MINI2

sa3dos · Oct 31st, 2005, 05:44 AM

I am opening this thread hopping to settle the Air Intake issue;

Lots of people seem to be confused which is the best Air Filter; Best for Performance ? Best for Noise ? etc..

I have been making researches here and on northamericanmotoring.com and some readings from extra websites, and I have found many responses about different types of intakes for the MINI Cooper (Non-S)

To begin, the most common intakes are:

K&N (57i & Typhoon)
Pipercross (Regular & Viper)
Monster Force intake
BMP/ProMINI Performance
Green's Twister Intake

I will include some facts and thoughts from users who have experience with each individual air intake brand:

Monster Force Intake

- " I am pretty happy with it, nice aggressive tone, feels like a little more power, and looks pretty cool under there. I liked the idea of the air cradle and the build quality ... I am sticking with it. "

- " I spent $139 on it and I love it for the throaty growl alone, that growl puts a big satisfied smile on my face. It's got the largest K&N filter of all intakes out there and no restrictive convoluted air intake path."

- " Definitely a very aggressive sounding intake, sound really starts kicking in at 3500 RPM's and above 4000 it's pretty impressive."

- " finally got the Monster! The sound alone is worth the swap!"

- " the car definitely feels quicker off the line ... The car pulls better at 3000 RPM's, and I know it's not the sound that makes me think it's happening ... but the Monster gets a little more power and the tone is certainly aggressive.

- " I selected the intake because 1.) it used a K&N, 2.) it offered the largest K&N filter that would fit (more area=less restriction), and 3.) the air ramp that helps direct air from the cool air intlet to the filter ... I was surprised that if you pop the hood right after a hard drive, everything is still cool to the touch. I noticed a slight increase in preformance, while the sound became a nice thoaty tone. It's definately deeper than other intakes I've heard. The engine growl is addicting--especially after 4k.

BMP/ProMINI Performance Intake

- " The BMP/ProMini intake about $198.95 "

- " just put the BMP/PROMINI on and like the sound and there's a definate improvement in performance. No more stumble on hard accelleration. Better low end grunt, (no more waiting for 4k for the kick). "

- " designed and engineered the intake patiently, making this system the best yet...it's a must have for those owners not looking to go too crazy with the mods just yet. "

- " As an auto engineering student, the air flow that ProMINI intake receives is quickly directed to the throttle body; the removal of the longer throttle body connector, which is replaced by a stubby silicone coupling give the MC better pick-up that YOU CAN ACTUALLY FEEL. At the range of RPM from 3000-4000 in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and even 5th it really does growl...such a beautiful sound. "

Pipercross

- Fact: JCW uses Pipercross to their Air-intake (for the Works Kit.)

- " I am referring to the pipercross induction kit, I think it's the pk22 or something like that, not the CAI.). Great sound, but after I installed the Rogue exhaust, the intake sound becomes almost irelevant. The pipercross seems a bit peppier than stock above 4k rpm. "

- "I have the piper cross pk222 ... Just be aware that it sucks the bonnet liner so you will need to put some duct tape directly above where it sits ... You can really notice earlier pickup and reving is much freer. I would say that 6 hp gain is realistic ... I would recommed it as long as you are happy with duct tape etc."

Green's Twister Intake

- "Installation wasn't too bad, but this doesn't mean the parts were engineered well at all. After waiting for a few months, I received the first PROMINI/ BMP Performance Intake that outmotoring.com got their hands on. I installed it in the dark the night I got the package, then took the MC for a test run...let me tell you it is probably THE BEST INTAKE on the market so far; It has a substantial increase in power and sound, unlike the Green Twister."

K&N

- Lots and lots of information about this brand, listing some here will not be helpful as they are A LOT of opinions about it.

Conclusion:

After all the opinions above, and researches, I think there is a strong competetion between Monster Force , BMP/ProMINI Performance and K&NIntakes

Should we say there are Downs and Ups in each brand and thus, there is no Best Choice ?

