Tried to fit a 535i airbox... (lotsa pics)

[matt]

my opinion: i wouldn't trust oiled filters that much. Dyno tests had shown that there are absolutely no gains on bimmers going from stock airboxes with paper to anything else (they even tested with an open throttle body and there were no gains)
So i don't see a compelling reason to go with anything but paper (or the Amsoil stuff that's even denser = less crap in engine) (just as long as the area is sufficient, that all that matters)

ITG filters are oiled foam, right? I would tend to run one of those before I would run a K&N-style, in a perfect world.

Of course, in a really perfect world, I'd have a big old paper panel filter, which is what I intend to put on my car as soon as I have time.

[dougsic]

Doug: I will call tomorrow for both of those and see what they've got,thanks! What about that a/cleaner ,are you liken it? Does k&n compare ? I like this set-up a lot! let me know what you think. joe

Joe,

I was disappointed when I opened the ITG filter box.

It isn't nearly as dense as I was expecting so it looks to me like it wouldn't filter too well. But it seems other guys have been happy with it and I have no experience other than looking at it so I'll give it a try.

Be aware that it is pretty big! I haven't tried to fit it yet but will soon and post the results if anyone's interested.

Personally, I am a fan of regular ol' paper filters. I read a very detailed article in Hot Rod many years ago and despite the upcoming trend of oiled filters at that time, the magazine could find no performance benefits over a regular paper filter.

Plus, I hate cleaning oiled filters. Paper? A few bucks and throw them away - ahhh, so much easier.

If someone comes up with a simple paper filter alternative, I'd be very interested about it. Until then, it looks like an oiled cone filter is the easiest way to go for me.

Good luck with Bimmerworld. It was my first dealing with them and they really came through for me. I hope you enjoy the same experience.

[Bmjpv]

a/cleaner

Today I got the entire a/cleaner install and operational! It fits snug in its hole and has kinda a factory look. All the fresh air comes in off the stock 325 snorkel. Doesn't get better than that. I've got pics of the installing of the A/Mass meter, 540 sized,all fits. I'll get the final pics up when I get it dressed up this weekend. joe

[golde30]

Joe,

I was disappointed when I opened the ITG filter box.

It isn't nearly as dense as I was expecting so it looks to me like it wouldn't filter too well. But it seems other guys have been happy with it and I have no experience other than looking at it so I'll give it a try.

Be aware that it is pretty big! I haven't tried to fit it yet but will soon and post the results if anyone's interested.

Personally, I am a fan of regular ol' paper filters. I read a very detailed article in Hot Rod many years ago and despite the upcoming trend of oiled filters at that time, the magazine could find no performance benefits over a regular paper filter.

Plus, I hate cleaning oiled filters. Paper? A few bucks and throw them away - ahhh, so much easier.

If someone comes up with a simple paper filter alternative, I'd be very interested about it. Until then, it looks like an oiled cone filter is the easiest way to go for me.

Good luck with Bimmerworld. It was my first dealing with them and they really came through for me. I hope you enjoy the same experience.

AEM makes a new style cone filter which is made of Hepa style paper. dry, no oil, washable.

[Mike B.]

Today I got the entire a/cleaner install and operational! It fits snug in its hole and has kinda a factory look. All the fresh air comes in off the stock 325 snorkel. Doesn't get better than that. I've got pics of the installing of the A/Mass meter, 540 sized,all fits. I'll get the final pics up when I get it dressed up this weekend. joe

Nice Work!

I've been looking at the E30 325 air box and if your good with glass/resin you could contour out the bottom to fit around the M50 alt. Although it may be tough to deal with the air meter, maybe a cone filter adapter plate could be used?

[Bmjpv]

a/cleaner

Yes I did look at that e30 box, It's really small and box. But 24v engine breathes way more than the m20s. I got the 535 idea off a european web site . Cone fiters can be good and are good, but still need cool fresh air to do it right.After all the work we put into our 24v engine swaps, why short cut that last SO important step! About $20 at pick'n pull. The whole 535/735 a/c box,half a day of your time ( our time's cheap,right?) and you'll be happy with the results. Like member have said before, just my 2 cents. joe

[So Live]

I like the AEM filters cause they arent an oiled cotton filter. They are supposevly comprable to any paper filter except for the fact that its a synthetic material so you can wash them 5 or 6 times. Just make a decent heat sheild and youll be fine. Granted it dosnt look as "stock" but i dont have a problem with that.

And as far as the foam filters go, Ive been rocking them on dirtbikes for as long as i can remember and those things see much harsher conditions than cars do. I guess they can probably take more abuse and they do get a new top end after every season.

[static]

Today I got the entire a/cleaner install and operational! It fits snug in its hole and has kinda a factory look. All the fresh air comes in off the stock 325 snorkel. Doesn't get better than that. I've got pics of the installing of the A/Mass meter, 540 sized,all fits. I'll get the final pics up when I get it dressed up this weekend. joe

have you noticed any difference in noise (or the lack of thereof) ?

Alex

[Bmjpv]

noise

I'm wanting to know that too! Yes, but I only live a short distance
from my shop and I have not done wot threw the gears. It has to make some intake noise reduction!! Will let you know. joe

[eko]

I have a 535i airbox on my M50 and it sounds really nice,better than the shitty cone filter i had fitted before!

[Bmjpv]

a/cleaner

eko ,Good to hear (or not hear) what you have to say about your 535 box set up. I'm liking mine more and more. joe

[static]

alright, i am officially starting to hack mine up too

my design is going to be a bit different in that my intake hole in the box will not be at the front. One potential negative i see with Bmjpv's "stock" input hole location is that the thickness of the paper filter will cover like half the area of the hole. So i'll probably have my input hole at the bottom, maybe even towards the TB side.

[Bmjpv]

a/c box

static, your right about that paper filter going too low, I would have wanted oe paper but went with one of the washable types,that gave all the intake clearance I needed on the intake end. Little trade off. joe

[golde30]

alright, i am officially starting to hack mine up too

my design is going to be a bit different in that my intake hole in the box will not be at the front. One potential negative i see with Bmjpv's "stock" input hole location is that the thickness of the paper filter will cover like half the area of the hole. So i'll probably have my input hole at the bottom, maybe even towards the TB side.

yah i would do something like this also, with the bottom completely cut out, but still using the stock tube as well. also, is this offa e34 or e28...

[static]

e34