Completely agree. After some research, Carbon fiber not going to happen. If I go with metal, I was thinking about using some of the "gold" reflector tape I've seen on some other builds. Of course I would do some testing to see if it actually works so everyone else would know. I'm actually talking with MADNESS autoworks about testing a new prototype they have.. will know about that next week.
I had an open cone filter in my R60 for a while. While it sounded fantastic and seemed to add just a touch more bottom end power, I started noticing that even in the PNW where the temps are pretty mild, the intake air temp was running at least ten degrees higher. After I replaced my diverter with a DV+, there was no more diverter noise to speak of (DV+ is very quiet) there was no reason to keep it, so I went back to the factory airbox. The difference in sound is drastic, the difference in performance is negligible for the most part, until you bring in the heat-soak that it is not happening now, and I'm more than willing to sacrifice the noise for the temp difference alone, but also holding more boost between shifts is a plus as well. I don’t think you can really do much better than the factory airbox for the heat that you get down there in Atlanta (did I remember that correctly?) except maybe the JCW airbox with the round filter. I have actually been looking at my airbox and I’m pretty sure that it can be converted to a similar set-up. If you remove the plastic braces that are screwed into the lid, then you would need to attach an insert of some kind to accept the filter.....something like a tube with a 60 degree bend and seal it into the lid opening. If it works you could cut out part of the lid if you wanted (like the JCW) that may satisfy some of the sound freaks like me...... what do you think?
Years ago, when I first bought my R50, I was into modding it slightly...knowing how fragile the CVT was. So, I added a Madness 3-hole rear sway bar, EBC Green Stuff pads with s/s lines, a Helix catback, M7 strut tower defenders [because Ohio roads are so bumpy], and a generic cold air intake I found on eBay. The intake is a closed up cone and has been on the car since 2005, with no problems whatsoever. I think the intake set me back around $40-$50 and has been worth every penny.
Good info and points - in general agree factory is probably best in most cases. In my case, I don't have the factory and I only have the open air box. So looking for a sealed. My plan is to do the following: 1) Dyno run in current setup for baseline 2) Put on the factory airbox @MCS02 provided to me on lone.. test 3) Put on a closed air aftermarket (have to buy one anyone).. test The test will be both Dyno and road. I'll pre-install each to make sure I can swap them out. Ideally I can get all test done on the same day. Won't be perfect comparison.. but will at least be able to see what we figure out. If anyone has a aftermarket sealed on they want to lend me for the test let me know. However, its going to be a little while as I'm primarily working on the site to try and finish getting the main components done post migration... then the fun will begin.
There is a closed airbox on ebay right now for $40 or so shipped free from Honk Konk. I searched "closed airbox for MINI Cooper" and they list all sorts of cars their product fits.
Thanks for looking that up. Personally I want to test the AEM one or one similar... both on Dyno and at speed (not a fan blowing air). More curious as we all have been around this conversation regarding intakes. Put a cone filter and your car gains 20HP... blah, blah, blah... With modern cars OEM can and do make some very good intakes especially for their performance cars. Many times aftermarket get it wrong. For example on a Porsche 928, the intake tubes were ribbed. Its my understanding that had better flow characteristics compared to smooth (once air was flowing through it). Personally I would have thought it creates more turbulance... have to see if I can find that article again. Mine ride (haven't figured out name.. open to suggestions) has a FrankenTurbo, Aquamist, exhaust, tune etc.. So with these changes the question will be is the factory one still good enough or does the aftermarket make a difference (significant.. especially if the intake is $400.00). I have one or two companies who are talking about loaning me there's once I define the testing. I would love to see MA (me/members) do testing and reviews that is documented etc. Ideally we can have the manufactures help support that (product loans etc).. i.e. they stand behind their efforts. Not there yet, but working on it. It will be apart of the "Market" update. If you or anyone else has anything they want to test / prove - let me know and I'll see what I can figure out to help support. Here is the AEM - scoop cold air. Also looking at the DDM: https://www.amazon.com/AEM-21-699C-Cold-Intake-System/dp/B0070WAVNC Its expensive.... so we will see where I end up. Thanks again for looking it up.
Sorry, I'm not tech savvy at all. It's all I can do to just turn on my PC. WTF is a "link"? Insofar as eBay goes, all I did was to put in "MINI Cooper closed cold air box" and hit search. There were a bunch of hi-end boxes and then this one [which actually looks good in the pic] for $40 or so...shipped free from Hong Kong. That's all I know...sorry.
Oh When your on the page you found just highlight whatever in the address box of the browser copy (highlight go to edit pulldown menu click copy) then come back here and click past in your post and thats it. Well it sounds simple at least
Sorry...while that MAY sound simple, it is WAYYYYY beyond my learning curve. However, if you get on ebay, just do what I did and search mini cooper closed cold airbox, and you will only have to scroll down a few to find the unit I found last night. Cigars, I know, as well as Spanish...........
I did the search and didn’t see a new one for $40.. found some used factory ones for around that price. https://m.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=mini+cooper+closed+airbox&_from=R40&_trksid=m4084.l1313&_nkw=mini+cooper+closed+cold+airbox If you remove “cold” from the search a lot more used ones pop up.