Drop in filter vs new intake

[ryan_koko]

So I'm thinking about getting a drop in filter rather than a whole new air intake. I'd like to hear your opinions and which brand I should get, or if that even matters! Thanks

[135Pats]

Several pieces of advice. First, to prevent you from getting flamed, please search. Intake solutions have been discussed to death and there's tons of information out there that will answer almost every question under the sun. Second, personally I think drop in filters are a waste of money, of all the various OE peripheral engine parts on this car, the stock intake is actually not half bad. IMO unless you're pushing over 16psi or so the stock box will be essentially identical to aftermarket solutions, be they an open intake or a "cold air" option. In fact, depending on how much you think heat causes issues with open intakes, the stock box could actually be superior in hot weather. The filter that comes with it flows OK, and I wouldn't spend a penny replacing it with another filter. If you are interested in changing intakes, i'd either go with a DCI/aftermarket CAI, personally I think the BMS DCI is the best solution, but that's largely because I think intakes in general are pretty marginal. FWIW i'm pushing 17psi on the nose at midrange right now, and if I hadn't gotten my DCI for free, i'd probably still be using the stock box. All of the above is my personal opinion, and there are very well-informed members here who would disagree with parts of what I said.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

+1 Running 16.5 PSI on the stock CAI with a factory air filter. If I was doing a full bolt on I would get the BMS dual cone unit.

[b1aze]

Im planning on sticking with OEM airbox with VRSF FMIC and DPs with a Cobb Protune on both 93pump and an E85 blend in the coming month. I will however heed my tuner's suggestions if he feels there is significant improvement to be had with either a drop in or DCIs, as he would know better than I from experience alone.

[ryan_koko]

wow lots of info! Ive been thinking about just what I want to do with my car for a while now. I just got myself some active autowerke downpipes which will probably be going in this weekend (first mod). I've been thinking full exhaust, drop in filter and Cobb ap. I have read lots about the drop in filter and air intakes. What I've come to understand is that the factory air box is pretty damn suitable for our car and a reasonable mod would be to change the filter just for better air flow. let me know what you think "mod-wise".

[135Pats]

IMO skip the midpipes and muffler and use the savings for a FMIC. Catback were talking 10whp at most..

[Pyrat 2]

Fwiw if you buy a bmw performance intake it ships with a k&n filter.

[Maranello455]

Originally Posted by ryan_koko

So I'm thinking about getting a drop in filter rather than a whole new air intake. I'd like to hear your opinions and which brand I should get, or if that even matters! Thanks

[ryan_koko]

Bump

[geared]

my stock box runs out of air with the stock filter....

FBO, e40, 18 PSI

[ryan_koko]

Originally Posted by geared

my stock box runs out of air with the stock filter....

FBO, e40, 18 PSI

What do you mean it runs out of air?

[Freon]

Originally Posted by ryan_koko

Bump

This topic has been beaten to death. You should try a search for "intake". Should keep you busy reading for several days. There's really no reason to rehash this every 4 days.

[yawn]

Bottom line is, drop in filter will allow more air, bur also more dirt - your call.

New intake, especially DCI will allow more air, but higher temps. Your call.

A new CAI, well, not sure - still restricted like oem.

[ryan_koko]

Just an update. I bought myself a K&N filter and will most likely be putting it in tomorrow. I read up and most of the "more dirt will enter your engine" talk was pretty much proven false if your filter is maintained accordingly. And like it was said on this thread earlier, the BMW Performance intake uses a K&N filter.