Cold Air Intake on MC?
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3rd Gear
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From: Iowa
Cold Air Intake on MC?
I was looking to put a Cold Air Intake system into my 2002 Mini Cooper. All of the places I've looked to buy one, they are all for MCS. Is there a reason for this? Am I unable to take out the stock air intake and change it? 
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From: Car Nut Since 1987, Owner Since Fall 2005, Vendor Since Fall 2007
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Belgium
You've got several options.
The good thing is that you are asking for a cold air intake.
Here are some of the options that you have regarding cold air intakes :
Raid Max HP
BMC CDA
Pipercross Viper
I've tested several intakes, the biggest gain is to be made with the BMC CDA.
This intake, when installed correctly, can give as much as +4hp.
Open intakes with heatshields are also a good option, but some of them don't shield off the hot air from the filter 100%.
This means there is still a small percentage that can reach the filter.
And panel filters are a cheap option, but a good one.
They provide a small gain at a low price.
So, the 3 good options are:
-closed carbon intake (BMC CDA, Pipercross Viper)
-panel filter (K&N, BMC)
-open intake with heatshield (aFe, DDM)
Of those three, the closed carbon intakes will give the biggest gains, second are the open intakes with heatshield and third biggest gains are given by the panel filters.
Now, of those three options, the panel filters are the cheapest ($70-$100), the open intakes with heatshield and the closed carbon intakes cost almost the same, but in most cases the closed carbon intakes do tend to cost a little bit more.
Also, check out this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=124139
The good thing is that you are asking for a cold air intake.
Here are some of the options that you have regarding cold air intakes :
Raid Max HP
BMC CDA
Pipercross Viper
I've tested several intakes, the biggest gain is to be made with the BMC CDA.
This intake, when installed correctly, can give as much as +4hp.
Open intakes with heatshields are also a good option, but some of them don't shield off the hot air from the filter 100%.
This means there is still a small percentage that can reach the filter.
And panel filters are a cheap option, but a good one.
They provide a small gain at a low price.
So, the 3 good options are:
-closed carbon intake (BMC CDA, Pipercross Viper)
-panel filter (K&N, BMC)
-open intake with heatshield (aFe, DDM)
Of those three, the closed carbon intakes will give the biggest gains, second are the open intakes with heatshield and third biggest gains are given by the panel filters.
Now, of those three options, the panel filters are the cheapest ($70-$100), the open intakes with heatshield and the closed carbon intakes cost almost the same, but in most cases the closed carbon intakes do tend to cost a little bit more.
Also, check out this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=124139
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Minneapolis, MN
BMP
Though not a true CAI, another option is from Promini/BMP.
Check out
http://www.motoringfile.com/the-mini...romini-intake/
for a write-up and audio samples.
I got one last summer and I've like it so far. No huge gains in power, but the sound is a lot of fun.
J
Check out
http://www.motoringfile.com/the-mini...romini-intake/
for a write-up and audio samples.
I got one last summer and I've like it so far. No huge gains in power, but the sound is a lot of fun.
J
4th Gear
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From: North Hollywood, California
i would imagine though IF the heat shield seals against the S hood like the cooper hood it would only help as i would think the cool air would circulate around the engine bay from the scoop andwould find it's way to the afe since again it's not a true heat shield it just helps. in that i case i would stick with the shield but, you may want to find out if it WILL seal correctly. if not i would just get a cheaper option like a k&n cone kit. paying for and having a heat shield that doesnt seal correctly or that you won't want to use anyway is just a waste of money IMHO.
i could be wrong though.
Last edited by whiteyanderson; Feb 4, 2008 at 08:50 AM.
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4th Gear
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From: Belgium
not sure about that. never examined the s hood and how it would seal against the shield. although the shield helps it's not a "true" heat shield or a true C.A.I. like the ones der abt has shown. it would have to be enclosed to be a true CAI.
i would imagine though IF the heat shield seals against the S hood like the cooper hood it would only help as i would think the cool air would circulate around the engine bay from the scoop andwould find it's way to the afe since again it's not a true heat shield it just helps. in that i case i would stick with the shield but, you may want to find out if it WILL seal correctly. if not i would just get a cheaper option like a k&n cone kit. paying for and having a heat shield that doesnt seal correctly or that you won't want to use anyway is just a waste of money IMHO.
i could be wrong though.
i would imagine though IF the heat shield seals against the S hood like the cooper hood it would only help as i would think the cool air would circulate around the engine bay from the scoop andwould find it's way to the afe since again it's not a true heat shield it just helps. in that i case i would stick with the shield but, you may want to find out if it WILL seal correctly. if not i would just get a cheaper option like a k&n cone kit. paying for and having a heat shield that doesnt seal correctly or that you won't want to use anyway is just a waste of money IMHO.
i could be wrong though.
