So, I'm looking to replace the ALTA intake system with a closed system. The current system is just an open cone behind the engine. Instead I would like a closed system so the engine is always getting cold (or in Atlanta during the summer... less hot) air. Would be interested to see if anyone else has used these and the thoughts. So far I've narrowed it down to 3 systems. AEM Intake: $394.95 View attachment 41302 https://www.outmotoring.com/MINI-Cooper-S-AEM-Intake-21-699C_R55-clubman-R56-hatchback-R57-convertible-R58-coupe-R59-roadster-n14-engine-n18-2008-2009-2010-2011-2012-2013-2014-2015-cold-air-intake-upgrade.html What I like about this: Price compared to the other options. Closed system What I'm curious about: How will the plastic hold up over time? Its right above the engine and turbo so I image the heat will be significant. Does it have any "RAM" air effect that the others state they were designed for. It states: The part number for the N14 engine includes the metal inlet hose as shown on the detailed image installed. The N18 engine does NOT include the metal inlet hose, however it does have a silicone elbow hose to connect to the stock inlet hose. Since my car is no where near stock and the stock parts didn't come with it, I will need to confirm the inlet hose on mine is actually stock or figure out if there is a better alternative. Once installed the only upper stress bars that will fit are the GT spec and the AEM bar. RD Race – Full Carbon Intake: $895.00 View attachment 41303 https://www.outmotoring.com/rd-full-race-carbon-fiber-intake-system.html What I like about this: Carbon Fiber... yea. Not sure if that actually has any real value. I.e. is it really lighter than the AEM? What I have concerns with: Price... wow that is expensive. This can be installed on the N18 engine IF you do not install the elbow connector that would normally connect where the Mas air flow sensor is... so does this mean I need to create a custom mount for the Mas air flow sensor? Again, will have to go study my current setup to see. Was the carbon fiber laid well? Most of the other carbon fiber exterior bits on the car the clear is failing.. so working to replace. Would this fail with the heat? I'm considering wrapping the intake to further reduce the heat. If I do that, the "Carbon Fiber" look doesn't really matter. Instead it would be weight and air flow design. Did I say price... this bad boy is up there. Think its the most expensive system I've found. DDM: RAM Air intake: $448.00 http://www.detroittuned.com/ddm-works-r56-cooper-s-race-intake-system/ What I like about this: Specifically designed for the MINI. (not that the others were not but in their description they discuss) Pressurized air box design "The DDMWorks RAS (Ram Air Scoop) The unique shape of the DDMWorks RAS was designed to accelerate the incoming air from the hood scoop and keep the new intake box under pressure forcing even more cold air into the turbo and engine. Two diverters on the back of the RAS direct the air down into the filter, and the RAS seals with the top of our pressurized filter box (PFB) to ensure a cool ambient air supply." Discuss that it was designed to not impede maintenance. Installs easily over the bottom of your stock intake. Designed with a question I was asking... "We often get questions about water and the hood scoop and if there are any problems with water ingestion while driving in heavy rain." What I have concerns about: What strut brace will work with this system? Will the GT spec and the AEM bar work? Anybody have any experience with these? Am I missing any other good options?
It's been a few years since I researched aftermarket intakes, but I did find that the best intake is the factory cold air intake, unless you are looking more for noise than horsepower. I no longer have the links saved, but there are a bunch on YouTube comparing stock v.s. aftermarket air intakes, using a chassis dynamometer, and in almost every case the oem intake produced the most horsepower. Automobile engineers really do know what they are doing. The best one for your MINI is probably the JCW intake. The RAM effect only works in a very narrow RPM band, in an intake specifically designed for each installation.
Ok - I will have to look into that. Since I don't have the factory one, if it produces more power than aftermarket using the scoop, I would go with that. Will do some research on that. The question would be is it better for stock or stock and modified? That said, I do like the noise when it starts sucking in air currently..
MCM did a few videos on CAI vs OEM and they came to the same conclusion - OEM = More Horsepower, CAI = Better Noise.
Zip zilch zero ram air with any of those. This is a B-727 I have lots of time in them. The #2 engine takes a huge power hit because of the S duct. The air comes in then has to make two turns to make it to the engine. On the Mini after it goes in the hood scope and makes it to the air box I don't think there would be much if any added pressure. At least not enough to make a difference. I, like you, think the noise is added fun so it is worth it and I do thank it would bring in cooler air. That is good. I like the AEM and the DDM. @Qik intake looks good too.
The AEM didn't add any additional noise to my R56. It's still basically a closed system so shouldn't't add any noise. Don't really care for the intake noise on these cars anyway. Now, if it moaned like a big 4 barrel......
Ah - thats the problem and why I cannot find my package... no RAM air.. Regarding the video, I do agree that the performance gains are nominal in many cases. However my case is a little different, I have the "cone" filter sucking in hot heat (previous owner) that lost power in the video... as expected IMO. Also the fan does not produce the wind velocity of a car at 60mph. That said, lets run a test. If someone has a OEM JCW intake I can borrow I will test it against at least one of these mentioned above. The test will consist of: 1) Hot engine runs on the Dyno on the same day. (I will pre-test fit so switch quickly, plus I will test engine temp before each run) and try to normalize. That will give the "sitting" results. 2) I will also do a test at speed. Lets say 20, 60, 80mph.... My thought here is to use something like Dash Cmd in log mode. (open to other suggestions). I will be looking primarily at two things: 1) HP 2) Torque Thoughts? Let me know if I missed anything or if anyone has any better ideas...
I've got a bunch of hours riding in a three holer back in the early 70's. We had one that made the rounds of all the bases in the far east and SEA every week.
Yall suck... lost my flight contract after TBS... due to one bad eye test. Still 20/20 but spread was too wide. My choice was the only plane that could accelerate in the vertical at that time... So... I raced motorcycles instead.
The one we used was the short body. Configured about 60/40 cargo to passengers. I guess the short body was better for the combat takeoffs and landings in SEA. Thing was better than a Six Flags ride landing at Tan Son Nhut. Kinda miss the flying. Only been on one plane since retiring in '88.
This same thing happened to one of my friends. I think he is still 20/20. Hate to hear that happened.
Here's a less expensive carbon fiber intake, and I normally advise against buying from ECS tuning but they do offer a nice intake. https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_R56_R55_R57_R58_R59_R60_R61_Cooper_Clubman_Countryman_Paceman_Coupe_Roadster_S_JCW_ECS_Tuning_Kohlefaser_Luft_Technik_Intake_System_2007_2008_2009_2010_2011_2012_2013_2014_2015/?salesrep=mhecking&utm_source=northamericanmotoring&utm_medium=forum&utm_content=mhecking&utm_campaign=newpost
At that point I was in the Marines.. I thought it was only the F/A-18 hornet that could. Looking today it appears the F-15 also does. Either way, I was looking to fly off aircraft carriers... Thanks! I'll take a look.
I have the JCW intake from the Helmet if you would like to use it for the testing. Its a N14 I don't know if it will fit a N18. I will take a look at my wife car and see if there the same unless someone els knows the answer.
I think it'll fit. The reason I say think is, when asking Wayland about the JCW intake he had for sale he said I'd need the N14 intake's bottom half to fit the JCW top portion of the box and filter on my N18.
I can offer one bit of helpful advice: If you are trying to keep the intake air as cool as possible DO NOT use carbon fiber or metal tubes. The themold plastics and rubber commonly found in most vehicles intakes are actually better at insulating the air inside the in intake from the heat of the engine bay. Both metal and carbon fiber conduct heat EASILY into the tubes. It's a small difference on FI cars but every little bit adds up.