K&N vs Pipercross Panel Filters

[MarkA]

Hi everyone,

Just put down my deposit for a '01 (sept) Cooper, Chili Red, Chequer roof, white mirrors & wheels, white bonnet stripes & spotlights, chilli pack etc etc etc. Looking forward to getting my hands on it next weekend.

I've read a bit on the forums about the K&N and Pipercross panel filters but can't come to a decision as to which to buy. I have been a dedicated user of K&N products on all my cars for the last 8 or so years, but I'm willing to change if the pipercross gives better results.

Essentially my only criteria is going to be induction sound - I'm not particularly fussed about improving performance. Which of the two panels give a better induction sound, the K&N or the Pipercross?

Also, where is the best place to buy the Pipercross? I can find the K&N one everywhere, but can't find the Pipercross one anywhere (I must be blind).

One final thing, the K&N ones I have seen say cooper 02-04.. will these still fit an '01 cooper?

Thanks in advance

[S33BBY]

I did quite a bit of research on this when I was looking for a replacement element for my previous MINI, a 2004 build One. From what I read, cotton filters are better than foam. I can't remember the exact reasons, but that definitely seemed to be the case. So, I'd say K&N.

In contrast, I've now got the JCW Sound Kit on my Cooper, and I believe they fit a Pipercross element. If it's good enough for JCW...

I think at the end of the day, both will be better than the standard paper element, with probably not a great deal between them.

I'm not sure about the 2001 model year, but I don't think there were any changes to the air box between 2001 and 2002. The only change that I know of was on the facelift when they changed the shape of the box (I believe due to the convertible having to have a different shape, and so they made this change across all models to save money).

[s_and_m]

A pipercross induction kit on my old cooper (04) and I loved the noise it made and the HP gains, but it's not a stright replacement as the drop in panels are.

S

[S33BBY]

Also, I'm not convinced that induction kits do offer any bhp gain; I think it's the noise that makes people think it's made the car more powerful. It's also quite inefficient, sucking in hotter air than the standard air box.

[liznkev]

I'm not convinced either, about induction kits.

unless the filter is set up correctly and its getting fed plenty of cold air, then it just breathing in the hot air from the engine.I've just replaced my standard filter and I opted for a K&N panel replacement, which uses the OEM air box, for this reason.

[MarkA]

Yeah I used a K&N indicution kit when I had a Mitsubishi FTO, and it made a hell of a racket but to be honest on a rolling road the power curve was completely messed up and had no power gain at all.

A panel drop-in seems the easiest and most cost effective way to upgrade IMHO.

[BlueZed]

I ran with a Pipercross element in my Cooper for a while and was very pleased with it, don't think there will be much difference performance-wise between them and K&N for a panel. I have tried a K&N in a Focus as well and thought it gave good results.

I have switched to a K&N induction kit now and love the improved sound-track. I think it certainly improved low-down response and I would say torque in 5th at high speed has gotten slightly better as well. Still to run a rolling road, but there don't seem to be any fuelling issues in terms of flat spots anyway. I have tried to tailor the air supply better as well, redirecting the standard pipe's flow towards the cone more, so we'll see how it fares when the summer kicks in.

I will most likely get some ECU-tuning done with Bluefin or MTH which should sort any mixture issues that there might be and get maximum performance out of the car in current spec.