Can an S hood have a positive effect ?
Yes.
More cold air can get into the engine compartment.
Drop the heatshield because of the S hood ?
No.
You need to make sure no hot air reaches the filter.
Hot air = performance killer.
When the intake sucks in hot air, you lose hp.
So, the best options are:
-drop in filter
-closed carbon intake
-open intake with heatshield
Kind regards
Der Abt
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 555
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From: North Hollywood, California
You're correct.
Can an S hood have a positive effect ?
Yes.
More cold air can get into the engine compartment.
Drop the heatshield because of the S hood ?
No.
You need to make sure no hot air reaches the filter.
Hot air = performance killer.
When the intake sucks in hot air, you lose hp.
So, the best options are:
-drop in filter
-closed carbon intake
-open intake with heatshield
Kind regards
Der Abt
Can an S hood have a positive effect ?
Yes.
More cold air can get into the engine compartment.
Drop the heatshield because of the S hood ?
No.
You need to make sure no hot air reaches the filter.
Hot air = performance killer.
When the intake sucks in hot air, you lose hp.
So, the best options are:
-drop in filter
-closed carbon intake
-open intake with heatshield
Kind regards
Der Abt
i have no plans like the original poster to add an "S" bonnet but, i was thinking....
if the factory air box and drop in aftermarket filter is sealed. and the closed carbon intake is sealed. then wouldn't the best option on a cooper fitted with a "S" bonnet be the open intake with heatshield? IF the heatshield seals against the bonnet correctly?
the reason i was thinking about this was because the stock box and closed carbon ARE completely sealed. how would they benefit from all the extra air? i understand the closed carbon intake will pull from the hood vent (guess the open will too indirectly and get a small benefit). how would the carbon or drop in get the extra air from the hood scoop?
and then again, if the bonnet does NOT seal correctly against the open filter heatshield, then wouldn't the second best option be an open intake without a shield? assuming the extra air will drop air temps in the bay anyhow?
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Belgium
Good questions, but you have to take into account two different situations like you said.
One with the S hood, one without.
If you decide to put an S hood on your car, and you want your intake to benefit directly from the extra air that now enters the engine compartment, then yes, an open intake without heatshield would be better.
But in my opinion, that wouldn't be worth it.
There is so much hot air, that a small percentage will still be sucked in by the intake.
An open intake without a heatshield ends up costing you hp.
The longer you drive or the harder your drive, the hotter the air stream inside the engine compartment becomes.
To answer your questions, a closed carbon intake, stock air box with panel filter or an open intake with heatshield that seals 100%, would indeed not benefit directly from that fresh air provided by the S hood.
But indirectly, they would.
You see, the air from the S hood would force more cold air in the engine compartment, which is never a bad thing.
An extra stream of cold air, keeps the temperature down.
The stream of cold air would force the hot air (hot air because for a large part the headers cause the temperature of the air circulating in the engine compartment to rise quickly) away from the intake.
So, a closed carbon intake, stock filterbox with panel filter or open intake which heatshield do indirectly benefit from an S hood.
So, is an S hood gonna give a big gain ?
Well, when you look at the money/performance ratio, it would not be worth it.
When most people look at the gain in hp vs the cost, they end up deciding it's a mod that is not worth it.
There is a small benefit because of the extra stream of cold air.
You just have to ask yourself whether the cost is worth it.
Kind regards
Der Abt
One with the S hood, one without.
If you decide to put an S hood on your car, and you want your intake to benefit directly from the extra air that now enters the engine compartment, then yes, an open intake without heatshield would be better.
But in my opinion, that wouldn't be worth it.
There is so much hot air, that a small percentage will still be sucked in by the intake.
