Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on which one is the best aftermarket drop in air filter (for MC or MCS)? I know that the intake would be a better solution but I want to wait out what comes out for the MC in terms of intakes....... thanks.

 

I would also be interested in which drop in filter people are using in their MCS's ??
Thanks,

Ron

 

There is almost no pressure drop across the stock paper filter. Why replace it?

 

I replaced stock paper with Alta drop in. I now have a very slight increase in SC whine (not a bad thing), a very slight increase in throtle response (needed all the help it could get), and it feels like I lost about 50 lbs. Have not done the translation, but my guess is that may be 1-2 HP or ft/lbs. Truely - feels like half tanks, when the tank is full. I do recomend it for the $. especially if you are still not 100% sold on any of the full intake system out there yet. I am waiting for someone to address the intake scoop issue, and come out with a replacement for the tube running from the grill to the air box. Simply eliminating the hot air valve from the streem should help.

Wes

 

For people that want to add something easy at low cost while they wait and decide there are at least 3 options for a drop in air filter. It's easy to do and doesn't take long. Might give slight HP gain (maybe 2-4 HP at best), might improve slightly better MPG, and in the MCS might make the supercharger sound a little louder-not much.

Green Performance Air Filter ($44.21 for MC and $52.34 for MCS)
Applications: 2002 - 2004 Mini Cooper, Cooper S
Green High Performance Air Filters™ deliver improved engine output and enhanced performance, providing an average 5% horsepower increase over standard paper filters. Our tests show better performance than a K&N replacement filter. These are the same filters used in the 2003 Turner Motorsport SPEED World Challenge Touring Cars!
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...ect_mini.shtml
If you have shockwave Flash see http://www.greenfilterusa.com/

UNIFilter Drop-in Air Filter ($39 for MC or MCS, specify which model when ordering)
This filter is a dual stage reusable foam element that provides higher flow rates and better filtration than the stock replacement. The foam allows good flow even when the filter becomes dirty - allowing for more consistent gains over the service interval. Gains have been in the 4 horsepower range.
see http://www.mini-motorsport.com/intake-mc.php and http://www.mini-motorsport.com/intake-mcs.php

K&W filters ($45 for MC or MCS)
at http://helix13.com/products/intake.cfm

Other Foam filters-

If I was adding a drop in I would go with the Green Filter. If I was watching my budget then I would add a UNIFilter.
Both are good choices.

 

I have a drop in that I tested for the MCS which was a green filter. I was very happy with it. If you want more info give me a PM

 

Has anyone actually dyno tested a drop-in filter?

I measured the entire pressure drop across the stock filter as 0.14 psi at WOT at redline. The replacement filters definitely offer SOME resistance, even if it is less than the paper filter does (is it? has anyone tested it?):

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...amp;topic=8631

Considering the stock paper filter is the undisputed king of filtering ability, I can't see the logic in swapping it out for something that definitely filters worse and has no chance of increasing performance.

 

get a K&N they never have let me down!

 

here are some pressure drop tests of different filter materials. the results are different.

http://www.mcagraphix.com/filter/test.htm

http://www.bolhuijo.com/airflowtest/

 

Why not go with the Pipercross panel, which is what JCW uses, at a better cost?

I was not partnered with Pipercross when JCW decided to go with Pipercross.
So, I do not know why. Well I do. But, I would think that JCW would go with what they felt was the best product for the car.

Oh yea...I am the U.S. Pipercross Rep. Just so others on the forum wont accuse me of being some one I am not.

_________________
Diamond Mini

 

If anyone is interested in buying a mcs intake from mini mania that is only two weeks old let me know. I'm making some modifications that do not allow me to keep the factory intake setup. I have it on e-bay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...38634&rd=1

or drop me a line at redline0026@aol.com or rcordeschi@mcgraneandnosichpa.com
:smile: