I ran into a couple of problems with changing the air filter in my '08 JCW Cabrio.

First, the tabs on the back of the back of the air box are broken - don't know if I did it or if one was already like that. How soon does that need to be fixed?

Second, I cannot for the life of me get the clip over the front air hose (one going from the box to the engine). Is there a trick to it?

Thanks
Tony

 

Without a tight seal in the back, just run the risk of unfiltered debris in over the top of the air filter seal and directly thru the intake.....

Is it the tabs for the bottom or top shell cover ?

When I had that box, I used needle nose pliers for that clamp. Just have to be careful not to get pinched by the jaws in the process. There is a special tool for those as well, most auto stores carry them.

 

It's the tabs for the top shell cover. I'll look into that tool if needle nose don't work for me. Thanks gray raven.

 

I got the clamp back on. As far as the other, am I going to have to drop $400 bucks on a new air box?

 

On the JCW air box even with the top of the box a bit loose you are not going to bring in unfiltered air. Get it snugged down with the front torx screws & call it good.

 

If your going to spend the money you might as well get a cai!! Makes more sense.

 

I use a gasket sealer paste to stop those rattles. Dealer sells an overpriced rubber piece if you care to waste $

 

The JCW is a CAI.

 

Shhhh!!! Don't let the secret out!

I always have to laugh about aftermarket CAI systems... Some are well thought out products but a lot are just exposed filters that look/sound cool.

 

Since the old girl is a ‘Last of the Supercharged’ edition I’d like to keep her stock anyway. I like the JCW, it’s a civilized option and I’m not out for all out power.

 

I just purchased the AEM CAI waiting for delivery. I feel that this is a REAL CAI . I was looking at a few others. But from my research this is the best.

 

Out of curiosity, what makes the AEM a real CAI? On their website I didn't see one listed for gen one MINIs.

 

They only make it for 07-10 Mini Cooper s & JCW. What makes it real is the air coming into the hood scoop right into the air box. A lot of testing went into this Profuct. I believe this actually works.

 

The JCW (and Alta) for 1st gen MINI pulls the air in through the cowl with a contained box to limit air flow from the engine bay.

 

Hope yours doesn't melt. don't they recommend a turbo heat shield? I'd look at Way's turbo wrap instead of their shield.

 

There is no a separate part number for the top lid.


Here is the smaller kit that just has the box with the rear partition and the electronic part: Part # 13720395132 #2 kit. So its a little less then the full kits.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/13720395132/




Vs the bigger kit for new installs.

John Cooper Works Intake Kit Part # 13720391513

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/13720391513/



Thanks

 

NOT EVEN CLOSE TO AEM'S I JUST PURCHASED IT AND PLANNING THE INSTALL TOMMO. I hope all goes well. Do a search on line. This will add 15 hp and is a REAL CAI.

 

I have the turbo model. Isn't that box for a supercharged model?

 

Yes....your in the 1st Gen forum.