I know you can rig the JCW Intake flap to always stay open. Josh W and some others have mentioned possibly wiring in an override switch to be able to "switch on performance mode" from inside the cockpit whenever you want that little extra something... did anyone every succeed at this mod? If so, will they share the steamy details?

 

there is really no 'something extra' unless you refer to the added sound. you don't feel the car go faster, it just sounds like it is

I removed the flap and love the added sound...

 

Yep - a little more sound "on demand" is really what I'm looking for - I like the "sleeper" aspect of the JCW intake - relatively quiet for normal daily driver stuff, but would be cool to get a little more SC sound when desired. Plus the 4500 boost - Yes, I know it's not an ALTA... that's not what I'm looking for... my wife drives it sometimes, and she HATES noise. And even if I didn't , I still have to pull it into our garage, and did I mention she HATES noise???

 

I just removed the flap and left everything else intact. I didn't think it was a huge difference in sound. That is still with the stock air filter. Possibly if you change filters you may get more sound. To me it felt like you could hear it starting at 4000 rpm instead of 4500. At cruise approx 3000 rpm it sounded the same to me. It's a ten minute job to remove the flap once you figure out which tool to use to re install that hose clamp. You could always re install the flap if you don't like it. Steve

 

yes, when I changed to an ITG foam filter I got slightly more noise, after I removed the flap I can hear the whine starting at 3K. It depends a little on how hard the engine is being worked though and maybe it's just me but the whine sounds louder when it's colder outside... don't get me wrong, it still won't be as loud as an Alta I think...

 

Does anyone know how many Normal miles the stock JCW filter is rated for? 15k 20k?

 

From my experience with other cars I'd say 30,000 should be considered as a lifetime.

 

when you took off the flap, did you keep the electronics connected?

i have a jcw and i want to get rid of the flap and get some more noise and a bit more air, cheaper than getting a whole alta or m7 intake.
thanks

 

no, I removed all the parts from the intake and left the cable disconnected.

 

I'm going to wire the flap to be controlled via a console switch, but I'm getting some body work done first, so I won't be starting until I get the car back. I'm also moving all the console switches (not fun :-) ), so it seemed like a good time to tackle the CAI.

 

i saw your other post a few hours later when i had a chance to really look for the info.

gonna definitely do it, when i get my car back. wrecked it, hood and aero kit damage and whatever else they find. ugh

thanks

 

BeOSKid
Yes when I removed the flap I left all of the electronics connected as they are found. That way you have no vacume leak. Just remove the flap and put everthing back together as you found it. Hope this helps Steve

 

Probably would have to check with a multimeter to see if the yellow wire is triggered by power, ground (both easy; use a diode to isolate the ECU), or AC (rpm trigger, more difficult). If it's rpm sensing, you'd likely have to use a separate vacuum control solenoid.

But what do I know; I found the flap was not closing completely and modified it to be quieter.

 

I just installed minimadness cone filter and opted to follow there instructions for keeping the flap open which you should be able to do even if you're keeping stock filter.

1) unplug electric connection at left rear of airbox. Disconnect black tube at front left of airbox and seal engine side of tube (e.g. screwing a screw into the tube is mini madness' solution.

3) with top of airbox removed, slide end of silver metal piece out of the flap and position against flap to prop it open

This way you're preserving all original connections in case you (or next owner?) ever want to put it back.

 

You could just buy the race version of the JCW intake, which is cheaper and completely eliminates the flap.