Paper vs foam air filter
 

Time for a new air filter for my JWC...

Is there much of a difference between standard paper filters and foam filters? There are 2 options I'm considering: Paper Filter or foam filter. The foam filter is supposed to outperform the paper one (and foam filters are usually washable), so it appears to be a better choice. Does anyone have a different opinion?

Paper , change out more often , make sure you have the JCW tube filter. The Pipercross is well made and last a very long time. Higher flow then paper, Also keeps good flow over a period of time , due to the dust holding capabilities of the foam to hold dirt, its light oil also. They used to be the choice filter for MINI Challenge series back in the day. :)

Thanks

MINI seems to think that oiled foam filters can contaminate the MAF sensor. That said... I have used a foam filter (lightly oiled ) for about 3 years with no problem.

Started looking into this while planning my new build.

Paper filter - smallest particle filtered 30 micron. Dust clogs paper rapidly and by 15k miles flow can be reduced by as much as 70%.

Oiled cloth - smallest particle filtered 45 micron. Lets a lot of dirt through but flows well when clean.

Oiled foam - smallest particle filtered 5 micron. Foam provides better filtering and has a greater filtration depth so doesn't clog as quickly as paper. 5000 miles cleaning interval recommended.

Guess which kind of filter is going back in Tigger ;-)

Thanks! So it looks like the foam filter pretty much is the best all the way around, except for the issue Yakatak mentioned. On that note, what oil would you recommend for the foam filter?

Use the Pipercross oil with the Pipercorss filter, its light oil. Apply it as mentioned in the box the filter comes in. No problems with the MAF with these filters. :)

Remember this filter fits the JCW Tuning Kit R56+ airbox and people that have converted to that upper lid on there N14 Cooper S / JCW engine. The Factory JCW cars 2009+ come from the factory with the flat panel filter like the stock Cooper S.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/PX1875/

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/391636_x600.jpg



Pipercross Filter Cleaning Kit

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/C9005/

http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/391601_x600.jpg

Thanks and have a great weekend.

The airflow has been calculated with the original paper filter.The injection is programmed on this flux.More air is not always better.And with the oily things I have had it.With my Bonneville in the sixties it was OK but times are changing.

As ECS indicated the filter manufacturer recommended oil is usually the best. Most foam filters are polyurethane foam and using the wrong oil can destroy them. If the one you buy is poly and there is no recommended oil then UNI Foam makes a good cleaner / oil combo that works well.

MAF contamination is often mentioned as a reason not to use oiled filters. I disagree with this point of view for two reasons. First if your not over oiling the filter it should never be a problem. Second you should remove and clean your MAF sensor every 25k to 30k miles anyway. Just about any auto parts store sells MAF cleaner in a spray can and the procedure couldn't be easier. Turn vehicle off for 10 minutes to let the DME fall asleep or disconnect the battery, remove the MAF sensor, spray thoroughly with cleaner and let air dry and reinstall. One can is enough to clean it 2 or 3 times.

The car will add a bit of fuel to compensate for any extra air. The MAF and MAP will read the extra air, plus the primary O2 would see it running leaner. The car will then add fuel. It's not going to let itself lean out. Now granted it can only compensate so much, once the Long Term Fuel Trim goes too far you will get a CEL. That's when you need a tune. However a simple filter change will not add enough extra air for this to happen.

Yup...filter...pick...like coke vs Pepsi...lots of different sides...and there is a new option...dry foam...
Your cars computer will compensate for airflow differences...
And never over oil....many do...
And use the right cleaning products and oil...fabric and foam are different.

Some Pipercross filters are dry filters and have a couple different foam color stages ( layers), that how you can tell. For the MINI ones we carry right now they are all light oil.

Here some Pippercross JCM parts from the MINI Challenge cars , pretty cool. :)

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post2794428

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...all-of-it-.jpg

Thanks