Currently got a Panel filter and a RS Tuning Map, producing 291bhp / 315ftlb I'm soon going to be fitting a CGR Decat, Airtec Intercooler and a Forge Recirculation Valve. It'll then be going up to Paul at RS Tuning to get the map adjusted to suit. Ideally I'm looking at going for around 310bhp / 350ftlb, anything above is a bonus but don't want to push the engine too far What I'm wondering is the airbox/filter a limiting factor to stop me reaching these figures? I've read conflicting views - some saying there no point changing to an induction kit, others saying that when they removed the airbox filter they got an extra 10bhp (showing it was a limitation) Would rather do it all in one to instead of consistently having to get the map adjusted after each mod, From what I understand the standard turbo is limited to around 320/330 so there's not much point changing anything else as I'd like to stay on the standard turbo, Many Thanks!
The consensus on here seems to be that the airbox is fine for most people. I like noise though, so would sooner have an open filter!
open filter, mine made an extra 11 bhp when Paul mapped it, sounds good as well, filter is forward near the arch liner in mine, so not too loud
Right, thanks all. What options do I have then - ITG and KTR I know, anything else worth a look? Would like it hidden if possible, fairly OEM looking (no shiny pipes etc) and not too noisy. Don't mind a bit more noise but not something which sounds like it's sucking in the world lol
I am not a massive fan of open cone induction kits, i would be looking at an enclosed one, or put it somewhere out the way like @sunnylunn Said, and then it will be quieter for you too
I've seen the ITG Kit which puts it down near the Arch Liner, but if I'm honest I'm a bit concerned with water as it's a daily and the local area by me is quite prone to flooding! I think I'm leaning towards the KTR Kit - anybody got a photo of one fitted?
Engine Dynamics tested the standard airbox with a K&N filter against no air-box at all and the air-box made so little difference that there cannot be any magical additional gains by fitting an 'induction-kit'..... This was always the case on VAG cars in the past (I cant comment on recent cars).
Interesting! Was that at stock power levels or after mapping? I imagine as you start increasing the power the standard airbox will reach its limitations, just at what point...
Andy the owner is running a hybrid turbo etc etc with big power and he has kept the standard airbox but fitted a K&N. I have quizzed him as to whether its worth fitting an induction kit (and offered to pay for him to fit one) and he categorically says its not worth it. In my VAG days the cons of fitting an induction kit far outweighed the benefits unless hovering up lots of cold air at speed on a track, but in reality in normal driving they just arnt worth it, unless you want the noise but at the cost of probably loosing power, or risking sucking up water (VAG paper filters were good for 600bhp)
It's all personal preference at the end of the day. The best technical solution isn't necessarily the most enjoyable one, so just go with what you like in my book. Some people like it, others don't. I'd have one, just because I like a bit of noise. That being said, I would only have one on a Meg with a blanking plate or different dump valve, as I am not too keen on the hissing from the standard recirc valve with an open air filter. I would also be a little cautious of fitting an induction kit that mounted the air filter down low, just because I use my car daily and can't be bothered with avoiding standing water. You can get waterproof covers for air filters I think, but I don't know how good they are. Heat soak shouldn't cost you masses on a turbo car because the intercooler should take care of it for the most part. Even if it cost you 10bhp, you probably wouldn't notice it in reality anyway.
Of course, each to their own and all that. Just seems a shame to potentially loose power just for some noise.
I think (opinion) is that if an induction kit were to work then there'd be a need for proper ducting of the oncoming air to the airbox. Properly ducted bonnet uninterrupted into an airbox might make the difference
I was about to get Paul (RS Tuning) to fit an ITG Induction & Pro Alloy Intercooler kit. 1100 bucks for an extra 20BHP (Unless serious racing, I could not justify it) , but also looking at the location of the ITG I have decided not to go with it, It is too close to the front and low down, standing water / flooding is too big an issue where I am from. You dont get a second chance. My son lost an engine 2 years back due to hitting a larger puddle than expected and the induction kit sooooking in most of it. I would fit the KTR one but it would just be for extra noise. I run a K&N panel with a sports Cat on an AKRA, makes 298 and sounds the balls.
The key post in this thread. The main point is does the MK3 air box limit flow for the required power. No. There is still a huge belief that just bolting an open filter on will always give more power. That is often backed up with the people selling them using the result variability on a dyno and the small range of outputs you get from a sequence of runs to justify the gain. Wise up.
It doesn't seem to gain or lose power really, based on the little that can be gleaned from various dyno results. It's just all down to whether you like the noise or not. Some do, some don't. It's not worth worrying about the odd handful of BHP in reality, so just go with one you like the best.
