is there really a big difference between ddm intake and alta that justifies a $200 difference?

 

Never tried the ALTA, but I've had the DDM RIS on my car for probably 80k miles. I always see ambient or lower air intake temps when on the freeway. So in my experience, it was well worth the $.

 

I can vouch for the DDM RIS as well. The extra $200 makes the DDM a virtually sealed ram air, cold air intake

 

Except a turbo doesn't require a "ram air". Consider the DoS CAI.

 

While that's true, the fact that the system minimizes ambient engine bay air from entering the turbo is a definite plus.

 

Well, that surely is a mouthful for saying that it brings in outside air. Regardless, the OEM intake does exactly the same but costs... nothing extra. Imagine that.

 

It's not really necessary to respond with an attitude...let's keep things civil here (it's part of why I come to NAM, and why I am a paying member).

The factory intake does a great job, and in my opinion, most intake systems on the market aren't worth it. One of the only intakes I could find that makes the hood scoop actually functional, is the DDM RIS. I have the Alta turbo inlet hard pipe. It stays cold after miles of cold weather driving, where every other part of the engine bay is burning hot. I'm a person of science, and my experience with the DDM is real world experimentation at it's best.

 

Jeesh, lighten up. There was no attitude in my statement.Certainly nothing uncivil. You just had a way with words that I found interesting. I was merely pointing out that the OEM intake does exactly the same with respect to bringing in air from the outside, same as your expensive DDM intake system. Now if you had said it gives a better sound or some other quality unlike the factory intake, well then that would be different and definitely a rational (to you) reason to go with an aftermarket intake if that's what you value. I have no problem with that. But don't try and make it sound (with fancy words) like it is doing something the factory intake doesn't do at no extra cost.

Why does it seem like so many on this forum so easily get upset at the slightest thing? I mean, if we were both at a MINI GTG and you were describing your intake exactly how you posted, would you get upset if I said the exact same thing I wrote in my post but had said it face to face?

 

CAI from what I have researched........pretty much all do the same thing. Make a neat sound for your MINI and only make a HP diff with a custom tune.

 

Same goes for cat-back exhausts

 

Hope this helps!

 

how about the NM intake? ive been doing do much research and im stuck. One part of me thinks that 350-450 is too much for an intake, and the other side thinks that alta just doesnt live up to standards (found that alot of other prople had trouble with there alta CAI). Honestly I want somthing that is going to make my turbo sound better and maybe get a little throttle response faster. ddm, nm, dos, aem, alta theres just so many!

 

Thanks

 

Dude, you missed the Defender of Speed CAI (oops I see you included them... sorry), a true cold air intake. Now... Does a CAI increase HP? Debatable. Does your engine want denser cooler air to work well? Yes. Does the stock MINI S air intake provide outside maybe cooler air? Yes. Now look at those who claim to be CAI, those that place open filters in the engine bay. Are they sucking air heated by the turbo? Yes. The only true "cold air intakes" on the market come form Defender of Speed (DoS), the DDM intake, and one other that mimics the DDM (sorry I'm old and don't use the product). Dude, seriously, you have a high priced car. Don't penny ante it to death. Don't Honda it. Save your pennies until you can buy quality. After all the studying that I did, without an eye towards cheap (or Honda), I chose DoS as the best CAI. Clint at DoS is a prince to deal with and if you want good BoV (isn) sound, you won't get better.

 

How about another possibility! Save your money for something else that will give you better bang for the buck. Such as suspension work.

 

Melangell: Thanks man, you bring up a good case. I have really been considering the DoS its just so ugly . Honestly though that will probably be the one I end up with.
Ps. the AEM Cai looks pretty promising I just dont like the fact you can fit a boost adapter

 

Looks okay to me, plus it keeps the original air intake.

 

Melangell: do i get the dry air filter when I get the Cai?

 

If you buy it that way, yes. I am one of the reasons that it is an option.

 

and i have to drill a whole for the Dos?