Intake comparison: Stock vs Aftermarket

[FlyboyS4]

Comparison of a modified stock intake and aftermarket intakes (http://mygolfmk7.com/2019/09/ultimate-mk7-gti-air-intake/).

[MikTip]

Good Info! thanks![hail]

https://i0.wp.com/mygolfmk7.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/modified_stock_airflow.jpg?resize=768%2C524

[Gberg888]

So if I am reading this correctly... The Stock airbox with a drop-in Filter and a MST/name your brand intake Hose/intake pipe nets only 10cfm less than a full blown 500+ dollar intake? (Comparing Orange bar verse Purple bar)

[MikTip]

So if I am reading this correctly... The Stock airbox with a drop-in Filter and a MST/name your brand intake Hose/intake pipe nets only 10cfm less than a full blown 500+ dollar intake? (Comparing Orange bar verse Purple bar)

Yup

[hail]

[cjacS3]

Great info. I added K&N drop in soon after buying car but just started looking into a full intake a couple of months ago. Based on cost, your previous test results, designs/install info of different intakes, etc I couldn't find an intake that seemed worthwhile. So 4-5 weeks ago I added ECS inlet pipe and tube for around $145, removed the snow grate and am happy with the results. Nice to now see this setup is so close to full intakes

[aaronc7]

If you look at some of the other tests/pages on there, the takeaway for me is that the TIP gives majority of the gains to be had. Then you might as well get the drop in filter for some small gains and long term easy cleaning and mod the airbox DIY as desired. I don't think he's tested the "intake hoses" independently but it's probably a small gain if any. That said I bought a used ECS one, because why not.

[aaronc7]

I'm going to do the "GTE" rear blanking plate, and I already opened up the driver front ports. This should make it a real 'cold air' intake and also help / give benefit over some of the simple tube and filter aftermarket setups.

[texasboy21]

My butt dyno can attest to some gains with the addition of a turbo elbow and snow scree delete. Specifically I noticed a quicker spool, more mid range power, and overall the car feels more responsive. Considering the ease of install, I give it a [up].

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48723571648_ccac5006c6_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48723903546_bb907dbf28_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48724077182_434f3b5f30_h.jpg

[misterdood]

I'm going to do the "GTE" rear blanking plate, and I already opened up the driver front ports. This should make it a real 'cold air' intake and also help / give benefit over some of the simple tube and filter aftermarket setups.

Could you elaborate on "opened up the driver front ports"? Is this a mod to the stock airbox? If so, any pics / details to share?

I'm debating the $350+ for a full intake versus $100 drop in filter and hose, but would really like more intake sound in addition to the airflow benefit. I'm guessing drop in filter and hose won't make much difference in sound. Curious if anyone is modding the stock airbox?

[kretrop]

Could you elaborate on "opened up the driver front ports"? Is this a mod to the stock airbox? If so, any pics / details to share?

I'm debating the $350+ for a full intake versus $100 drop in filter and hose, but would really like more intake sound in addition to the airflow benefit. I'm guessing drop in filter and hose won't make much difference in sound. Curious if anyone is modding the stock airbox?

Google "Audi S3 intake mod"', and you'll find several videos like this one, which answers all of your questions: https://youtu.be/U7C0zHx2iWM

[aaronc7]

Could you elaborate on "opened up the driver front ports"? Is this a mod to the stock airbox? If so, any pics / details to share?

I'm debating the $350+ for a full intake versus $100 drop in filter and hose, but would really like more intake sound in addition to the airflow benefit. I'm guessing drop in filter and hose won't make much difference in sound. Curious if anyone is modding the stock airbox?

Yep just like in that video. I used a Dremel mostly. A little time consuming but not hard.

2nd pic shows the construction of the air duct piece. I also blocked off the top left rear port as shown in the 2nd pic... GTE plate or whatever.

It's not super loud but you can hear the turbo under boost/throttle. Open filter loudness is neat but gets old and annoying to me.

https://i.imgur.com/9R3ZO6h.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jOYFsMc.jpg

[BecksA3]

I opened the driver’s side ports on my A3 and it made a big difference.