An open intake without a heatshield ends up costing you hp.
The longer you drive or the harder your drive, the hotter the air stream inside the engine compartment becomes.
To answer your questions, a closed carbon intake, stock air box with panel filter or an open intake with heatshield that seals 100%, would indeed not benefit directly from that fresh air provided by the S hood.
But indirectly, they would.
You see, the air from the S hood would force more cold air in the engine compartment, which is never a bad thing.
An extra stream of cold air, keeps the temperature down.
The stream of cold air would force the hot air (hot air because for a large part the headers cause the temperature of the air circulating in the engine compartment to rise quickly) away from the intake.
So, a closed carbon intake, stock filterbox with panel filter or open intake which heatshield do indirectly benefit from an S hood.
So, is an S hood gonna give a big gain ?
Well, when you look at the money/performance ratio, it would not be worth it.
When most people look at the gain in hp vs the cost, they end up deciding it's a mod that is not worth it.
There is a small benefit because of the extra stream of cold air.
You just have to ask yourself whether the cost is worth it.
Kind regards
Der Abt
5th Gear
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It would only be worth it for an s hood it you were going to custom build a heat shield around the scoop to direct the air onto the filter and still block out the hot air. Unless you need extra room or cooler temps under hood, the only noticeable benefit would be visual.
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From: Car Nut Since 1987, Owner Since Fall 2005, Vendor Since Fall 2007
Without spending $1000's in a wind tunnel we will never know the full benefit of putting an S Bonnet on an R50. M7 is doing some great work with reducing heat with a few products. Like most things in Mod-ville, it's not what you can put on paper, but what "feels" right to you. Do research and enjoy, "to each his/her own" in Mod-ville.
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Good questions, but you have to take into account two different situations like you said.
One with the S hood, one without.
If you decide to put an S hood on your car, and you want your intake to benefit directly from the extra air that now enters the engine compartment, then yes, an open intake without heatshield would be better.
But in my opinion, that wouldn't be worth it.
There is so much hot air, that a small percentage will still be sucked in by the intake.
An open intake without a heatshield ends up costing you hp.
The longer you drive or the harder your drive, the hotter the air stream inside the engine compartment becomes.
To answer your questions, a closed carbon intake, stock air box with panel filter or an open intake with heatshield that seals 100%, would indeed not benefit directly from that fresh air provided by the S hood.
But indirectly, they would.
You see, the air from the S hood would force more cold air in the engine compartment, which is never a bad thing.
An extra stream of cold air, keeps the temperature down.
The stream of cold air would force the hot air (hot air because for a large part the headers cause the temperature of the air circulating in the engine compartment to rise quickly) away from the intake.
So, a closed carbon intake, stock filterbox with panel filter or open intake which heatshield do indirectly benefit from an S hood.
So, is an S hood gonna give a big gain ?
Well, when you look at the money/performance ratio, it would not be worth it.
When most people look at the gain in hp vs the cost, they end up deciding it's a mod that is not worth it.
There is a small benefit because of the extra stream of cold air.
You just have to ask yourself whether the cost is worth it.
Kind regards
Der Abt
One with the S hood, one without.
If you decide to put an S hood on your car, and you want your intake to benefit directly from the extra air that now enters the engine compartment, then yes, an open intake without heatshield would be better.
But in my opinion, that wouldn't be worth it.
There is so much hot air, that a small percentage will still be sucked in by the intake.
An open intake without a heatshield ends up costing you hp.
The longer you drive or the harder your drive, the hotter the air stream inside the engine compartment becomes.
To answer your questions, a closed carbon intake, stock air box with panel filter or an open intake with heatshield that seals 100%, would indeed not benefit directly from that fresh air provided by the S hood.
But indirectly, they would.
You see, the air from the S hood would force more cold air in the engine compartment, which is never a bad thing.
An extra stream of cold air, keeps the temperature down.
The stream of cold air would force the hot air (hot air because for a large part the headers cause the temperature of the air circulating in the engine compartment to rise quickly) away from the intake.
So, a closed carbon intake, stock filterbox with panel filter or open intake which heatshield do indirectly benefit from an S hood.
So, is an S hood gonna give a big gain ?
