Hi folks, I have a 06 Mini S, couple of years ago Randy Webb installed an Uni filter in my car, and I loved it! Today after refilled the winsheld fluid, I thought it may be a good idea to take a look at air filter. So I opened it, much to my horror, I saw the foam filter almost cracked into two pieces, which pratically means my engine has been running without a filter. I'm not sure how long it has been like this, I roughly remeber I did the filter cleanup & re-oil about a half year ago.

This poor thing must have been breathing a lot of bad air .

Upon close inspection, I noticed the filter basically dangling in the metal box without support, over time the far end drop down, created a lot of tentsion on the upper body, after some time it eventually gave up. I also noticed the filter is very soft, which might be one of the reason for the crack.

So I rushed to my local parts store trying to look for urgent replacement, unfortunatly neither Autozone or Kragen carries Uni filter, I tried couple of similar filter (K&N among others), but the size is way off thus won't fit.

So here comes my question:

• How bad is for engine running without (or a little) air filter? What kind of damage will it cause? What remedy would you recommend?
• Since I noticed the Uni filter is way too soft to last, what other filters would you recommend? I want to keep my current metal filter box, which has size of about 10Lx6Wx4.5H, my current filter is about 8.5' long, 3.75' outer diameter, and 2.75' iner diameter which is connected to the metal intake.
• I'd prefer the new filer to be a lot more sturdy, at least it should be able to support itself for the time being!

thanks in advance.

Hong

 

http://www.altaperformance.com/produ...TA-Foam-Filter

One option.

 

Running without an air filter... If you change your oil every 500 miles or so, you'll be fine.

You should look into an itg filter. I got a conical (its a cylinder actually) itg filter from the now defunct Minspeed vendor. It fits my Alta CAI and is said to fit the JCW, Dinan, and other conical CAIs. I am not sure who sells them now, but they are still produced. Perhaps try itg's own website for links to distributors. Itg makes filters in all sizes, so you can measure your filter and get a replacement.

 

ain't those CAI kits great?

 

Just remember to be a bit more vigilant in your cleaning and care and the replacement should last you a good long time. As long as you keep the foam filter clean and oiled properly, it should never fail.

 

thanks NMgokart for the Alta link, the size of their foam filter looks like a perfect match. Judging from the video instruction, the internal "Mesh" supporting mechanism is much sturdier than the single spring. Looks like it's going to last longer.
To Capt_bj, my CAI is fantastic until it breaks down off course it's mainly duo to the poor construction of inner support mechanism.

 

We have the replacement filters for those old Webb intakes, they are $30.

The alta filter is actually made by Uni.

We do also have the ITG filters if your looking for one of them.

 

I don't believe that is true. The dirt comes in with the air & is then in the cylinders. It will play havoc with the piston rings & the bore. Although changing the oil may help the bearings live.