Now debating on adding a turbo inlet to run a larger diameter tube to the stock air box and modifying it to take a conical filter.

Thoughts?


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[misterdood]

Nice, thanks kretrop + aaronc7!

[strtsol1109]

has anyone flowed the new IE intake yet?

[aaronc7]

I opened the driver’s side ports on my A3 and it made a big difference.

Now debating on adding a turbo inlet to run a larger diameter tube to the stock air box and modifying it to take a conical filter.

Thoughts?


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Air flow wise the TIP seems to be the biggest gains if you look at all that guys data. And really all of them are a good improvement.

But air flow isn't everything and it's important to not just get hung up on that for "what's the best intake". Another important thing is IATs and closed system intakes are better there. Modded stock airbox with TIP strikes a good balance for a cheap price. That's what I'm running, plus an ECS silicone intake hose.

[Brandon.august]

Air flow wise the TIP seems to be the biggest gains if you look at all that guys data. And really all of them are a good improvement.

But air flow isn't everything and it's important to not just get hung up on that for "what's the best intake". Another important thing is IATs and closed system intakes are better there. Modded stock airbox with TIP strikes a good balance for a cheap price. That's what I'm running, plus an ECS silicone intake hose.

TIP = turbo inlet pipe?

Is there a difference between brands or are they all relatively the same?

[aaronc7]

TIP = turbo inlet pipe?

Is there a difference between brands or are they all relatively the same?

Yeah turbo inlet pipe, the 90 degree metal piece off the front of the turbo.

Been a while since I looked at the data but iirc they were all very close. Top ones had a bigger inlet, like 3 inch or greater. Which of course would only be realized if the rest of the intake was that large or larger.

If I was going for Max effort on a bigger turbo I would probably try to get something bigger like that. But stock turbo even is38 it's been shown not worth the effort/cost. My 2 cents anyways.

[BecksA3]

Air flow wise the TIP seems to be the biggest gains if you look at all that guys data. And really all of them are a good improvement.

But air flow isn't everything and it's important to not just get hung up on that for "what's the best intake". Another important thing is IATs and closed system intakes are better there. Modded stock airbox with TIP strikes a good balance for a cheap price. That's what I'm running, plus an ECS silicone intake hose.

That is what I was gathering from the data as well. If you can get a $100 TIP and throw in another $150 or so on a filter and small parts and nearly match the performance of a $400 cold air kit, that’s a buck and a half to put toward other go fast goodies.


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[jaherer1]

TIP = turbo inlet pipe?

Is there a difference between brands or are they all relatively the same?

http://mygolfmk7.com/turbo-inlet-pipe/

this site has very detailed comparisons. i believe someone mentioned the IE TIP did not mate with the ECS silicone hose

[BecksA3]

Air flow wise the TIP seems to be the biggest gains if you look at all that guys data. And really all of them are a good improvement.

But air flow isn't everything and it's important to not just get hung up on that for "what's the best intake". Another important thing is IATs and closed system intakes are better there. Modded stock airbox with TIP strikes a good balance for a cheap price. That's what I'm running, plus an ECS silicone intake hose.

Update.

I got a used CTS TIP from here in the forums and a DFG silicone hose on sale and I’m in it for about $125 now. This combo installed very easy with a DV+. I also opened the snow screen yesterday.
I still have the stock air box and filter for now. Debating on whether to get a performance version of the stock filter, or modify the air box to take a conical type filter.


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[S3NICK]

If you all have the stock airbox but want to close the hole on the left side of the flat inlet. The only at the upper portion of the grille.

Buy this piece. It snaps right in and further increases the "ram air" effect.


Item Name: Air Intake Trim Plate Rear
Part Brand: VAG
OEM Numbers: 5Q0129849 / 5Q0 129 849

It says it's for an R32, MK5, GTI, blah, blah, but it fits my car just fine. I purchased on eBay for ~$18. It shipped from Poland.

https://i.ibb.co/s2TP6Rp/Back-of-Airbox.jpg (https://ibb.co/s2TP6Rp)

[15S3]

[QUOTE=S3NICK;14068292]If you all have the stock airbox but want to close the hole on the left side of the flat inlet. The only at the upper portion of the grille.