Well, when you look at the money/performance ratio, it would not be worth it.
When most people look at the gain in hp vs the cost, they end up deciding it's a mod that is not worth it.
There is a small benefit because of the extra stream of cold air.
You just have to ask yourself whether the cost is worth it.
Kind regards
Der Abt
the main reason Im getting a S bonnet is because my car was recently in an accident and my insurance covers my hood but for about (i think) $70-90 more I can get an S bonnet. So for me, its just like paying almost $100 for an S bonnet which isnt bad, at least I dont think so lol
But yea thanks for the info, that all sounds really good, you guys answered exactly what I was asking.But to make sure I understand correctly I just wanna go over it lol (sorry to be a little repetitive)
with the S bonnet (and even the regular Cooper bonnet) it is best to get a TRUE CAI that is covered to prevent hot air from the engine compartment from getting into the filter (because if it does, then it takes away hp from my car). And by getting the S bonnet my intake will still be semi benefiting from it because it would force more cold air into the engine compartment
is that right??? lol
i was going to get the aFe intake before this but now Im thinking bout getting something else. i do drive for long periods of time and every once in a while I do like to drive a little hard so the extra hot air (possibly) getting into the filter (if I didnt have the heat shield) wouldn't really benefit me that much. I know we've gone over millions of intakes already, but which one do you guys suggest is best for my situation????
thx
4th Gear
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From: Belgium
the main reason Im getting a S bonnet is because my car was recently in an accident and my insurance covers my hood but for about (i think) $70-90 more I can get an S bonnet. So for me, its just like paying almost $100 for an S bonnet which isnt bad, at least I dont think so lol
But yea thanks for the info, that all sounds really good, you guys answered exactly what I was asking.But to make sure I understand correctly I just wanna go over it lol (sorry to be a little repetitive)
with the S bonnet (and even the regular Cooper bonnet) it is best to get a TRUE CAI that is covered to prevent hot air from the engine compartment from getting into the filter (because if it does, then it takes away hp from my car). And by getting the S bonnet my intake will still be semi benefiting from it because it would force more cold air into the engine compartment
is that right??? lol
But yea thanks for the info, that all sounds really good, you guys answered exactly what I was asking.But to make sure I understand correctly I just wanna go over it lol (sorry to be a little repetitive)
with the S bonnet (and even the regular Cooper bonnet) it is best to get a TRUE CAI that is covered to prevent hot air from the engine compartment from getting into the filter (because if it does, then it takes away hp from my car). And by getting the S bonnet my intake will still be semi benefiting from it because it would force more cold air into the engine compartment
is that right??? lol
When your intake sucks in hot air, you lose hp.
Seen it happen many times.
And if you have an S bonnet, more cold air can be forced inside the engine compartment which will help keep the temperature lower.
i was going to get the aFe intake before this but now Im thinking bout getting something else. i do drive for long periods of time and every once in a while I do like to drive a little hard so the extra hot air (possibly) getting into the filter (if I didnt have the heat shield) wouldn't really benefit me that much. I know we've gone over millions of intakes already, but which one do you guys suggest is best for my situation????
thx
thx
The fact that they have a heatshield is already a good thing, the shield blocks most of the hot air.
The thing is that with most open intakes that come with a heatshield included, the heatshield doesn't seal the intake from the engine compartment 100%.
So with long drives or short spirited drives, a percentage of hot air can still reach the intake.
A guy I know has made his own heatshield, and his shield was more effective compared to others who had an intake which included a heatshield.
So, open intakes with heatshields are certainly worth considering.
But, and yes, there is a but, if you want the biggest gain, a closed carbon intake is the way to go.
Remember that I was talking about this guy who made a really good heatshield himself ?
He had a K&N Typhoon with custom heatshield, and that setup gave him about 3,5hp.
Well, he now changed to a BMC CDA, and now he has gained hp again.
His K&N Typhoon with heatshield setup:
His BMC CDA setup:
Before I had my BMC CDA, I had a Raid Max HP, also a closed carbon intake.
I also changed to the BMC CDA and I also gained hp, again, compared to my previous setup.
My Raid Carbon Max HP setup:
My BMC CDA setup:
Kind regards
Der Abt
The one I use is the Green Twister Intake, the change that I felt was great and it's not to pricey ether. Mini-Madness.com Plus it looks great under the hood.
