BMP/ProMini Intake

I've never been a big fan of factory airboxes. They always seem to restrict intake flow. I think they are simply designed to meet minimum flow needs, fit in a given space, and make it easier for the consumer to change the filter. I like to maximize flow. More flow potentially means more power. That may mean it is a bit tougher to change the filter, but big deal.

I looked at several intake on the market, but settled on the BMP/ProMini cold air intake. Why? Two reasons. First, It used an open filter which should allow better intake airflow. The filter is also reuseable, which means it can be taken off, cleaned, re-oiled, and used again. Second, it is considered a cold air intake. In other words, it gets some of its intake air from the outside the engine compartment. Therefore, it is not just sucking hot engine air in to the intake. Cooler air means more power. I purchased the intake from OutMotoring.in Ohio.

The install was very easy using basic hand tools. It took about a half an hour for me to install it.

Results
From my seat-of-the-pants dyno, it seems like there is a bit more power. What it did improve on is initial start from stop performance. It used to be I'd have to give the Mini a few extra rpms to get the car moving without the engine bogging down. Now, it starts smoothly without revving the engine. The intake note seems a bit lower/louder also.

Follow along as I install the new intake.

(Click on any of the images below to see a larger version)

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Here are the parts included in the ProMini intake. The metal intake housing is polished aluminum.		This is the engine compartment before the intake installation.
First step is to remove the clamp that holds the intake tube to the airbox. Simply insert a screwdriver and rotate.		Then, disconnect the intake tube from the airbox.
Next, remove the two bolts (arrows) that hold the airbox to the fender.		This electrical connector is removed from its holder.
The clamp that holds these wires to the airbox also needs to be disconnected from the airbox. First, you pinch the connector together from the bottom side with a pair of pliers...		...then use a screwdriver to pry it up. After these are removed, the factory airbox lifts right out with a little jiggling.
The airbox has been removed. All that's left is the intake tube.		To remove the tube, first loosen the clamp that holds it to the throttle body. Again, as before, insert a screwdriver and twist.
Then, remove the clamp that holds the valve cover breather tube to the valve cover and slide the tube off its fitting.		Intake tube removed.The throttle body can bee seen at the bottom center of the picture.
Time to start installing the new intake. First step is to attach this mounting bracket (arrow) to the aluminum filter housing.		Then, the filter is slid onto the flange in the housing.
To tighten the filter clamp, insert a socket or screwdriver in to the housing through the air intake hole.		Next, the silicone connecting hose and new breather hose.
This transmission mount bolt is loosened next. It will be used to secure the intake housing mounting bracket to the car.		Then slip the cool air intake boot on the factory plastic cold air intake tube.
Time to install the intake assembly in the car. First, slide the blue connecting tube on the throttle body.		Then, connect the cool air intake boot on to the filter housing.
Slide the mounting bracket between the tranny mount bolt head and the tranny mount and retighten the bolt. Make sure it is mounted in such a way as to keep the filter housing low enough to not hit the hood when closed. I had to reposition mine once.		Another view of the installed cool air intake boot.
Tighten all mounting screw clamps.		Connect the breather hose.
And you are all done. My filter housing still contacted the hood insulation a little, so I simply pressed down on the aluminum housing to flatten it a bit.		Here's a wider shot of the engine compartment with the new intake installed.

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