R56 Advice needed
My opinion is admittedly one-sided, so sorry.
I have the Alta, and love it. I do not know how the DDM CAI sounds, but I can comment on how the Alta sounds. It definitely makes it easier to hear the supercharger whine; that "jet engine" whine that I absolutely LOVE. It is noticeably more pronounced with the Alta (versus stock, that is). Also, if you do the "full install" which involves removing part of the cowl area so it can also draw air from the cowl vent, (which I've done), you'll sometimes also hear a general "sucking" or inhaling sound, especially when your driver's window is down. This sound isn't what I'd call sexy or attractive, but I don't mind it. But overall, the sounds are louder and help to create more excitement when you push down the pedal. Does it increase horsepower? Probably, but probably not enough to notice in reality. It helps with the illusion of horsepower, that's absolutely certain. And sometimes, that's all you need!
The sounds are then multiplied if you have a smaller diameter pulley, as the whine now goes higher pitch. It is an absolutely addictive, wonderful banshee-like wail!
I'm certain that most other CAI's also accomplish this just as well.
The Alta was one of the first ones on the market for the R53. It's a proven design, with a foam filter. It is easily cleaned and re-oiled.
With that being said, is the design still the best? I'm not sure. Some have argued that the Alta really isn't a true cold air intake, in that it isn't sealed from the heat of the engine, (unless you've got the cover, sold separately). I've got to assume that newer designs, like the DDM box, have some innovations that may make it better. In fact, were I to be buying one today, I'd likely really be weighing this very same decision as you, OP. I'd be leaning DDM, if the truth be told.
Like I said, I love my Alta, I really do, but I believe the DDM is just a newer and better evolution of the CAI for an R53 MCS.
I have the Alta, and love it. I do not know how the DDM CAI sounds, but I can comment on how the Alta sounds. It definitely makes it easier to hear the supercharger whine; that "jet engine" whine that I absolutely LOVE. It is noticeably more pronounced with the Alta (versus stock, that is). Also, if you do the "full install" which involves removing part of the cowl area so it can also draw air from the cowl vent, (which I've done), you'll sometimes also hear a general "sucking" or inhaling sound, especially when your driver's window is down. This sound isn't what I'd call sexy or attractive, but I don't mind it. But overall, the sounds are louder and help to create more excitement when you push down the pedal. Does it increase horsepower? Probably, but probably not enough to notice in reality. It helps with the illusion of horsepower, that's absolutely certain. And sometimes, that's all you need!
The sounds are then multiplied if you have a smaller diameter pulley, as the whine now goes higher pitch. It is an absolutely addictive, wonderful banshee-like wail!
I'm certain that most other CAI's also accomplish this just as well.
The Alta was one of the first ones on the market for the R53. It's a proven design, with a foam filter. It is easily cleaned and re-oiled.
With that being said, is the design still the best? I'm not sure. Some have argued that the Alta really isn't a true cold air intake, in that it isn't sealed from the heat of the engine, (unless you've got the cover, sold separately). I've got to assume that newer designs, like the DDM box, have some innovations that may make it better. In fact, were I to be buying one today, I'd likely really be weighing this very same decision as you, OP. I'd be leaning DDM, if the truth be told.
Like I said, I love my Alta, I really do, but I believe the DDM is just a newer and better evolution of the CAI for an R53 MCS.
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