Last edited by ZJedi945; Feb 8, 2008 at 03:23 PM.
I love my ITG panel filter. From what I have seen, noen of these intakes seem to be really worth the $200+ price tag that they carry. I would try a panel filter first, then go from there. Just my .02
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 337
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From: Belgium
But if you buy the right intake and install it correctly, it can provide a good gain.
I know a few guys who produced 114/115hp stock at the flywheel (which is normal).
When they installed a cat-back exhaust and aFe, they went to 119.5hp at the flywheel (see my dyno sheet thread, theirs is included).
Now, a cat-back is good for 1-2hp (probably 1hp) and this type of intake is good for 2-3hp.
So, a realistic gain is possible.
I gained 3whp and 5Nm with the BMC CDA on a Maha dyno.
I also went on a Superflow and there the gains with the BMC CDA were 5whp and 5Nm (compared to my previous runs with the Raid carbon intake on the Superflow).
Not bad gains if you ask me.
You made a good choice with the panel filter.
It's the cheapest way to gain a few hp.
Kind regards
Der Abt
Last edited by Der Abt; Feb 14, 2008 at 12:56 AM.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 555
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From: North Hollywood, California
i think the obvious factor about an open intake with heatshield, is sound and immediate response. i never expected to gain any massive HP gains. however - after using 3 different types of filters -the 2 things i did gain vs. the K&N drop in or OEM drop in was: a much nicer sound and immediate throttle repsonse on my CVT MINI.
this is from a dead stop at say a traffic light. with the K&N or OEM i would always get a little stumble whe hitting the gas on take off. the addition of the aFe really cleared it up then, the addition of the megan exhaust eliminated it totally. i can only attribute it to the fact that it just gets more air. and the sound is very nice too.
this is from a dead stop at say a traffic light. with the K&N or OEM i would always get a little stumble whe hitting the gas on take off. the addition of the aFe really cleared it up then, the addition of the megan exhaust eliminated it totally. i can only attribute it to the fact that it just gets more air. and the sound is very nice too.
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The K&N drop in did not feel like much of a change to me. The fact it has a long life was a plus though.
Now with a WAY/DDM intake, I really feel a big improvement in throttle response, how it starts to "pull" at lower RPMs is a big plus.
Oh, and now the little guy GROWLS
Mark
Now with a WAY/DDM intake, I really feel a big improvement in throttle response, how it starts to "pull" at lower RPMs is a big plus.
Oh, and now the little guy GROWLS
Mark
4th Gear
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From: Belgium
A panel filter might be good for an extra 1-2hp at the flywheel.
But try explaining that to people who think they are running 130hp at the flywheel with just a panel filter.
Kind regards
Der Abt
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 680
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From: Brisbane, Australia
I am using an Injen CAI at the moment and I don't feel like it has improved power significantly. I think its just a placebo affect. However I love it when I accelerate and can hear the engine sucking in air, sounds sexy
2nd Gear
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a doubt...
since i have a cooper s throttle body(and i have a mini one) should i use cooper S reference for bmc cda filter?
There's a guy selling me one for 70 euros in excelent condition...
and i looking forward to buy it
since i have a cooper s throttle body(and i have a mini one) should i use cooper S reference for bmc cda filter?
There's a guy selling me one for 70 euros in excelent condition...
and i looking forward to buy it
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 337
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From: Belgium
The BMC CDA for the Mini One or the Mini Cooper is the CDA 70-130.
You have to take that one because that's the engine that you have.
The BMC CDASP-10 is the one for the Cooper S.
Regarding the throttle body, it doesn't matter because you are going to have to find a rubber tube yourself to connect the intake to the throttle body (this isn't included in the BMC package), just find a rubber tube that is the right size to connect the filter to the throttle body.
Kind regards
Der Abt
You have to take that one because that's the engine that you have.
The BMC CDASP-10 is the one for the Cooper S.
Regarding the throttle body, it doesn't matter because you are going to have to find a rubber tube yourself to connect the intake to the throttle body (this isn't included in the BMC package), just find a rubber tube that is the right size to connect the filter to the throttle body.
Kind regards
Der Abt