[size=2] Looking at going with a PROMINI intake for my MCS. Coming form a Honda background I know that any water getting into the intake is a BAD thing, because water will not combust in the combustion chamber thus causing what is commonly known as hydro locking the engine. Looking at the set up of the PROMINI intake or any aftermarket intake system for the MCS I can see that the intake filter sits directly under, and forward of the driver side hood vents. Is this a problem while driving in the rain? Has anyone had any bad experiences with an after market set up?

I'm also wanting to go with a reduction pulley, and I have a concern on upping the boost pressure of the engine. How much boost will the mini take for everyday driving? How long will the engine last if the 15% or 19% pulleys are used. I really have no want or need to head off to the track and tear the car up, but it'll be nice to have the extra HP for fun. I would like to know your thoughts on this subject, because I have not seen my MCS as of yet, because I'm currently deployed " US NAVY" . So upon my return home "MID SEP" I'll have agarage full of stuff to add to the car.


Reaspectfully
JOHN:smile:
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ok, not an expert myself.. i had a mini pilo intake on my car for more than a year, and i never have any problem with rain (even really heavy ones) and my intakes.. don't think any water went thru the intake when raining..... (well at least my car has been running fine with it)

as with the PROMINI intake, there are many people usng it, havent heard of any problem (well i hang around mini2 more often tho.) with raining and any intake..
as with the pulley.. don't know excatly how much boost the mini can take...
but with the 15% pulley that many people have installed with/without a ECU mod, i think its a pretty safe mod for a stock car without any other changes.
with the 19% however, there might be a risk of damaging the supercharger due to over revving ... maybe I should let other expert to explain it, since i don't know much in details about it....
a search in the board can also help u find heaps of information about it.

 

Thanks for all the info, Just as I was thinking, It would be safe to go with an intake, just wanted to see if people had any inputs. I'm thinking more of going with the 15% pulley because I not wanting any problems. My civic SI was supercharged with a Jackson Racing blower @ 8psi, however I went with a reduction pulley that had 11psi and never had any problems. I had always been told that the SI would hold up to about 15psi, before building the engine.


Thanks again
JOHN

 

John,

I don't see a problem with any of your choices for intake or for reduction pulley.

Intakes
While water in the intake is bad, it is uncommon unless you are driving in standing water over 20" deep (don't try that). Therefore any of the intakes like Alta with hose, Piloracing, Madness, Rogue, or RDR will all work OK with varying power and loudness.

BMP intake advertises quite a bit of power gains but it's likely less than that in real life. I does look good and it is more protected. It's moderately loud from the interior of the MINI. Piloracing intake is a good value. Alta with hose is expensive but probably gives the more power gain by a little. RDR is a new design with extra long gauze filter. K&N Typhoon is expensive but does give some power gain despite being a mixed air intake.

Reduction pulley
While the 15% pulley is rock solid in testing, it should not be a problem to run the 19% pulley and still get 150,000 miles out of your engine if you otherwise maintain it. Depends on how much you redline when you drive and how much long track driving you do. For street use, autocross, driving school and light track days the 19% pulley is fine with no problems. If you change the oil every 7000-10000 miles you'll be fine. The smaller pulley belt used with the 19% pulley needs to be replaced every 25,000 miles or so.

You don't get a warranty with the 15% pulley over the 19% but you do get less power/torque. While the 15% might benefit some from an ECU upgrade the 19% pulley is at this time maxed out with the stock ECU so no pressing need to spend more money.

 

[size=2]minihune,

[/size][size=2]WOW [/size][size=2]thanks for all the information. You really made me understand a little more on the hole thing and I really appreciate it. With the type of driving I do I'm really just looking for a little more power than the everyday MCS, so maybe for me the pulley to go with would be the 17% from PROMINI that way I have a little more power and can stay away from the ECU upgrade. Again that's, I look forward to talking with you more.

Later JOHN

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