So I'm looking at installing a CAI system or exhaust on my R56 Justa and I have a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers I'm looking for online because all the post are really old. Should I install exhaust first or a CAI system? If CAI is ok to do first what system should I purchase? I'm ok with a loud intake but performance is the main reason for the install.
Thanks for the help.

 

I personally would say a CAI. On my MCS 07' I installed with K&N. However the AEM would have been a better choice since it contains a direct funnel in the kit.

 

A CAI will give you no performance enhancements that you can feel, regardless of what propaganda you might have read.

They do make the car sound good though.

 

Ok if performance is not factor what CAI will sound the best? Is VIP still open? I was thinking about going that direction because it is not an enclosed filter but it seems like people give the DDM good reviews. I will have to check out the AEM.

 

I went with the AEM CAI. It's a quality kit. I didn't feel any huge power gains but I do like the subtle turbo whine and BOV. If you go with that kit check autoanything.com. Get on their mailing list. They always send out coupons. I was able to get 20% off. Also check the vendors on this site as they might have it on sale. Good luck with your upgrading!

 

Mine is a non-s so I don't think AEM makes an intake for mine.

Thanks

 

Go with the DDMworks Intake we dyno tested it and proved it made power, plus you get good throttle response improvement and a cool sound.

The Intake gives you more gain than the exhaust so start with it.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/ddmwork...5-r56-r57.html

 

I went with an open element. I've had several including some I just made myself. They are all the same in terms of what you really get in the long run. Sound is amazing, it makes me wonder who the jack-*** was at BMini who said "its too loud, make that silent".

 

Sorry I missed that. Have fun with the upgrade!!

 

Thanks for all the help. I will be ordering a DDM this evening and I did the silencer mod today.

 

***Update*** I installed my DDM intake last night and so far I'm really happy with it. WayMotorWorks shipped it the next day and I received it 3 days later. Which I thought was pretty fast. It was a simple install other than my misunderstanding of what DDM considered the lid. Now I'm wondering if there is any other place to purchase the intake tube to delete the silencer box other than VIP.

I'm pretty sure it's just me... But because the car sounds faster, I feel like it has better throttle response and quicker acceleration. Worth the money for the sound even if it doesn't help performance much.

Thanks again for your help. Any other upgrades recommended?

 

Just curious, but why not use the VIP?

 

No reason. I was just curious if there was other options. I would prefer to replace the tube from start to finish if that makes since. It's surprising to me that only one company makes it. I may have to go that direction if there is nothing more.

 

For your consideration, this is how I fitted the DDM and AirVIP:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3942060

 

Oh I wasn't aware that they didn't fit perfectly. Thanks for the link. Other than the hose needing to be cut it seems relatively simple with some brute force?

Thanks