[neilvosko]

Has anyone thought about modifying the OEM intake box by cutting a hole on the bottom of the bottom portion (or just a few small holes) to help the turbo breathe better and improve the sound + adding the k&n drop filter.....rather than $350 dollar intake that does the same ?

its fairly common on other brands...here is a lexus intake mod for example

[neilvosko]

its fairly common on other brands...here is a lexus intake mod for example.

it adds a throaty induction noise on a NA engine.

[rustyminded]

interesting do it and make dyno as well + afe filter pr bmc.. interested to know the results

[rustyminded]

i think you'll only get it to heat soak since it doesn't absorb any air except from that opening you see

[KGB_123_99]

I had this done on my Jetta 1.8T back in the day. Not sure it make any performance difference but the sound definitely improved! Brings back memories....

[neilvosko]

intake design has come a long way nowadays. there are so many threads that show aftermarket intakes is on par with OEM and sometimes even worse due to heat soak. so many just look for sound enhancement.

[Braddontroy]

I like the idea. I would cut a neat hole and run some piping with s cold air feed. Can't hurt. Especially with K&N air filter. Probably what I will do as aftermarket intakes are expensive and have dubious advantages and lose their stealth appeal

[Vitoco]

Originally Posted by Braddontroy

I like the idea. I would cut a neat hole and run some piping with s cold air feed. Can't hurt. Especially with K&N air filter. Probably what I will do as aftermarket intakes are expensive and have dubious advantages and lose their stealth appeal

I think it would hurt ESPECIALLY with a K&N filter since it´s more or less commonly known that it doesn´t filter as well as the OEM paper filter...

[Braddontroy]

I've been running K&N air filters on cars now for 18 years. V8s, turbo 4s etc no engine damage or malfunctioned intake tract. As long as you keep it clean, don't over oil it and I also did yearly MAF cleaning. No dramas. I don't think I've ever come across a stock paper filter that flows better than a K&N. Turbo cats are especially sensitive to air inlet flow issues. (High boost applications). An NA low powered car you'd probably not notice anything. Plus it's cheaper than buying replacement filters regularly.

[Vitoco]

Originally Posted by Braddontroy

I've been running K&N air filters on cars now for 18 years. V8s, turbo 4s etc no engine damage or malfunctioned intake tract. As long as you keep it clean, don't over oil it and I also did yearly MAF cleaning. No dramas. I don't think I've ever come across a stock paper filter that flows better than a K&N. Turbo cats are especially sensitive to air inlet flow issues. (High boost applications). An NA low powered car you'd probably not notice anything. Plus it's cheaper than buying replacement filters regularly.

exactly the point; better flow means less restriction, in other words it FILTERS less..

[Braddontroy]

True. Blocking it off all together filters it even more! Lol. BMW have to make cars to fit ALL situations and climates in a lot of countries. Our middle east friends and here in outback Australia have dust storms. Some countries are renowned lazy service schedulers. Therefore filtering is more important than power in these situations. For others not living in country areas that actually frequently service their cars - then they can risk assess accordingly. All car modifications are a risk assessment based on likelihood and consequence.

[Vitoco]

Originally Posted by Braddontroy

True. Blocking it off all together filters it even more! Lol. BMW have to make cars to fit ALL situations and climates in a lot of countries. Our middle east friends and here in outback Australia have dust storms. Some countries are renowned lazy service schedulers. Therefore filtering is more important than power in these situations. For others not living in country areas that actually frequently service their cars - then they can risk assess accordingly. All car modifications are a risk assessment based on likelihood and consequence.

Totally right, hence my post in the first place - to make the decision one must be aware of the cons and assess the risk as well.

I can tell you just from some slushy winter driving my engine bay gets really dirty, the intake housing as well. Thats why I never pulled the trigger on an aftermarket intake, they all have slits and stuff on the cover...