I recently purchased a JCW Intake and installed it last night. Every user review I have heard makes reference to the noticeable difference in sound when the car hits 4,500 RPM and the valve opens.

I hear no such sound and am convinced that the valve is not opening.

What could be wrong? Or more specifically, what part of the install actually controls/involves the valve?

Also, have others found that the intake is barely louder than stock? I prefer to have as much performance with as little noise, so I'm certainly not complaining. But I have to admit...I was looking forward to a little extra yelp at 4,500.

 

Did you check all your connections and vacuum line? Make sure you have it grounded properly...

 

correct me if im wrong but dont you need the ecu flashed to enable the flap

 

That's correct, from everything I read on here..

 

I'm fairly confident that all of my connections are good - I've double checked them and they're OK.

Pardon my obvious n00bness, but any help with the following questions would be appreciated...

1. Does the ECU need to be flashed even if the Intake is installed by itself (i.e. No injectors, etc. - I only installed the Intake).

2. Will the dealer flash the ECU? If not, then whom? And at what cost?

Thanks!

 

You do not need your ECU to be re-flashed to enable the flap opening. The wire connection that you make during install does the job. That circuit does something (Sends a signal to injector circuit?) starting at 4,500rpm to enable the flap opening powered by vacuum.

 

Exactly- its all about the wire connection being done correctly, the ECU does not have to be flashed.

 

Search for my posts on the install tips - there are pics that will help you, specifically with the wire connection responsible for it - and why it's commonly installed wrong, and how to properly do it.

 

The JCW intake is fairly quiet, and I thought that my flap wasn't opening also on my 2005 S JCW. I was sure it didn't open, and had called my service dept. I ended up putting my fingers in the flap area in the intake and my wife rev'ed the engine and surprise the flap was actually opening, just quietly. I ended up removing the flap entirely, letting cold air in all the time. I had a rouge/madness/turner motorsport CAI on my 2004 MINI and it was louder/nice. So simply have someone rev the motor and check the flap is opening. I would love to have a dyno comparison for JCW and aftermarket CAI.

Matt, 2005 Cooper S, LSD, JCW engine and suspension....

 

Odd, it is extremely evident when the flap opens on mine - the whining sound of the sc is quite loud.