R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Whats the best CAI for R53

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 17, 2013 | 12:12 PM
  #1  
FIZGIG's Avatar
FIZGIG
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
Whats the best CAI for R53

Thinking of going CAI what's the best one out there?
 
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2013 | 12:44 PM
  #2  
Helix13mini's Avatar
Helix13mini
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 17
From: Under your car
I don't think anybody's done side by side tests. Everybody will tell you theirs is the best, of course, so I'll start: our is the best.

Choose the one with the type of filter that you like: typically aftermarket ones are foam or cloth based. I like cloth better because it lasts longer and doesn't leak heavy oil into the motor and intake bottom.
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 05:54 AM
  #3  
fridayxiii's Avatar
fridayxiii
5th Gear
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 43
From: Tampa Bay, FL
I've been really happy with the DDMWorks intake.
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 01:40 PM
  #4  
scottie10014's Avatar
scottie10014
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
They're all pretty good, but I'd say Dinan or a JCW with the flap mod. I had the Dinan installed by Helix and LOVE it. Now I have a Milltek exhaust, too. Whine, burble and pop. Perfect combo. :-)
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 03:35 PM
  #5  
Eric_Rowland's Avatar
Eric_Rowland
OVERDRIVE
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (3)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,382
Likes: 47
From: Santa Cruz, CA
This question has been asked a thousand times. 'Best' is subjective. Best sound? Best flow? Best cost? Best visually? Best value?
We can't offer an opinion as to what would be 'best' for you without knowing what your priorities are. The JCW is the most expensive, and has the (IMO) cool 'flap' feature that reduces noise until you hit 4500RPM. Dinan and JCW look most OEM. The 'HAI' (a K&N stuck onto the throttle body) is the simplest and cheapest. DDM, Alta, ProMINI, MiniMadness, they all perform at a similar level (IMO) with different looks.

My suggestion - do a search on CAI, and see what everyone has to say.
 
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 03:45 PM
  #6  
myles2go's Avatar
myles2go
2nd Gear
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Madison, WI
Dinan or JCW!
The Dinan is now discontinued, but if you can find one it is well worth it. It is well built and flows well without interfering with any other mods you might add.
 

Last edited by myles2go; Apr 18, 2013 at 04:03 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2013 | 03:57 PM
  #7  
tremperj's Avatar
tremperj
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, SC
Another Dinan vote.
 
Reply
Old Apr 22, 2013 | 05:42 PM
  #8  
Tab32's Avatar
Tab32
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
I own a K&N Typhoon which is a cloth filter. Gives me alot of noise on the highway with the whistling. Definitely one of the louder intakes on the market. Best part is the look of it though. If you don't mind a bit of whistling, then it'll be worth it.
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 03:35 PM
  #9  
christianmc's Avatar
christianmc
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Helix, I notice you sell both your intake and the DDMWorks intake. How do you compare them? Can you tell whether there is a difference in power? Do you have a preference in sound? Thanks
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2013 | 06:46 PM
  #10  
WayMotorWorks's Avatar
WayMotorWorks
Vendor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10,621
Likes: 802
From: Atlanta, GA
I've had the best luck with the DDMworks intake, and use it on my personal car. If you're trying to measure HP difference in intakes you're going to be splitting hairs. Go with the DDM it fits right, won't rust, makes great power, and sounds great.
 
__________________

HOTCHKIS | DDM | CRAVEN | AKRAPOVIC | NM ENGINEERING | MEGAN | FORGE | OS GIKEN | POWERFLEX and more


Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 06:05 AM
  #11  
Helix13mini's Avatar
Helix13mini
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 17
From: Under your car
Originally Posted by christianmc
Helix, I notice you sell both your intake and the DDMWorks intake. How do you compare them? Can you tell whether there is a difference in power? Do you have a preference in sound? Thanks
There would probably be no measurable difference in performance or durability between the Helix and the DDM intakes. They're both excellent.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Teh
Drivetrain (Cooper S)
23
Aug 22, 2022 04:37 AM
tr3y003
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
33
Jun 5, 2020 05:00 AM
Mini7
MINI Parts for Sale
26
Feb 2, 2016 07:52 PM
VanisleRyan
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
26
Sep 15, 2015 06:19 AM
Filmy
Navigation & Audio
5
Sep 7, 2015 08:27 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:10 PM.