Just out of curiosity, has anyone taken the top cover off of the M7 CAI and if you guys did, did it get dirty quicker? Was it louder? From the looks of it, the top portion is just held on by a couple screws and that's it, the filter itself would still be covered on all sides minus the top like the alta intakes.

I haven'd done this just a thought that crossed my mind.

Any information would be greatly appreciated and input is always welcomed.

Thanks!

 

I haven't tried it but I think the only downsides would be a dirtier filter and more warm air going into the intake. The best part about the M7 intake, IMO, is that is does a pretty decent job of pulling air from a fresh source, instead of from the engine bay. But I don't think you'll hurt anything by trying it. I have the alta intake or I might volunteer to try it out.

 

Yes the filter would get dirty much quicker. The intake pulls air in from the vent things under the window and I believe there is like a scoop from the front of the car as well. If you remove the top cover it will be pulling all the air in from the HOT engine bay and if you have removed your inner fender lining like I have it will be getting all the dirt and grit your tires fling up in there. As far as noise I don't see how that thin piece of metal would muffle any sound but in theory yes it would be louder. Not by much tho.

 

I had a AFE intake (seems like it works the same way) on my first r53, I took the top cover off and the sound was a lot louder! You could hear the supercharger scream! So i naturally left it off.
I got an Alta intake for my second r53 and it sounded the same as the AFE with top cover off.
Now for my third r53 I will probably get another Alta intake...=)

 

I kind of knew that the filter would get dirtier a lot faster, and also sucking in more heat would be an issue. I may experiment with it when winter is here if it gets here since im in southern California.


Thanks for the feedback.

 

If it's anything like the ALTA CAI which has a cover option, it ( the sound from Supercharger ) was more animated/louder with cover on if you can believe that.....

If you remove the lid on the M7, you will want to seal that box off using some rubber sealing trim making a tight seal against hood when closed.

 

I was thinking that, then id have to cut a little but out since I have the jcw strut bar. I think its fine the way it is. That's why I went with the m7 to begin with.