Any additional information are highly wanted ( especially if you got Technical Info. about a specefic brand, please add it )

sa3dos · Oct 31st, 2005, 10:22 PM

Monster Force or BMP/ProMINI Performance

BMP/ProMINI has this Metal cover around it, which looks Neat, but the Air filter is normal cylindrical shape ( $ 190 )

Monster Force has a the biggest Air Filter shape ( and uses K&N ). I heared it costs $139 but I am not sure where to order it from !

Which one do you experts think I should go with ?

6f7 · Nov 1st, 2005, 01:43 AM

I have the Monster Intake. I believe Monster was a division of abdracing [vw performance stuff]. I think that they stopped making parts for the MINI. Too bad...it's sweet.

6f7 · Nov 3rd, 2005, 04:04 PM

here is another one on the market...Magnum

sa3dos · Nov 3rd, 2005, 05:26 PM

Ths Magnum looks really neat, but it looks like you connect it to the Factory Tube ( going to the throttle) Which i dont think is a good idea.

Any one tried it or know anything about it ??

sa3dos · Nov 5th, 2005, 04:19 AM

Any reviews ??

cristo · Nov 5th, 2005, 12:18 PM

I have the Mini Mania (now called Ultrik) intake for my MC

here's a copy of an old post:

I just installed the MiniMania cold air intake on my cooper. They forgot to send
the instructions, but faxed me a copy when I called them. Installation requires
pulling out the stock resonator/snorkel/silencer, which is a bit difficult, but
possible. Don't count on being able to put it back in easily, however. You also
have to trim the rubber gasket at the inlet to the stock lower air filter housing, so
again, don't count on reverting back to the stock system easily. The intake tube
is a little bigger than stock, with a larger entry into the air filter housing and eliminates
the stock resonator/etc. The air filter housing top is different, but is almost the same
as the stock one except the inside roof is smoother. The stock one fits and seals
better, so I stayed with the stock top. A foam-oil drop-in filter is included, and the
K&N drop in filter works with this kit as well. (or even the stock filter, but you
might lose a hp).
It sound like stock at idle, there's a deep boomy (but not too loud) resonance at
2200-3300 rpm at 80% to 100% open throttle (It comes on fairly abruptly at about
80% open), and a mild to moderate throaty growl added from 3500-redline at half to
full throttle.
I did some 25-40, 30-50, 40-55, and 45-55 runs in 2nd gear with my Tazzo VPC, and
found avg hp were up about 1 hp from 3000-5000 and 3 hp from 5000-6000 compared
to the stock system with a drop-in K&N filter. It seems a little expensive ($170 for
what you get (mainly a new filter and a better intake tube), but so are all the other
intakes. I like the fact that it's a true cold air intake, and like the sound overall, except
for the low end boominess at WOT.

sa3dos · Nov 6th, 2005, 01:29 AM

cristo, is the Cold Air Intake system you are reffering to is the same one << Here! >> (Click to follow link)
???

If so, this system looks so much like the Stock one.

After reading and reading about intakes, i found that an air intake system with a round (non-restrictive) filter is the best to gain power, and enhance noise !

cristo · Nov 6th, 2005, 12:21 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by sa3dos

cristo, is the Cold Air Intake system you are reffering to is the same one << Here! >> (Click to follow link)
???

If so, this system looks so much like the Stock one.

After reading and reading about intakes, i found that an air intake system with a round (non-restrictive) filter is the best to gain power, and enhance noise !

Yep, that's the one

OldRick · Nov 6th, 2005, 03:45 PM

You may find that all of these aftermarket intakes actually lose midrange torque, which is much more important than high-end HP for everyday driving. Here's a thread on NAM:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ad.php?t=54428

sa3dos · Nov 7th, 2005, 04:18 AM

I dont know OldRick, some people claim 9 - 12 hp gain and have dyno proofs,, some say no gain,, some say Noise only,, most say that more power and noise kicks in at 4000 rpm,, its crazy how there is no One answer to this !!

word gave me an interesting link about air intakes,, its good

Link

Spoony · Nov 7th, 2005, 05:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by OldRick

You may find that all of these aftermarket intakes actually lose midrange torque, which is much more important than high-end HP for everyday driving. Here's a thread on NAM:
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ad.php?t=54428

Yep, you're right and not alot of people realise that.

