Pumpkinate

Hello,

I'm looking at upgrading my air intake to complement my new tune + downpipes. There doesn't seem to be a lot of options. This is what I've seen online:

1. Higher flowing filters only.
Weistec $245 and claim +5-20hp
Kleemann Euro 165 (no claim re hp increase)
K&N $154 (no claim re hp increase)

2. UPD spacer and higher flowing filters
$450 and claim +20-25hp

3. Renntech airbox and filters
$4960 and claim +10hp

4. Replacement entire intake system in CF
AMS $4400 and claim +20hp
Weistec will likely release a version too because they have one as part of their W4 kit

Have I missed any? You would think there would be an affordable version of an upgraded air box, ie a solution a bit neater than the UPD spacer replacing the upper and lower airboxes, but without the Renntech price.

If the claimed power increases are true then the UPD spacer would appear to be the best overall deal at the moment. I'd consider around $500 for 20-25hp but no way 4-5k for a similar gain.

Any opinions as to what is worthwhile? Or maybe not worth upgrading the intake system at all?

Here are all the links:
http://weistec.com/all/e/e-63/2012-p...m157-m278.html
http://catalog.kleemann.dk/catalog/b...er-kit-m157-2/
http://www.knfilters.com/search/apps...Sx+lT1YmHuu86Y
http://ultimatepd.com/2011-2015-merc...boost-kit.html
http://www.renntechmercedes.com/inde...ox-m157-detail
https://www.amsperformance.com/cart/...ke-system.html

red60R

4960 for 10hp is not worth it to me, i'd go with AMS 9 turbo set up before throwing out 5k for an intake system. that's ridiculous.

Romeo_f

Do the filters only, not worth paying the AMG tax on this one..

kponti

Guaranteed 18rwhp and 26rwtq with the UPD intake over K&N filters on dyno dynamics dyno

gaspam

upd seems to be best bang for buck at moment.. i have it too

silvers2k

Those of you with UPD intake/tune, did you get it retuned after adding the intake (or planning on)?

Pumpkinate

I agree 100%

Yeah, filters or the UPD kit I think.

Yes, I'm leaning towards the UPD kit, although I wish someone would make a proper replacement airbox for a reasonable price... it would be a more professional and neater solution than the spacer. You could DIY a fibreglass lower box I guess and make it higher than the stock one.

The whole stock air intake on these cars isn't ideal really. I mean, air is sucked all the way back to the airboxes which sit right on top of the engine where its like a furnace. Then air has to pass forwards again and down the front of the engines to reach the turbo. You would think a pod style filter between the grille and radiator (it looks like it would fit) with the pipe passing over or under the radiator would be a shorter cooler solution.

kponti

Except make it very very dangerous to drive in the rain. The turbos on this car are mounted very low in the chassis. A cone style filter that sits at that level will be a foot or so from the ground.

If you go over the radiator, you are kind of defeating the purpose and back to long pipes that won't serve any purpose but increase cost significantly on packaging (for MB). Avoiding the accessories etc etc mean pipes that are not smooth or straight. The current design allows them to have a more compact engine setup.

gaspam

yeah open filter to open elements is great if it just a drag car or dyno queen that doesnt see much driving, but daily driver that will see lots of miles and rain is not a good idea unless you dont mind hydrolock

the best option for our daily driver luxury cars is a bigger intake box and tubes like ams one, but it seems the upd is making pretty much same power (~20-30hp) and keeps engine bay looking factory, so i prefer upd as i like the factory look even if ams was same price

Ralcbah

Looks like a really nice solution for sure. Thats quite good gains. Feel different pre/post install?

gaspam

originally i couldnt tell much as 20hp isnt substantial on 600 whp car, but as i drove it more and ecu adapted more, i can feel a little more omph on the butt dyno

Pumpkinate

kponti and gaspam: Yeah, OK I agree that my air intake system isn't practical. Still, it's a shame that the filter boxes were placed on top of the engine!

OK, I'm going to get the UPD kit. I'll then have tune, downpipes, UPD kit and braided brake lines.