Cone Air Filter Conversion?

[hamann318is]

Are the cone air filter conversions worth the money, or should I just keep my current K&N drop in for a while? How much louder are they (that's not a bad thing :twisted:)?

The only place I've found a kit is at BavAuto. 150 for the kit, without a heat sheild. Anywhere else I should look, if I should get one?

[MR 325]

Cone filter would only be good if you had a nice heatshield [like the LukasBMW one]. Otherwise, stick with the drop in. You could always cut off the bottom of your airbox, provides a lot more air and a nice sound.

[KenC]

Cones are worthless. Extra hp = nil. I had one for about 5k miles and sold it.

[Jon325i]

The problem with a lot of the cone filter kits for the E30s is that the filter element itself is still situated in the engine compartment.....able to suck in all that hot air. Those little curved shields that the manufacturer claims will block away heat is a bunch of crap. The filter is still drawing in hot air. Whoever came up with that invention oughta be bitch-slapped.

Anyway, if you were to do a cone filter kit for your car, I would suggest spending some time (and a little extra money) and fabricate a system where the cone filter is mounted in a location where it can draw in cooler air. As close to the grill as possible would be a good start. I know someone who fab'd something up where the cone filter is just behind his driver's side fog light behind the front valance (and more importantly, out of the engine compartment).

If you don't want to go through the effort to do this, just get yourself a drop-in filter element for your stock airbox. That's the easy way out.

Jon

[Xmarksthespot21]

Someone suggested (ove from bmwe30.net) that unless the car is still or just creeping along, it will not be sucking in all that hot air. If the car is moving faster than 5mph or so, it should be getting the same temp. air as if it were blocked off with a heat shield.

What do you guys think. I think that it's a real good possibility.

[Gus]

i changed from my pod to a k&n panel....IMO car feels better, not quite as snappy but quicker esp when its cold....also a lot smoother when idling around....i wouldnt bother fiddling round with them to be honest...ive also heard that its not to good for the afm to be blasted open all the time...but thats just what ive heard

[rwh11385]

Not worth it! $150 = a lot of $ for nothing really.


If you want sound, drill!

[hamann318is]

Not worth it! $150 = a lot of $ for nothing really.


If you want sound, drill!

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's what I'm going to do, just gotta make sure it's not above the filter. That's probably something I'd mess up.

[StereoInstaller1]

My 325is had a cone filter when I got it. I was able to put the stock system back on, fortunately. I will at some point be making a real "cold air" intake, but will probably be waiting until after I do whatever I do about my headlights.

I will be using the area behind the headlights to make a dedicated duct allowing only cold air in, NOT using the hood as the top of the airbox. I just may want to use a panel filter just to be a smartass...the conical shape may have some theoretical advantages, but just try to build enough motor to actaully take advantage of it!

Maybe strap 2 m20's to a single crankshaft? A bit of machinework perhaps, but every bit as valid as thinking an AIRFILTER will actually make my car faster!
Luke
(Has paid hundreds in stupid tax to K&N...)

[Beej '86 325es]

Someone suggested (ove from bmwe30.net) that unless the car is still or just creeping along, it will not be sucking in all that hot air. If the car is moving faster than 5mph or so, it should be getting the same temp. air as if it were blocked off with a heat shield.

:stupid: I've said it before and I'll say it again. The percent or power gained per temperature difference is nil. I remember when Ove did that test of the actual temperature by the air filter and calculated with the rough estimate of power gain / temperature difference. It is completely insignificant, heatshields are pointless on a street car.

Cone air filters sound cool, let's leave it at that.

[rwh11385]

but just try to build enough motor to actaully take advantage of it!

Heh, that's a good point.

All I know is that cones cost $, and drillin holes in shit is free! 8)

[ian332isport]

:stupid: I've said it before and I'll say it again. The percent or power gained per temperature difference is nil. I remember when Ove did that test of the actual temperature by the air filter and calculated with the rough estimate of power gain / temperature difference. It is completely insignificant, heatshields are pointless on a street car.

Cone air filters sound cool, let's leave it at that.

I can tell you from experience that hot air is a big killer of power :(

I had my car on the dyno a while back, and it was a fair bit down on power (compared to a reading taken the day before). They left the car sitting on the rollers with the fans blowing over it for about 15 mins, and then did another power run. They got an increase of 27bhp :shock:

That's the same Dyno on the same day within 15 mins.

Cheers,

Ian.

[JonG]

Re: Cone Air Filter Conversion?

Are the cone air filter conversions worth the money, or should I just keep my current K&N drop in for a while? How much louder are they (that's not a bad thing :twisted:)?

The only place I've found a kit is at BavAuto. 150 for the kit, without a heat sheild. Anywhere else I should look, if I should get one?

I have a cone air filter with a mounting bracket if you are interested for like 20 bucks plus shipping.

heres a pic...

[EVOIIIM3]

Say this all with me......
;CONE FILTERS WILL ADD NOHTING, BUT WILL REDUCE HP ON A AFM CAR

Remove the AFM and a cone filter will gain you some HP.

HOWEVER, hot air will kill a cone filter with heat soak, in really HOT areas the car can stall when the filter get to hot. A heat shield will really help.

DO NOT cut or modify the stock airbox, it is a TRUE COLD AIR INTAKE, and will give the best HP till you remove the AFM.

[hamann318is]

I knew I was going to have to get a MAF some day...