Just purchased the above and for the huge cost I'm just scratching my head?

If it uses the same intake hose and same hose after the filter how can it possibly improve air flow. the original filter has a big surface area similar to the jcw cone filter. I could see if the filter was not in the box..but really $300!

 

if you bought the JCW intake for performance.....you are going to be hugely disappointed.

on most modern vehicles, you are not going to notice much of an increase in performance from the addition of a CAI.....hell, you may even notice a decrease in performance.

contrary to popular belief, the people who make the cars actually do know a good bit what they are doing, and the stock intake on the minis is actually fairly nonrestrictive.

the main purpose for a CAI on the minis is for looks and for improved sound.

 

Well.... Kinda sorta...The JCW airbox have more volume than the MCS. According to Way, it does in fact boost torque. I just installed the airbox on VIc's car Saturday, and it is indeed bigger.

FWIW, my friend bought a 2011 JCW and it used the same airbox as the MCS, also according to Way, MINI used the same box due to cost considerations.

Way also said, that on his GP, (that came with the MCS airbox), he's using the older JCW box and cone filter, and it does indeed make more torque.

 

The JCW has a larger turbo than the MCS... it's not by much but probably the performance difference that you were trying to get close to.