Airbox Modification Tests

[Twistm4]

Originally Posted by jpy1980

Ah but all this testing hasn’t answered the most important question of all. The most important factor for all of us here. The main reason why we get these intakes..........

Which one sounds the best?!!! Hahahah

CTS with modified front trim (so air hits them under hood) and removed strut brace insulation.

If that ain't loud enough turbo noises for you u belong in a video game.

[tomlong]

Could you also throw in some testing of drop-in air filters against each other? Like BMS vs K&N for example.

[Twistm4]

Originally Posted by tomlong

Could you also throw in some testing of drop-in air filters against each other? Like BMS vs K&N for example.

If someone wants to send me some K&N I will. Or wait..as side note my BMC drop ins are CLOGGED FILTHY from daily driving this winter. Within 3000 miles they already need some serious cleaning.

I suspect air feeds do not help this problem. Can't imagine how dirty front grill filters would get.

[jpy1980]

Originally Posted by Twistm4

If someone wants to send me some K&N I will. Or wait..as side note my BMC drop ins are CLOGGED FILTHY from daily driving this winter. Within 3000 miles they already need some serious cleaning.

I suspect air feeds do not help this problem. Can't imagine how dirty front grill filters would get.

Seriously.

There hasn’t been ONE used front mount intakes that had clean intakes. Nature of the game I guess. With them being that dirty, I’m wondering if sometimes the filter doesnt filter everything that is thrown at it.

[Twistm4]

Originally Posted by jpy1980

Seriously.

There hasn’t been ONE used front mount intakes that had clean intakes. Nature of the game I guess. With them being that dirty, I’m wondering if sometimes the filter doesnt filter everything that is thrown at it.

I think the paper oem filters are the only ones doing a decent job at filtering lol.

I've learned my lesson. Next winter car is going on 93 and stock filters back in. I hope these BMCs are washable :/

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Twistm4

I think the paper oem filters are the only ones doing a decent job at filtering lol.

I've learned my lesson. Next winter car is going on 93 and stock filters back in. I hope these BMCs are washable :/

BMC filters can be washed and reoiled.

[S55freak]

What would u guys would say would be the best option if going upgraded turbos intake wise.. since it seems stock airbox with bmc drop ins is best option for stock turbos.
Also how do front mounts compare as well?

[luchocamp]

Originally Posted by S55freak

What would u guys would say would be the best option if going upgraded turbos intake wise.. since it seems stock airbox with bmc drop ins is best option for stock turbos.
Also how do front mounts compare as well?

ap or vrsf fmi are better.
0.10 - 0.15 sec qwicker 60 to 130mph tested with oem or upgrade turbos.

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1738460

[Twistm4]

Originally Posted by S55freak

What would u guys would say would be the best option if going upgraded turbos intake wise.. since it seems stock airbox with bmc drop ins is best option for stock turbos.
Also how do front mounts compare as well?

I would be curious what MAF readings look like on front mounts compared to a regular style intake. The placement of the sensor is not only way off but air travels another 2 feet before hitting it.

[tomlong]

I just did mine. So far significantly better throttle response. Will do a few logs when the weather gets better. What parameters would you guys like to see? There are also side cutouts on each box that are not captured by these pictures.

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by tomlong

I just did mine. So far significantly better throttle response. Will do a few logs when the weather gets better. What parameters would you guys like to see? There are also side cutouts on each box that are not captured by these pictures.

Oh no! I think you voided your warranty doing that.
Just kidding.
Let us know how it affects IATs (of course) and also your fuel trims versus previous.

[tomlong]

Originally Posted by TopJimmy

Oh no! I think you voided your warranty doing that.
Just kidding.
Let us know how it affects IATs (of course) and also your fuel trims versus previous.

Will do sir

These are an extra set of OEM intakes I have laying around so I painted them and might as well cut the bottoms to experiment.

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by tomlong

Will do sir

These are an extra set of OEM intakes I have laying around so I painted them and might as well cut the bottoms to experiment.

Extras? Heck yeah. I'd do a Swiss cheese box.

[Twistm4]

It sits right above the wheel well. Absolutely no affect on IATs at all on my end.

I still think the best intake mod is the air scoop, albeit the filters get dirty faster. If you cut and remove the strut rubber seal part, the intakes are actually decently noisy as well.

[TopJimmy]

I haven't done airbox mods but I did try swapping back and forth between OEM+BMC and a MST kit.

Intake Air Temps during 60-130:
OEM= 5-10deg F drop during run (-10), return to starting IAT after(+-0).
MST= 5deg drop then 10-15deg rise (+5 to +10), remaining warm after (+5)

Mass Air Flow sensors:
OEM= no probs ever.
MST= no probs with any off the shelf tunes, but my hot Paul race tune gets MAF errors from the turbos ramping suction so fast (air mass implausible error).

[horsepower_and_hounds]

Air box mods are great as long as you port them away from the engine bay. Just cutting holes might increase static flow slightly but it increases boost heat and that is where the car fails. The OEM is a loaded design and to scavenge air from outside..... Also it being plastic it does not really absorb heat and hold it. It usually comes down to filter restriction. I have never seen an intake for this platform yield results justifying its cost or install effort period. The ones with filters in the front sound cool and suck cooler air but it also opens up to other negatives..... Just my stupid $.02

[Twistm4]

Yep I agree. I will note that the scoops do change the scavenging effect greatly, as instead of catching turbulent air coming into the grills from the side it is now directly funneling it into the box.

[McBobby Jr]

Anybody else here modify their intakes, whether stock intakes or aftermarket?

[Twistm4]

Originally Posted by jpy1980

Ah but all this testing hasn’t answered the most important question of all. The most important factor for all of us here. The main reason why we get these intakes..........

Which one sounds the best?!!! Hahahah

CTS

[Twistm4]

Forum member Jimmy was so kind as to lend me an MST kit for further testing.

Curious to see if results look comparable to the CTS system (likely).

Will update findings soon!

[McBobby Jr]

Originally Posted by Twistm4

Forum member Jimmy was so kind as to lend me an MST kit for further testing.

Curious to see if results look comparable to the CTS system (likely).

Will update findings soon!

Is there any chance you'll be testing a set of front mount intakes soon? Also thanks for all the testing on the different intakes, not many have gone out their way like you have.

[Twistm4]

Originally Posted by McBobby Jr

Is there any chance you'll be testing a set of front mount intakes soon? Also thanks for all the testing on the different intakes, not many have gone out their way like you have.

If someone wants to loan me a set I will!