam is preferred than what?

 

I was thinking of buying the JCW air box. Wheres the best place to get it? It seems Mini Mania has cheap JCW parts. Will this fit a 2011?

 

I just contacted Mini Mania and the 2011 JCW had a different air box and the Stage 1 JCW factory air box will not fit.

 

Wow almost just spent $300 for something that doesn't fit.

So now what?

Alta or NM I guess. Thinking Alta since I already have a Foam cone filter on the way.

H'm

 

Does the JCW stage 1 for the 2011 model have a cone filter?

I looked at the kit on the way site and it shows a panel filter.

 

Jack$0n,
Look into the DOS intake. From what I have heard from other guys, this is a great CAI and truly is a CAI unlike others that pull hot air from the engine bay like NM and Alta.

It does fit 2011 models, I know for sure because I know several people with 2011's that have it.

http://defendersofspeed.com/store/pr...p?id_product=6

 

If you want to install the older stage 1 airbox on a 2011, you need to get the stock lower half of the airbox from a pre 2011 MCS, but these can be had cheap many times from people that have installed other aftermarket airboxes. We've done this before and it worked great.

Yes the stage 1 for the 2011 kit comes with a K&N panel filter, but it does have the JCW logo on the box

 

Not true...5000 plus miles and it hasn't budged one bit. (and I was just in there 3 days ago) Even a road trip from Denver to Vegas for AMVIV didn't budge it. It's all in the way you mount it.