Buy this piece. It snaps right in and further increases the "ram air" effect.


Item Name: Air Intake Trim Plate Rear
Part Brand: VAG
OEM Numbers: 5Q0129849 / 5Q0 129 849

It says it's for an R32, MK5, GTI, blah, blah, but it fits my car just fine. I purchased on eBay for ~$18. It shipped from Poland.

https://i.ibb.co/s2TP6Rp/Back-of-Airbox.jpg (https://ibb.co/s2TP6Rp)[/QUOTE

What's the negative aspect, if any, of closing off that air flow apparently designed to wash across components in the engine bay? Haven't heard any discussion on that.

[Brandon.august]

[QUOTE=S3NICK;14068292]If you all have the stock airbox but want to close the hole on the left side of the flat inlet. The only at the upper portion of the grille.

Buy this piece. It snaps right in and further increases the "ram air" effect.


Item Name: Air Intake Trim Plate Rear
Part Brand: VAG
OEM Numbers: 5Q0129849 / 5Q0 129 849

It says it's for an R32, MK5, GTI, blah, blah, but it fits my car just fine. I purchased on eBay for ~$18. It shipped from Poland.

https://i.ibb.co/s2TP6Rp/Back-of-Airbox.jpg (https://ibb.co/s2TP6Rp)[/QUOTE

What's the negative aspect, if any, of closing off that air flow apparently designed to wash across components in the engine bay? Haven't heard any discussion on that.

Apparently the euro cars come like that, so I can’t imagine any negative effects. Probably no positive effects either haha.

[S3NICK]

What's the negative aspect, if any, of closing off that air flow apparently designed to wash across components in the engine bay? Haven't heard any discussion on that.
I'm not sure! I haven't noticed any changes with hard-driving, etc. Kind of a cool piece. Just snaps right in.




Apparently the euro cars come like that, so I can’t imagine any negative effects. Probably no positive effects either haha.
I agree. For $18 I thought, "Why not". I am big on the ram air effect. I'll need to get a better filter (stock right now) and some sort of silicone sleeve into the TIP, and I'll be happy with that.

[Brandon.august]

I'm not sure! I haven't noticed any changes with hard-driving, etc. Kind of a cool piece. Just snaps right in.


I agree. For $18 I thought, "Why not". I am big on the ram air effect. I'll need to get a better filter (stock right now) and some sort of silicone sleeve into the TIP, and I'll be happy with that.

Exactly what I did. aFe power dry filter to replace stock. ECS tuning silicon intake hose and big bore turbo inlet pipe. I also did that little snap on piece for the RAM air effect that you mention, and cut out the front intake block to allow better flow. That last part was free and fun.

[FlyboyS4]

Exactly what I did. aFe power dry filter to replace stock. ECS tuning silicon intake hose and big bore turbo inlet pipe. I also did that little snap on piece for the RAM air effect that you mention, and cut out the front intake block to allow better flow. That last part was free and fun.

It doesn't appear there's much ram air (http://mygolfmk7.com/2020/02/ram-air-test-prep/).

[Gberg888]

At a minimum the plastic part that closes off the back of the air box will prevent a massive influx of crap into your engine bay. I know in the pollen season my engine cover was yellow with the plant jizz prior to the block off plate.

[hpclayto]

Just put an AFE filter in and took out the snow guard thingamajig. Was tempted to get an intake but knew deep down that they never really do anything other than make noise and look pretty.

[FlyboyS4]

Just put an AFE filter in and took out the snow guard thingamajig. Was tempted to get an intake but knew deep down that they never really do anything other than make noise and look pretty.

The airflow gain from a good aftermarket intake varies from small to moderate depending on the rest of the setup to the turbo.

[Coolrunning]

The MST piece is pretty damn beefy and well done. Definitely allows the flow of air into the turbo that an intake can give it.

[Sv2k]

This page at the bottom also show airflow to intake temperature relationship http://mygolfmk7.com/best-mk7-gti-air-intake/

Some open box intakes, like IE as tested, while having higher air flow may also produce higher intake temp than closed stock box. So just keep that in mind when considering intake systems strictly on the merit of their air flow capability.


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