11 replies to this topic

[SMP]

Has anybody actually looked at how good the standard air filter set up is - perhaps with a K&N element fitted? I see that some of the John Cooper Works 90 BHP kits stick with the standard box so they can't be that bad?

My SPI has one of the K&N SPi cone type kits fitted. It's OK but a bit noisy and whilst it may be OK for you youngsters I'm getting a bit fed up of not being able to the hear radio or myself. I know that mini's are not quiet but I'm begining to think that the K&N might have to go.

Options are refit the standard filter box or make some sort of new airbox with a pipe running down to the front of the engine bay with a K&N fitted there.

Anybody looked into that?

Steve

PS I know I'm a saddo posting on here on Christmas eve but am waiting for the kids to go to sleep so we can arrange the living room for Santa's arrival

Edited by SMP, 24 December 2008 - 10:54 PM.

[JohnGordon]

K&N do an air filter element for the standard airbox, I've been told that if you drill a couple of holes in the airbox for extra airflow with one they can be quite good and less noisy

[SMP]

Thanks - mean't to say that I knew there was a K&N element for the standard filter box - which is what I think comes with the JCW kits.

Has anybody done any testing with a std filter housing with holes drilled - do you gain any power?

Steve

[Ethel]

The consensus seems to be that the standard carb airbox can perform as well as a cone filter. There must be even less difference with an injection car where a cone filter fits exactly the same as the airbox. K&N's really start to pay off when compared to a paper element that's done a few miles, the K&N doesn't clog up anything like as much.

[sir Jake the brit]

apparently the standard box through testing (i think mini world/mag did it!) found the best filter upgrade was the new k&n for the airbox.
the induction kits after all dont have a proper cold air feed to them!!
the works kit just fits a bigger intake, with a rather sexy S works logo on it, to get more air to the engine....


merry christmas

[T.Harper]

here's the article, minus graphs. they're described anyway

http://www.minispare...x?ty=ad&aid=258

[Bungle]

The consensus seems to be that the standard carb airbox can perform as well as a cone filter. There must be even less difference with an injection car where a cone filter fits exactly the same as the airbox. K&N's really start to pay off when compared to a paper element that's done a few miles, the K&N doesn't clog up anything like as much.

i don't think they tested the standard mainstream cooper set up

the elbow over the head looks very restricted

[markaboot]

K&N do an air filter element for the standard airbox, I've been told that if you drill a couple of holes in the airbox for extra airflow with one they can be quite good and less noisy

I've herd that the standard air box drilled with a k&n gives better performance than the K&N cone filter.
Something to do with the way the air flows and vibrations i think.

Theres a post on here somewhere with rolling road graphs proving it.

[mini mark]

does anyone think a standard filter with holes would be any better and has anyone one got any pics were these holes should be. finaly if i got a k n filter would it need new needle or anythink

thanks mark

[mish000]

hey does anyone have the photos for this article
http://www.minispare...x?ty=ad&aid=258

want to know were to drill holes but dont have photos

[Richy]

hey does anyone have the photos for this article
http://www.minispare...x?ty=ad&aid=258

want to know were to drill holes but dont have photos

http://www.calverst....filter_test.htm

[sirweste]

I would like to see some power results for the injection airbox drilled. As there seems to always be a assumption that it worked for a small bore carb engine so it works ont he a-series full stop.

To answer the orginal post: I doubt you see any noticable power difference (more or less) by fitting the standard airbox and K&N replacement element. I have never understood why coopers didnt fit the cone filter as part of the "86/90bhp" kit, as th mods were more marketing sense rather than good engineering, the K&N cone looks the part more and certainly make more noise. Far too much noise for me!