I have installed both the Pipercross PK222 and the MiniMania Ultrik CAI and found the Ultrik CAI to be worth every penny. There was no power loss in mid range torque and a slightly noticeable increase in high-end HP and also makes a nice sound without sounding too intrusive like the Pipercross.

After fitting the Pipercross there was a very noticeable loss in mid range torque but there was also a noticeable increase in high-end HP, more than what the Ultrik could achieve.
I found myself revving alot from stand still in order to get the optimum performance out of it, and could certainly feel a noticeable difference when doing that.
The other niggle I have with it is that I didn't like the way it was all meant to be installed, I felt it made my engine bay look untidy and unnecessary.

Anyway, im sticking with the Ultrik CAI. That together with my PlayMini exhaust sounds fantastic.

sa3dos · Nov 7th, 2005, 10:40 PM

At least now we have two members who agree on the results of MiniMania, but they dont share a common thought regarding the price !!

Spoony, I think if you compare the MiniMania with Pipercross "Viper" then you would notice a difference, not only in power, but also in Loudness ( which i dont think is pleasant to you

)

I was really into getting the BMP/ProMINI Intake because of the neat design until I read the disadvantages of having a restrictive CAI system @ low rpms. It works best with High Flow of air.

Thus, my options are now narrowed to K&N Typhoon or INJEN or Pipercross Viper ( Although the Pipercross viper is very restrictive, yet so many users put thumbs up for it ! There is something about it making it the most expensive one between others.

Spoony · Nov 8th, 2005, 06:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by sa3dos

At least now we have two members who agree on the results of MiniMania, but they dont share a common thought regarding the price !!

Spoony, I think if you compare the MiniMania with Pipercross "Viper" then you would notice a difference, not only in power, but also in Loudness ( which i dont think is pleasant to you

)

I was really into getting the BMP/ProMINI Intake because of the neat design until I read the disadvantages of having a restrictive CAI system @ low rpms. It works best with High Flow of air.

Thus, my options are now narrowed to K&N Typhoon or INJEN or Pipercross Viper ( Although the Pipercross viper is very restrictive, yet so many users put thumbs up for it ! There is something about it making it the most expensive one between others.

I know the Pipercross viper is the most effective one to have in order to get the most noticeable power gains. The sound of the Viper is not too intrusive either, but only when the air hose is directly connected to the carbon filter. I understand that if you want it louder, remove the air hose which goes from the front of the car to the filter, then you'll get the louder induction sound.

I really cant see any advantage in having either the K & N Typhoon or the Injen as opposed to the Pipercross PK222, apart from the fact the PK222 is a foam filter and the other two are paper. They are all open cone filters and will need plenty of air flowing to the filter in order to be a optimum performance, otherwise you will get mid range power loss.

I have read and heard very good responses regarding the Pipercross Viper and if I didn't mind committing myself to spending £250 for an air filter I'd go for that. But I'm sticking with the Ultrik as air is fed directly to the filter box, which is what the Viper does, thus being very effective in power gains etc, is more reasonably priced, and also can be easily disguised when taking to a dealership for servicing etc (warranty).

