Which induction kit?

Discussion and technical advice for 84-89 AW10 & AW11 MR2. 3A-LU, 4A-GE, 4A-GZE.

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dylbie
Posts: 195
Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:15 am
Location: Bath, UK

Which induction kit?

Post by dylbie »

I am looking to buy an induction kit to help my beloved MR2 breathe easier, but dont really know which one to go for.

If I get one that sits in the engine bay will I need a cold air scoop/feed? I have heard that it gets quite warm in the engine bay.

I have been looking at the K&N 57. Is this any good? Will it require a cold air thingy? Are there any other induction kits that are better or give more power?

Cheers folks.
j0nathan
Posts: 2646
Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:21 pm
Location: Lancashire

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by j0nathan »

dylbie wrote:I am looking to buy an induction kit to help my beloved MR2 breathe easier, but dont really know which one to go for.

If I get one that sits in the engine bay will I need a cold air scoop/feed? I have heard that it gets quite warm in the engine bay.

I have been looking at the K&N 57. Is this any good? Will it require a cold air thingy? Are there any other induction kits that are better or give more power?

Cheers folks.

The 57i is very popular and comes witha cold feed supply (plastic tube). The K&N kit also has all the necessary holes to attach the sensors to so is a straight fit. There are other popular alternative such as JR and Green cone filters but you have to adapt these for the job. Some complain of a whistle on the K&N but I also experience that with the JR. Horses for courses...

...I'm sure others will be along soon with their opinions.
dylbie
Posts: 195
Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2007 10:15 am
Location: Bath, UK

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by dylbie »

Thanks j0nathan. Where does the cold air pipe actually go? Will I need an air scoop? And do you know where can I find the JR and Green kits?

I have looked on motorsportworld and they have four to choose from:


K&N57i = £72

Pipercross PK130 = £79
Pipercross Viper VFC130 = £199!!! <Why is this so pricey?

Powertec PT43-03 = £94


So I guess those are my options. Any recommendations?

Cheers
un1eash
Posts: 4453
Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 8:25 pm
Location: Leicester

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by un1eash »

K&N 57i kit is the one i'd go for. You dont really need the cold air feed, theres more then enough air flow through the engine bay. I took mine off and havnt replaced it.
j0nathan
Posts: 2646
Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:21 pm
Location: Lancashire

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by j0nathan »

dylbie wrote:Thanks j0nathan. Where does the cold air pipe actually go?

The cold air feed is usually positioned with it's end down below where the mk1a has its intake inlet (towards the bulkhad between the passenger compartment and the engine bay - way down below the battery tray) with the other end directing air at the filter. I personally have not yet fitted a cold air feed and I know many who have not but I did notice that it was very very warm in the engine bay after a spirited drive up the motorway.

dylbie wrote:Will I need an air scoop? And do you know where can I find the JR and Green kits?

You don't need an air scoop. Some claim benefit from having one and others are in the no-real-benefit-to-be-gained camp. If it is not sealed to the filter I see no real benefit to be had but that is just my opinion. Then again, if it is sealed to the filter and it absolutely pi$$es it down I can't see that you gain anything from a downpour in your inlet tract. Search the MK1 club forum for all the arguments for and against for I shall not poke that argument back into life again.

The JR and Green filters are generic filters that are of the correct size for he MR2. If you go on the Green site I think you can tell it what model of car you have and you will be given a list of suitable options.

dylbie wrote:I have looked on motorsportworld and they have four to choose from:

Tests in the past have indicated that the filtration of the K&N is excellent and in many cases better than that of it's flashy brothers from other manufacturers. If you walk around a pits at a race meet you very rarely see lots of flashy looking filter elements but simple cone filters bolted to or connected to throttle bodies via a simple pipe, shielded from nearby heat soak areas (exhausts / turbos ).
coverco
Posts: 1489
Joined: Mon Mar 20, 2006 6:31 pm

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by coverco »

I have a K&N 57i kit fitted, it makes a really nice noise but I can honestly say I did not notice any performance change. :(

I also have an air scoop fitted and have to say that is worth at least 10 BHP :whistle:

Seriously though the cold air feed supplied is a piece of flexible tubing which takes air from under the car and directs it at the air filter, it is not a sealed system just a flexible pipe, an air scoop is not a sealed system (well mine isn't) but it does the same as the piece of flexible tubing takes air from the top of the car and directs it into the engine bay in the area of the filter.

Ultimately it is a personal choice thing if you want an air scoop have one if not don't, but I would definately fit a K&N for the noise if nothing else :thumleft:
bburn13
Posts: 434
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:37 pm
Location: Bolton Gr Manchester UK

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by bburn13 »

Not sure about a performance gain,
but
It worth getting a K&N just for the meaty noise it gives you.

Dave
89 SC - Beauty.
89 Track n/ail - The Red Dwarf
84 Blue 1.5 Tin Top Rummy, 54 RX8 -Rex
System-G
Posts: 4554
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2004 10:50 am
Location: Leicestershire

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by System-G »

Performance gains are not very significant at all with any filter.

K&N is, IMO, the best aftermarket filter you can get for performance & filtration. I have been using them for over 15 years on numerous cars including two of my MK1's.

'85 - '87 (1a & some crossovers):
http://www.knfilters.com/search/product ... od=57-0063
'87 - '89 (some crossovers & 1b):
http://www.knfilters.com/search/product ... od=57-0120

If you click the buy button on either of those pages, it will give you a list of local stockists (once you've entered a few details). Shop around for the best deal :thumleft:
85 MK1 MR2 Track N/Ail | 99 528i SE Touring | 01 Mandarin VX220
j0nathan
Posts: 2646
Joined: Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:21 pm
Location: Lancashire

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by j0nathan »

Any performance gain is negligible IMO however I did notice a throttle reposne improvement. With the standard 1a system fitted there seemed to be a slight delay in response which went away when the cone filter was fitted. I have no experience of the stqndard 1b system to coimpare with though.
Stuart Davidson
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Oct 15, 2005 10:25 am
Location: Chester

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by Stuart Davidson »

I have a brand new k&n kit if you want one to suit your 1b car? £30.00. pm if interested
bburn13
Posts: 434
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:37 pm
Location: Bolton Gr Manchester UK

Re: Which induction kit?

Post by bburn13 »

Stuart
First refusal please

Dave
89 SC - Beauty.
89 Track n/ail - The Red Dwarf
84 Blue 1.5 Tin Top Rummy, 54 RX8 -Rex
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