I want to install a cold air intake and have a couple of questions:

1. How big of a deal is installation? I've done all kinds of work from brake jobs to starters, all kinds of back yard things so I know how to do basic auto work. But I hate to screw up my mini under the bonnet! Easy, hard, medium?

2. I see on ebay there are several options for under $50. Anyone had any experience with any of them or do you suggest to stay away from them and spend more money at one of the mainline mini aftermarket dealers?

 

1. Installation of most CAI's is about as easy as anything you can do on your car - clamping and unclamping a hose and some screws. Some are more complicated than others, but all of the popular ones are pretty easy.

2. CAIs are such a cheap mod (all things considered) you might as well get one that lots of people have used and like.

 

http://www.jscspeed.com sells the alta for a good price. Many MINI owners will agree it is the best CAI on the market.

 

>>I want to install a cold air intake and have a couple of questions:
What type of MINI is this for? MC or MCS? CVT or manual? Different intakes fit different MINIs.

>>1. How big of a deal is installation? I've done all kinds of work from brake jobs to starters, all kinds of back yard things so I know how to do basic auto work. But I hate to screw up my mini under the bonnet! Easy, hard, medium?

It's easy. Check the do it yourself threads in performance mod forum or at outmotoring.com

>>2. I see on ebay there are several options for under $50. Anyone had any experience with any of them or do you suggest to stay away from them and spend more money at one of the mainline mini aftermarket dealers?

I'd stay away from anything on Ebay that is generic or from some off brand.
For low price and works OK consider the piloracing.com intake for $150.
The alta with hose costs double this and is a little more involved to install but has good power gains and a loud intake sound from the interior. K&N typhoon for the MCS is nice looking but expensive, easy to install and has some power gains.

For the MC, the Promini intake is good, and the Rspeed and K&N CAI are OK. These are easy to install.

Of course the easiest and cheapest is a good drop in filter- foam, gauze, or Green filter. All are good for the price and do add a little. Not a bad option for an MC since a CAI has limited gains compared to that in an MCS.

 

I got the Alta CAI from webbmotorsports and I am happy with it.

Earl

 

I put the K&N Typhoon on my JCW MCS and am happy with it.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...=26827&135

thank andy for this one.

it's homestyle cookin!

 

Howsit.
Just got a Cooper S
I got one of the Ebay specials.
put it on yesterday, it fits OK
Also got the heat shield that doesn't fit so good.
There is some improvement but I don't think it keeps the intake air to cool.
After a short drive it was too hot to touch.
I'm probably going to get the Alta and some Cat n dog cowl scoops.
Don't be affraid of the hose clamps.
Use a good size flat screwdriver that fits inside and twist it.
To put it back on, I used my gerber tool.
My advice is to get the Alta from JSC the air flow will be isolated from the engine compartment.
You get what you pay for.
Aloha

 

I've had the Madnessair- intake for nearly a year and a 1/2 now.
No problems/issues ....easy install...terrific sound(whine)....I clean it every couple of months...
I consider it...standard equiptment at this point :smile:

Peace,
D

 

The K&N Typhoon is less than the Alta with the hose.
$199 with free shipping from Crutchfield link

 

On a MC, i would do just a drop-in. :smile:

You'll want all the pressure from the long piping to the car's bottom
to maintain the lower-end torque, probably.

 

I could be wrong but I have never heard of increasing torque with a restrictive intake. Only cams like a certain amount of back preasure in the exhaust depending on if is mild or wild.