Oct 31st, 2005, 05:44 AM	#1
sa3dos Black Cat Owner My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montreal Local Time: 06:40 AM Posts: 128 Offline	MC Air Intake Brands Comparison I am opening this thread hopping to settle the Air Intake issue; Lots of people seem to be confused which is the best Air Filter; Best for Performance ? Best for Noise ? etc.. I have been making researches here and on northamericanmotoring.com and some readings from extra websites, and I have found many responses about different types of intakes for the MINI Cooper (Non-S) To begin, the most common intakes are: K&N (57i & Typhoon) Pipercross (Regular & Viper) Monster Force intake BMP/ProMINI Performance Green's Twister Intake I will include some facts and thoughts from users who have experience with each individual air intake brand: Monster Force Intake - " I am pretty happy with it, nice aggressive tone, feels like a little more power, and looks pretty cool under there. I liked the idea of the air cradle and the build quality ... I am sticking with it. " - " I spent $139 on it and I love it for the throaty growl alone, that growl puts a big satisfied smile on my face. It's got the largest K&N filter of all intakes out there and no restrictive convoluted air intake path." - " Definitely a very aggressive sounding intake, sound really starts kicking in at 3500 RPM's and above 4000 it's pretty impressive." - " finally got the Monster! The sound alone is worth the swap!" - " the car definitely feels quicker off the line ... The car pulls better at 3000 RPM's, and I know it's not the sound that makes me think it's happening ... but the Monster gets a little more power and the tone is certainly aggressive. - " I selected the intake because 1.) it used a K&N, 2.) it offered the largest K&N filter that would fit (more area=less restriction), and 3.) the air ramp that helps direct air from the cool air intlet to the filter ... I was surprised that if you pop the hood right after a hard drive, everything is still cool to the touch. I noticed a slight increase in preformance, while the sound became a nice thoaty tone. It's definately deeper than other intakes I've heard. The engine growl is addicting--especially after 4k. BMP/ProMINI Performance Intake - " The BMP/ProMini intake about $198.95 " - " just put the BMP/PROMINI on and like the sound and there's a definate improvement in performance. No more stumble on hard accelleration. Better low end grunt, (no more waiting for 4k for the kick). " - " designed and engineered the intake patiently, making this system the best yet...it's a must have for those owners not looking to go too crazy with the mods just yet. " - " As an auto engineering student, the air flow that ProMINI intake receives is quickly directed to the throttle body; the removal of the longer throttle body connector, which is replaced by a stubby silicone coupling give the MC better pick-up that YOU CAN ACTUALLY FEEL. At the range of RPM from 3000-4000 in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and even 5th it really does growl...such a beautiful sound. " Pipercross - Fact: JCW uses Pipercross to their Air-intake (for the Works Kit.) - " I am referring to the pipercross induction kit, I think it's the pk22 or something like that, not the CAI.). Great sound, but after I installed the Rogue exhaust, the intake sound becomes almost irelevant. The pipercross seems a bit peppier than stock above 4k rpm. " - "I have the piper cross pk222 ... Just be aware that it sucks the bonnet liner so you will need to put some duct tape directly above where it sits ... You can really notice earlier pickup and reving is much freer. I would say that 6 hp gain is realistic ... I would recommed it as long as you are happy with duct tape etc." Green's Twister Intake - "Installation wasn't too bad, but this doesn't mean the parts were engineered well at all. After waiting for a few months, I received the first PROMINI/ BMP Performance Intake that outmotoring.com got their hands on. I installed it in the dark the night I got the package, then took the MC for a test run...let me tell you it is probably THE BEST INTAKE on the market so far; It has a substantial increase in power and sound, unlike the Green Twister." K&N - Lots and lots of information about this brand, listing some here will not be helpful as they are A LOT of opinions about it. Conclusion: After all the opinions above, and researches, I think there is a strong competetion between Monster Force , BMP/ProMINI Performance and K&NIntakes Should we say there are Downs and Ups in each brand and thus, there is no Best Choice ? Any additional information are highly wanted ( especially if you got Technical Info. about a specefic brand, please add it )

Oct 31st, 2005, 10:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
sa3dos Black Cat Owner My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montreal Local Time: 06:40 AM Posts: 128 Offline	Monster Force or BMP/ProMINI Performance BMP/ProMINI has this Metal cover around it, which looks Neat, but the Air filter is normal cylindrical shape ( $ 190 ) Monster Force has a the biggest Air Filter shape ( and uses K&N ). I heared it costs $139 but I am not sure where to order it from ! Which one do you experts think I should go with ? Attached Thumbnails

