Another cone filter question :-)

[csrumber1]

There seems to be some debate whether or not a cone filter really helps or it just looks cool or something inbetween that; on this forum at least. Regardless, I have a cone filter and noticed the power loss when the engine heated up the moment i put it in. I know i have to make a heat shield, and i knew that before...

but i was wondering if i can put the cone filter in the area infront of the left wheel..?

I'm pretty sure i can run some tubing down there and just make adjustments to the ambient temp sensor, and i know the cone filter fits in there.

Basically I want a true cold air intake and just wondering if anyone has attempted this.

[nukeduster]

just cone filters without proper heat shielding have usually lost 5whp in a hot engine bay in the e30 dynos ive seen on dyno days.

with proper duct work and heat shielding, you might gain 1-4whp.

everything in the e30 works pretty much at its max stock..that is to say gains are minimal unless you do a lil of everything.. to get real gains gotta modify your intake runners, bore your throttle body, port your heads, do headers, etc..

[JoeMadoo]

The stock chip in no way maxxes out E30s

[Starmavin]

No, but it is set at it's max for 87 pump gas. And just remember any car will benifit from midgrade fuel, 87 is the crap you put in you lawn mower.

[ldsbeaker]

... and my car. When I get an engine that actually rates better fuel, I'll use it. Until then, 87/the cheapest.

[Starmavin]

Don't forget that 87 is the minimum requirement, or in other words you can "get by" with it. I have found that I got noticeably better mileage, a tad better acceleration, and all around ran better when useing midgrade. Fill up on it and drive it for a week to see for yourself. I'd say midgrade is about ideal because I couldn't detect any noticeable increase with premium.

[gotKRAUT]

the cost between 87/91 octane is soo minimal and meaningless i have just always ran 91 in all my cars

[Rfitz25]

Yeh I know what you are talking about.

Ive looked all over for a good heat shield

I bought the bavauto KnN intake because it had the best mounting braket
It uses the original rubber dampers which can be critical for the air flow meter vibrations.

The best heat shield Ive seen is on an ebay shop

I havent got one yet but I'll keep bidding next payday.

I lost the last auctionI bid on.

Check it out I think it rocks, I want one:

not sure of price $129??
maybe I'll call

what about racing dynamics?? cant find heat sheild for E30??

Signature Motoring

eBay Motors: BMW E30 Cold Air Intake Box Heat Shield Heatshield!!! (item 150025168401 end time Aug-27-06 21:20:19 PDT)

The ultimate would to have the heat sheild and cone filter with open top from K nN and then run a duct to the inside headlight with all the right tubing, smooth metal inlet, screen etc

Also check out the desccription of how to dremel out the slots in the left plastic grill. I think this is a must. I'm gonna try it

I also saw one a guy made out of a plastic trash can with a heat gun.
could work but insulated sheet metal is the best I think.

If anyone knows of another good heat sheild let me know too!!

[Bear]

I think that starmavin is correct on the CAI, you need to isolate the filter from the engine bay heat and many systems just lay the filter in the bay. Also, metal tubing unlike plastic tends to draw heat so to me that is a draw back. I have a daily driver (1998 Neon, DOHC and MTX) and on this car, I built my own CAI system. I used 2 1/2" ID plastic tibing and brought the tubing from the throttle body to just behind the front grill or fascial so I am always drawing cooler air into TB, and I use a K&N cone. HP, I would guess a increse of 3-5 (no more). Most of our Bimmers have a enclosed filter box and tubing to the front grill and to me that is a CAI, oh, plastic tubing and filter box as well. Fuel AKI rating is another issue and if your car has a knock sensor you may not benefit from a incresed AKI (my 1988 750 has no knock sensor is rated for 87 AKI and runs just fine on that, I have tried mid-grade, but so no difference). Just my nickel.

[Rfitz25]

OK I'm back on the CAI issue.

I built my own heat shield this weekend. (Garage hack.)

I agree plastic is a better thermal insulator than sheet metal.
However sheet metal with good insulation on it should be better than cheap thin plastic.

But basically for me it was much easier to fabricate a heat shield out of sheet metal than plastic.

I bought enough material to make two one prototype and one final version.
$45 at home depot.
Basically some 26 gauge sheetmetal and pipe insulation with self adhesive.
Built 1st rev prototype this weekend and I'm running /testing it now.

It looks preety good for a first attempt. Looks like the one from Signature Motoring, only cheaper, and I can use the nice bracket from bavauto

I'm still trying to find some good self adhesive sheet insulation that will hold up. Anybody know of some? I'll keep looking, theres an industrial supply store somewhere around here. hmm ,we have a machinist here maybe I'll ask.

But for now the "prototye" shield does seem to eliminate 99% of the air from the engine bay from getting into the intake.
Based on the fact that almost no light can pass from inside the box.
Just not sure about the seal to the hood. Seems to work, hard to see.
I could bring some thermistors and a PCMCIA-DAQ card home and hook up my laptop and get some realtime data with and without the heatshield.
But I'm too lazy for that. LOL

I'll keep you posted.