Cowl scoops
It seems to me that someone with plastic molding or 3D printing expertise could produce them for a very, very few dollars.
$150+ is just ludicrous (unless you're a MINI dealership when there would be labor on top & six other expensive things to fix).
Most importantly, do they actually improve the air flow?

 

Old thread, but I am looking for a set of these. Not willing to pay over $200 for them if I can find them. Anyone had any luck? Ive seen several for sale but are way over priced for what they are.

 

I purchased mine (fiberglass / unpainted) from this vendor on AliExpress. The pair I received were extremely well made, solid and fit perfectly.


^^^ Image ripped from vendor's ad ^^^

I received them in 18 days (free shipping in nice postal proof packing) but unlike the price (@ $150) in the link. I only paid $92 including tax. I have yet to see that price anywhere since.
But I also recently came across these as well, on AliExpress for $132 + free shipping, while drafting this reply.



Mind you; these cowl scoops are literally a pain to put on with the supplied hardware.
I did manage to secure them using the provided screw and swing-tab(s) hardware. Although not necessary; I also ran a thin bead of silicone for good measure.
I've also read that others have used 3M VHB double sided tape alone (w/o hardware/screws), to secure them in place, with great results.

 

Thanks for that! I did see the carbon fiber ones, but not the gloss black ones for cheaper. I have never purchased anything from that site, and was curious if it was any good. I only want these to make the CAI get more air in there, and these look like they will work great.

 

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical ordering items directly from China. I've only had one negative occurrence ordering from oversea (eBay) but have since ordered and received quite a few items from Ali with no complaints. In my experience; I feel their descriptions (although sometimes strangely worded), are fairly accurate.
+ Yes - barring any debate - I for one have noticed a noticeable increase in audible SC whine. So I am somewhat convinced that the intake is receiving a bit more air.
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I have had these for a while. I was not too happy when they came in because they seem delicate. But they have held up well. Installation was a bit strange as I recall. I used a couple wire ties as like a safety line in case they come off. I like those CF ones!

 

GrandCaymen - I remember discovering those particular scoops and reading through the NAM discussion about them a few years ago before I joined (2020).
I don't recall the maker/company that produced and sold the ones you have (LEAP??), but I do remember reading how outrageously expensive they were back in those days.
I think they may have been the first to have designed and/produce those cowl scoops back then (?)

 

I looked through my email receipts, which I am pretty good about 'filing' in a folder, and do not see from where I bought those scoops. I remember, though, they were hard to find!
Also, I have no idea if they "improve" airflow, but with the flapper delete on the JCW, the airbox is wide open to suck in air that comes in through the scoop. I have to believe it helps rather than hurts, or is at least a neutral.