After much reading and agonizing, I decided on the aFe CAI for my Cooper. I ordered it several weeks ago through VAC Motorsports and it finally arrived today. Naturally, Canadian Customs dinged me with $66 in duty and HST, but other than that, it was a smooth transaction.

My mechanic experience is extremely limited. I have changed the oil and done basic maintenance on my motorcycles, but that's it. I was going to pay someone to install the CAI, but I figured I couldn't screw it up too badly by trying myself.

The install took about 45 minutes and the instructions included were clear. The only deviation was the instructions had me looking for 2 10MM bolts plus the one at the battery box, but there was only one. I was also unsure if I was supposed to try to get the little black S shaped piece that was bolted down by the battery box bolt, but there was no way I could see it fitting in, so I didn't. Also, there were a few hoses that were ziptied to the old airbox that I had to find a new home for.

Anyway, I got it installed, no CEL or trouble. It sounds really great, and pulls harder at 4000rpm than it did before. Couldn't drive it very spiritedly since it's voting day at rush hour, but from what I can tell there is a real difference in response, even over the SB I installed this morning, and regardless of what the HP/TQ numbers are, it certainly FEELS like it's a lot beefier under the hood, and that's what matters.

 

...and they sure sound nice too, don't they?

Nice install. I really liked the aFe I had on my old R50. You'll get lots of enjoyment out of yours too.

 

I too have the same setup on my 05 R50. I use the oilless filter for and the only issue I had wad that the section of hood insulation came in contact with the filter, so I cut a small section over the filter out and seemed the edges as not to shed.

I hear what your saying about the sound ~ 4krpm...omg!!! With the new CAI my MPG has suffered a bit, only because I'm heavier on the pedal to get the 4krpm roar...

 

hmm.. at $198 shipped on ebay this is looking like what i should install next on my '06 R50

 

I'm still enjoying it! Another member has tried both the aFe and the Way/DDM and prefers the Way/DDM, there is a good thread on it around here somewhere. However I'm still happy with the aFe for the time being. The only downside is I can't hear the growl as well since I've put in the Borla cat-back

 

That Borla cat-back probably makes things a bit harder to hear...glad to hear that you are enjoying it though!!