I'm quite reluctant to start a new thread, I don't want to hijack another thread, but I just can't seem to find the information if need.
I want to install a new CAI on my '08 MINI S. I'm reluctant to place an open system in the engine bay, re: Alta, DDM, and most of the rest.
I've noticed that outmotoring as well as 1fastmini are offering a second generation JCW intake using an Alta filter. Do any of you have this system on your non-JCW MINIs? What are your experiences, thoughts, comments, etc.

 

I have put in both the JCW exhaust and CAI. Ordered the JCW CAI through Morristown Mini who sell it for $300. Very easy switch for both, though make sure you have a 27 torx for removing and installing JCW CAI. Had the ECU later updated to get it to stage one specs. The CAI did not really have much of an impact on drone, but you can clearly hear drone from the exhaust between 2700 and 3000 rpms in gears over forth.

 

Thanks for the response. Inquiry: Did you have a chance to drive your MINI with the CAI BEFORE installing the exhaust and if so what did you notice? I'd really like to install the JCW CAI before making an exhaust MOD but I need some further perspective from those who have it installed.

 

I did not. I had the exhaust installed first. In my view, the CAI is not very useful without the ECU upgrade as well. I had noticeable gains with the exhaust, then I installed the CAI about two weeks later, but experienced no difference.

 

Did you notice any change in the sound (other than the exhaust)?

 

I have the full JCW Stage 1 kit, so I can't comment on just the intake, but I can hear more induction noise and a little bit of blow-off that I couldn't hear before. It's still subdued when I'm not on it hard, but sounds good when you get into it.

 

You can hear the turbo working much better with the new CAI. If you are still looking, I happen to be browsing in the eBay UK forums, and found this one with a really cheap Buy It Now.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JCW-stage-1-airbox-Mini-Cooper-S-R56-R55_W0QQitemZ120388937308QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Car sParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item120388937308& _trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1689|66%3A4|65 %3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

You will have to ask if they ship to the US (if you pay more), but if they do, it is a great deal on a JCW intake, less than $180.

He states:
"[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]CW airbox for Mini Cooper S, this came from a stage 1 car and can only be purchased from Mini together with your JCW chassis no. great modification, when dyno'd on my standard cooper S with Forge resonator delete hose I was producing 193bhp. Comes with clean cylindrical cone filter. grab a bargain, very rare. I will only post within the UK."[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

Unfortunately, the bidding has ended. But thanks for the heads-up, it's appreciated.

 

How would you compare that an open system i.e. Alta, DDM, etc.?

 

You will hear more BOV and turbo spool on an open system like the DDMWorks (mine) or the Alta... Other then that difference its not much. Alta claims a 10whp gain with their intake, but I don't know if that holds true in reality, possibly with other mods but with just the intake and nothing else, I can't see that.

 

I personally can't compare since I went from stock to the Stage 1, but from what I've "heard" the JCW is quieter.

 

What did it run to get the ECU upgraded?

 

+1
Did you get the actual stage 1 kit from the dealer?