Nov 3rd, 2005, 05:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
sa3dos Black Cat Owner My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montreal Local Time: 06:40 AM Posts: 128 Offline	Ths Magnum looks really neat, but it looks like you connect it to the Factory Tube ( going to the throttle) Which i dont think is a good idea. Any one tried it or know anything about it ?? Attached Thumbnails

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Nov 1st, 2005, 01:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
6f7 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Local Time: 04:40 AM Posts: 264 Offline	I have the Monster Intake. I believe Monster was a division of abdracing [vw performance stuff]. I think that they stopped making parts for the MINI. Too bad...it's sweet.

Nov 3rd, 2005, 04:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
6f7 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Local Time: 04:40 AM Posts: 264 Offline	here is another one on the market...Magnum

Nov 5th, 2005, 04:19 AM	#6 (permalink)
sa3dos Black Cat Owner My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montreal Local Time: 06:40 AM Posts: 128 Offline	Any reviews ??

Nov 5th, 2005, 12:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
cristo BLIKSEM (my brg/brg mc) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: york, pennsylvania Local Time: 06:40 AM Posts: 2,203 Offline	I have the Mini Mania (now called Ultrik) intake for my MC here's a copy of an old post: I just installed the MiniMania cold air intake on my cooper. They forgot to send the instructions, but faxed me a copy when I called them. Installation requires pulling out the stock resonator/snorkel/silencer, which is a bit difficult, but possible. Don't count on being able to put it back in easily, however. You also have to trim the rubber gasket at the inlet to the stock lower air filter housing, so again, don't count on reverting back to the stock system easily. The intake tube is a little bigger than stock, with a larger entry into the air filter housing and eliminates the stock resonator/etc. The air filter housing top is different, but is almost the same as the stock one except the inside roof is smoother. The stock one fits and seals better, so I stayed with the stock top. A foam-oil drop-in filter is included, and the K&N drop in filter works with this kit as well. (or even the stock filter, but you might lose a hp). It sound like stock at idle, there's a deep boomy (but not too loud) resonance at 2200-3300 rpm at 80% to 100% open throttle (It comes on fairly abruptly at about 80% open), and a mild to moderate throaty growl added from 3500-redline at half to full throttle. I did some 25-40, 30-50, 40-55, and 45-55 runs in 2nd gear with my Tazzo VPC, and found avg hp were up about 1 hp from 3000-5000 and 3 hp from 5000-6000 compared to the stock system with a drop-in K&N filter. It seems a little expensive ($170 for what you get (mainly a new filter and a better intake tube), but so are all the other intakes. I like the fact that it's a true cold air intake, and like the sound overall, except for the low end boominess at WOT.

Nov 6th, 2005, 01:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
sa3dos Black Cat Owner My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montreal Local Time: 06:40 AM Posts: 128 Offline	cristo, is the Cold Air Intake system you are reffering to is the same one << Here! >> (Click to follow link) ??? If so, this system looks so much like the Stock one. After reading and reading about intakes, i found that an air intake system with a round (non-restrictive) filter is the best to gain power, and enhance noise !

Nov 6th, 2005, 12:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
cristo BLIKSEM (my brg/brg mc) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: york, pennsylvania Local Time: 06:40 AM Posts: 2,203 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by sa3dos cristo, is the Cold Air Intake system you are reffering to is the same one << Here! >> (Click to follow link) ??? If so, this system looks so much like the Stock one. After reading and reading about intakes, i found that an air intake system with a round (non-restrictive) filter is the best to gain power, and enhance noise ! Yep, that's the one

Nov 6th, 2005, 03:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
OldRick 40-yr. sports car tweaker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Oregon Local Time: 03:40 AM Posts: 96 Offline	You may find that all of these aftermarket intakes actually lose midrange torque, which is much more important than high-end HP for everyday driving. Here's a thread on NAM: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ad.php?t=54428

