[jrveron]

Hi guys,

I finally installed a new intake pipe from FTP (https://www.ftpmotorsport.com.tw/pro...ipe-inlet-pipe). I was looking for new upgrades after the ECU tune, and this comes first since it's the cheapest.

This pipe is advertised to provide better "breathing" for the engine, so I was expecting some sort of performance improvement, I mean noticeable to me while driving. The truth is that I can't really feel any difference, but maybe will be worthy in my path to a Stage 2 setup .

Anyway, I'm attaching some pics from the process, which I catalog as "Medium" difficulty (a couple of hours) since you need to disassemble several parts to access the pipe. I'm also attaching the ISTA+ manuals.

Did someone install this kind of intake pipe? I would love to hear about your experiences or if you feel any improvement.

Thanks!

[swblake]

Thanks for posting this! I'm waiting on my intake to arrive so I can tackle this project. Have you done any other upgrades?

[ventjock]

check out MINI forums. I've seen a few users with JCWs who have installed the same part and claimed the intake noise is louder.

Saludos desde Milwaukee compadre!

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by swblake

Thanks for posting this! I'm waiting on my intake to arrive so I can tackle this project. Have you done any other upgrades?

You're welcome! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Yes, I did a couple of things:

1. Eibach lowered springs
2. EBC disk brakes + yellowstuff pads + SS brake lines
3. Bigger wheels and wider tires
4. MMI Box (rear camera + carplay)
5. K&N CAI (better noise)
6. ECU tune (270hp+)

Cosmetic things like:

1. Carbon fiber mirror cover
2. Black exhaust tips
3. Carbon fiber vinyl for some interior parts

And maintenance things like:

1. Oil change
2. A/C cleaning + cabin filter replacement

Next things are:

1. Boostpipe and Chargepipe (also from FTP)
2. Bilstein B8 shock absorbers
3. Downpipe (still evaluating it)

You know, it's my hobby haha. I really enjoy doing these things myself.

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by ventjock

check out MINI forums. I've seen a few users with JCWs who have installed the same part and claimed the intake noise is louder.

Saludos desde Milwaukee compadre!

Yes, now it sounds better IMO. I also noticed less air turbulence. When I had the stock intake + CAI, sometimes it struggled to breathe, and you felt some jerking. Now with this new intake, the jerking is gone.

But besides that, no other improvement that I can feel.

[Reefy]

I installed this pipe and also with the Boostpipe and Chargepipe (also from FTP).
With my AFE Intake and DINAN Tune + Supersprint exhaust, it really rocks.
All excellent upgrades.

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by Reefy

I installed this pipe and also with the Boostpipe and Chargepipe (also from FTP).
With my AFE Intake and DINAN Tune + Supersprint exhaust, it really rocks.
All excellent upgrades.

Hey Reefy, for installing the boostpipe, did you have to cut the OEM one? I read that's pretty much the only way to remove it.

[Reefy]

Originally Posted by jrveron

Hey Reefy, for installing the boostpipe, did you have to cut the OEM one? I read that's pretty much the only way to remove it.

Yeah that is the case.

It was really tight space under there.
Make sure you get it secured it well though, mine popped off after a long roadtrip, was very lucky.

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by Reefy

Yeah that is the case.

It was really tight space under there.
Make sure you get it secured it well though, mine popped off after a long roadtrip, was very lucky.

Ohhh noooo!! . I will double-check it for sure. Any other recommendations?

Thanks

[Reefy]

Originally Posted by jrveron

Ohhh noooo!! . I will double-check it for sure. Any other recommendations?

Thanks

Thats about it, just make sure everything is snug.

This is a very good mod because these pipes ALWAYS break.

[Ion619]

Got a question... I finally got around to install the "air pipe" after years in storage... The "C-Clip" on the new FTP pipe, when seated to mating existing pipe, i can at times able to pull up the FTP, thus disconnecting.

I really seated the FTP pipe on the existing flange (with no gaps identified) and when positioning the "C-Cip" I can feel with extra force, it can be disconnected and not 100% secured.

Is there something that I'm missing to ensure 100% connection between FTP "air pipe" and existing intake pipe?

