I'm thinking I'd like to try my hand at a DIY HAI modification. However, I'm not talking about simply installing an aftermarket item by Alta, etc. Instead, I'm talking about something that you sort of came up with yourself. And if you have, could you please post me a picture of what the end result looks like?

I've found a good thread (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=142151) of a HAI mod someone did on a MCS with a JCW intercooler (I think). But the picture of the layout under the bonnet doesn't look anything like my MC. So I need to see a picture of a mod done on an MC.

 

You also may want to search another forum such as motoringunderground.com jic someone else wrote up a DIY on the HAI. Perosnally, I think the drop-in filter is all of enough for a justacooper.

 

It cant get any simpler than a 90 degree bend and a filter...where else you gonna put it

 

 

Snid I see you have relocated your battery. Did you go with a smaller dry cell? Where exactly did you locate it? I'm planning a similar mod and was thinking the tool bay in the boot floor would be nice. Your thoughts?

 

Currently, I have a Miata battery in the back. Somebody had an old Miata battery laying around, so it wound up in my car. There are lighter batteries out there, but...

Using the tool compartment is the easiest solution. There are some things sticking up here and there that will need to be ground off, but it's simpler than cutting out the tool area and making a custom box.

Whatever you do, figure out how you are going to secure the battery first. If you go with one of the tiny batteries, you may be able to find a corner someplace that will work well with a battery specific metal restraint.

Also, if your Cooper didn't come with the internal hatch release cable, pick one of those up from the dealership. It's not the expensive, and it will allow you to get to the battery when it goes dead. If you have a full interior in the back of the car, you cannot get to the battery when it dies.

 

Snid, did you mount the filter directly off of the throttle body? And was there any noticable power increase? I'm looking into a DIY HAI system, and want to make sure it's what I want. Also, any sound difference? My MINI sounds a little too ricer for me. Heres a sound clip. The car wasn't warmed up by the way.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6KPL8y3CK0


Thanks.

 

Yes, the filter is directly off the throttle body. Power increase? Not really. Of course, tons of other modifications were done at the same time, so it's impossible to say what mods had what effect. But, there's definitely not a drastic power increase.

Sound difference? Hell yes. I've got a Borla exhaust... driving around town, there's not much more noise. Past ~4000 rpm, tons of noise. Possibly too much noise. The car sounds faster than it is. On the track, it's great. The Cooper is now my track car, so that's ok. If I were driving it every day, I'd definitely go back to the stock air intake box because of the noise.

I'll post some video from the track once I get it edited, etc. so you can hear the noise.

 

Ok, thanks. I actually start driving on the track this weekend and was just tryin to figure out any last minute mods.

 

Here's some on-track video with the Borla, HAI, and no interior in the back...

http://flickr.com/photos/snid/2653721997/

 

Very nice. I'll have to do that after the track event. And after the paycheck.

 

I just finished my HAI about 20 minutes ago. I noticed a small power increase and a little better throttle response. HUGE tone difference above 4k. The ricer sound is cut out at about 2k, which was one of my goals for this mod. My car has a deep growl to it now, but it's not too loud. IMO, its a great, cheap mod. (mine cost around $50). Much better than spending $200+ on a CAI. I'll get some pics as soon as possible.

 

It's been 8 days ... so it's time for some pics ...

 

I forgot about this thread actually. Here you go....https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...5&d=1216241632...i took it with my phone, so it's kinda small.