Nov 7th, 2005, 04:18 AM	#11 (permalink)
sa3dos Black Cat Owner My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montreal Local Time: 06:40 AM Posts: 128 Offline	I dont know OldRick, some people claim 9 - 12 hp gain and have dyno proofs,, some say no gain,, some say Noise only,, most say that more power and noise kicks in at 4000 rpm,, its crazy how there is no One answer to this !! word gave me an interesting link about air intakes,, its good Link

Nov 7th, 2005, 05:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
Spoony MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Saffron Walden Local Time: 11:40 AM Posts: 204 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by OldRick You may find that all of these aftermarket intakes actually lose midrange torque, which is much more important than high-end HP for everyday driving. Here's a thread on NAM: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ad.php?t=54428 Yep, you're right and not alot of people realise that. I have installed both the Pipercross PK222 and the MiniMania Ultrik CAI and found the Ultrik CAI to be worth every penny. There was no power loss in mid range torque and a slightly noticeable increase in high-end HP and also makes a nice sound without sounding too intrusive like the Pipercross. After fitting the Pipercross there was a very noticeable loss in mid range torque but there was also a noticeable increase in high-end HP, more than what the Ultrik could achieve. I found myself revving alot from stand still in order to get the optimum performance out of it, and could certainly feel a noticeable difference when doing that. The other niggle I have with it is that I didn't like the way it was all meant to be installed, I felt it made my engine bay look untidy and unnecessary. Anyway, im sticking with the Ultrik CAI. That together with my PlayMini exhaust sounds fantastic.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Nov 7th, 2005, 10:40 PM	#13 (permalink)
sa3dos Black Cat Owner My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montreal Local Time: 06:40 AM Posts: 128 Offline	At least now we have two members who agree on the results of MiniMania, but they dont share a common thought regarding the price !! Spoony, I think if you compare the MiniMania with Pipercross "Viper" then you would notice a difference, not only in power, but also in Loudness ( which i dont think is pleasant to you ) I was really into getting the BMP/ProMINI Intake because of the neat design until I read the disadvantages of having a restrictive CAI system @ low rpms. It works best with High Flow of air. Thus, my options are now narrowed to K&N Typhoon or INJEN or Pipercross Viper ( Although the Pipercross viper is very restrictive, yet so many users put thumbs up for it ! There is something about it making it the most expensive one between others.

Nov 8th, 2005, 06:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
Spoony MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Saffron Walden Local Time: 11:40 AM Posts: 204 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by sa3dos At least now we have two members who agree on the results of MiniMania, but they dont share a common thought regarding the price !! Spoony, I think if you compare the MiniMania with Pipercross "Viper" then you would notice a difference, not only in power, but also in Loudness ( which i dont think is pleasant to you ) I was really into getting the BMP/ProMINI Intake because of the neat design until I read the disadvantages of having a restrictive CAI system @ low rpms. It works best with High Flow of air. Thus, my options are now narrowed to K&N Typhoon or INJEN or Pipercross Viper ( Although the Pipercross viper is very restrictive, yet so many users put thumbs up for it ! There is something about it making it the most expensive one between others. I know the Pipercross viper is the most effective one to have in order to get the most noticeable power gains. The sound of the Viper is not too intrusive either, but only when the air hose is directly connected to the carbon filter. I understand that if you want it louder, remove the air hose which goes from the front of the car to the filter, then you'll get the louder induction sound. I really cant see any advantage in having either the K & N Typhoon or the Injen as opposed to the Pipercross PK222, apart from the fact the PK222 is a foam filter and the other two are paper. They are all open cone filters and will need plenty of air flowing to the filter in order to be a optimum performance, otherwise you will get mid range power loss. I have read and heard very good responses regarding the Pipercross Viper and if I didn't mind committing myself to spending £250 for an air filter I'd go for that. But I'm sticking with the Ultrik as air is fed directly to the filter box, which is what the Viper does, thus being very effective in power gains etc, is more reasonably priced, and also can be easily disguised when taking to a dealership for servicing etc (warranty).