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by Ion619

Got a question... I finally got around to install the "air pipe" after years in storage... The "C-Clip" on the new FTP pipe, when seated to mating existing pipe, i can at times able to pull up the FTP, thus disconnecting.

I really seated the FTP pipe on the existing flange (with no gaps identified) and when positioning the "C-Cip" I can feel with extra force, it can be disconnected and not 100% secured.

Is there something that I'm missing to ensure 100% connection between FTP "air pipe" and existing intake pipe?

Hi Ion619,

If I understood correctly, try moving the C-clip until you hear a click. The first time happened the same to me, but after moving the C-clip, it fit strongly. Or probably the C-clip (reused from the existing intake pipe) is not in perfect conditions, that's why it doesn't allow you to have a good seal with turbo entrance.

For me, the most difficult parts were the Crankcase Ventilation lines and the electrical pin on the back of the inlet.

[swblake]

Tackled this installation yesterday and holy hell was it frustrating. I spent ~ an hour trying to disconnect the electrical connector from the intake pipe and was never successful. Ended up pull the whole unit out (connector and what I'm guessing is a sensor). Don't think I'd do this one again on my own but at least its done now.

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by swblake

Tackled this installation yesterday and holy hell was it frustrating. I spent ~ an hour trying to disconnect the electrical connector from the intake pipe and was never successful. Ended up pull the whole unit out (connector and what I'm guessing is a sensor). Don't think I'd do this one again on my own but at least its done now.

Well, you can't argue that it's satisfying when you're done, haha. In my case, removing the heat protector gave me enough space to disconnect that electrical connector on the back, but, yes, it was a PITA.

[SDriver18i]

Originally Posted by jrveron

Well, you can't argue that it's satisfying when you're done, haha. In my case, removing the heat protector gave me enough space to disconnect that electrical connector on the back, but, yes, it was a PITA.

I'm about to go stage 2 with an uprated intercooler, are these upgrades worth it? I'm with the tiny 1.5L 3 Cyl BTW.

[swblake]

I purchased the Turner Motorsports Performance Software kit so I wanted to upgrade/reinforce the air intake, intake, boost, and charge pipes. In my mind these were a must to get the best, most reliable performance out of this tune.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...ance-software/

[jrveron]

Originally Posted by SDriver18i

I'm about to go stage 2 with an uprated intercooler, are these upgrades worth it? I'm with the tiny 1.5L 3 Cyl BTW.

Well, I'm not sure we benefit from upgrading the intercooler unless you upgrade the turbo too. You will lose boost because of the bigger intercooler. There's a lot of debate around this.

I strongly believe you will see the benefit from a bigger intercooler if you really push it all the time, like in a race, you know. You will see that temperature drop faster and maintain healthy cool air in the system. But for everyday driving, I don't think it's necessary.

I have a 2.0i with an ECU tune giving me around 290hp to the wheels and 320hp to the crank. I changed the intake pipe for better turbo breathing and better noise. I also changed the boostpipe and chargepipe for durability. I saw many minis blow up the lines when increasing the boost, and it was a good DIY project, haha.

So, bottom line, I think you must change the boostpipe and chargepipe. The intake pipe is optional.

[Mattadore]

Thanks, jrveron. I finally got around to putting this in and your pictures were a big help.

Thru nothing torrid or off base I happen to have another, new in-box rear FTP intake pipe. I am asking $125 plus shipping to anyone that wants it. Good upgrade, IMO. The old pipe looked less than efficient.

If you are interested, DM me and we can figure it out.

Originally Posted by jrveron

Hi guys,

I finally installed a new intake pipe from FTP (https://www.ftpmotorsport.com.tw/pro...ipe-inlet-pipe). I was looking for new upgrades after the ECU tune, and this comes first since it's the cheapest.

This pipe is advertised to provide better "breathing" for the engine, so I was expecting some sort of performance improvement, I mean noticeable to me while driving. The truth is that I can't really feel any difference, but maybe will be worthy in my path to a Stage 2 setup .

Anyway, I'm attaching some pics from the process, which I catalog as "Medium" difficulty (a couple of hours) since you need to disassemble several parts to access the pipe. I'm also attaching the ISTA+ manuals.

Did someone install this kind of intake pipe? I would love to hear about your experiences or if you feel any improvement.

Thanks!