Needswings C32 Cold Air Intake
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 692
Likes: 11
From: Murfreesboro, TN
SRT-6
considering the reputation Rob has with the SRT6 folks, I find your speculation highly unlikely. sure, anyone can fake dyno numbers but any company that does so long enough isn't going to remain in business very long let alone have happy customers praise their products on forums like these. it's much easier and more objective to compare with a dyno than a track test. on a dyno, you don't have to account for driver error.
I think the point being presented was that everyone focuses on RWHP as the "be all, end all" in performance when in fact it's nothing more than a measuring stick. I've seen cars with lower dyno HP run much better at the track than those with impressive dyno figures. Cooling, driver mod, conditions all play into effect.
To confirm your original statement though, many members have noted the ~30rwhp increase with the Needswings intake... regardless of who was running the dyno. The NW intake works, plain and simple. So you're accurate in your assessments.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 27
From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
considering the reputation Rob has with the SRT6 folks, I find your speculation highly unlikely. sure, anyone can fake dyno numbers but any company that does so long enough isn't going to remain in business very long let alone have happy customers praise their products on forums like these. it's much easier and more objective to compare with a dyno than a track test. on a dyno, you don't have to account for driver error.
that's exactly what i'll be doing
that's exactly what i'll be doing
That said, here is the info from EC regarding thier SC Pulley where for the more or less the same money you can get close to 60HP gain (using EC dyno).
http://www.eurocharged.com/index.php...mart&Itemid=99
And get some dataloggin equipment.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
I would probably suggest doing cooling system first (separate cooling, heat exchanger, ic pump, maybe check if intercooler leaks or not and budget that for the future).
You would want to make sure that your car runs consistent times and minimize heatsoak. Upgraded cooling system is the best way to achieve that.
You would want to make sure that your car runs consistent times and minimize heatsoak. Upgraded cooling system is the best way to achieve that.
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 208
Likes: 2
From: Newport Beach, CA
E55 AMG, Porsche 911 SC
I don't think Steve was implying Rob @ Needswings is fudging the numbers... Rob is a personal friend of mine and is a friend of Steve as well.
I think the point being presented was that everyone focuses on RWHP as the "be all, end all" in performance when in fact it's nothing more than a measuring stick. I've seen cars with lower dyno HP run much better at the track than those with impressive dyno figures. Cooling, driver mod, conditions all play into effect.
To confirm your original statement though, many members have noted the ~30rwhp increase with the Needswings intake... regardless of who was running the dyno. The NW intake works, plain and simple. So you're accurate in your assessments.
I think the point being presented was that everyone focuses on RWHP as the "be all, end all" in performance when in fact it's nothing more than a measuring stick. I've seen cars with lower dyno HP run much better at the track than those with impressive dyno figures. Cooling, driver mod, conditions all play into effect.
To confirm your original statement though, many members have noted the ~30rwhp increase with the Needswings intake... regardless of who was running the dyno. The NW intake works, plain and simple. So you're accurate in your assessments.
I doubt that Steve was referring to NW Rob in his comments above. His point was to trust the track results ahead of the dyno results. But I'm sure he can speak for himself.
That said, here is the info from EC regarding thier SC Pulley where for the more or less the same money you can get close to 60HP gain (using EC dyno).
http://www.eurocharged.com/index.php...mart&Itemid=99
And get some dataloggin equipment.
That said, here is the info from EC regarding thier SC Pulley where for the more or less the same money you can get close to 60HP gain (using EC dyno).
http://www.eurocharged.com/index.php...mart&Itemid=99
And get some dataloggin equipment.
the bottom line is, as Link pointed out, many of you are gravitating away from the point of this thread which was to compile information on the Needswings intake. all it has turned into is arguing about dyno vs track numbers and preaching of what mod to purchase first. I will probably upgrade the supercharger pulley in the future, but I chose to go with the intake first. and as you said, the intake works, so lets put that to rest.
Last edited by Ken311; Jun 22, 2012 at 05:02 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 2
From: Marlton
'02 325 xi; '02 C32; '90 ZX; '08 CBR 6RR, '86 V45 Magna
However, I certainly felt more than a few power surges today. It's gotta be a bum pump. So that'll have to be next.
Sorry to jack the thread.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 27
From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
No worries. I see you're from North Jers. I'm from South, so it's a certainty that we but heads. I'm looking to upgrade, but am not convinced altering sc is the safest way to do so. For example, work took me from home Exit 4 NJTP up to 11 to GSP N to I-78 and back today. I fear being stuck on the side of the NJTP with pulley issues. That's why raw data on the CAI is of interest. I had trouble accepting the claims to be honest.
However, I certainly felt more than a few power surges today. It's gotta be a bum pump. So that'll have to be next.
Sorry to jack the thread.
However, I certainly felt more than a few power surges today. It's gotta be a bum pump. So that'll have to be next.
Sorry to jack the thread.
BTW,the EC SC Pulley is pretty safe (compared to other mods) and easy to install.
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: Wollongong, sydney Australia
R170 99SLK230 + SLK32
Lenin/Rob,
A Couple of Q's if I may.
Know'n what you guys know now about the 1371410125 80mm TB....
1) Lenin you mentioned you had to port your sc snout out.
The 1131400912 (ex SL55 >2006) I understood was already 80mm?
Does this mean you had a different part# and had to port it - maybe a pre 2006 SL55 SC snout?
I do like the idea of simply tacking some ears on the bottom and tapping in some new threads for the 80mm TB. Thus avoiding the adapter plate.
2) I know robert posted a dyno showing little if no improvement for the 80mm. After running the setup for a year or so now, would you conisder having the 80mm ported and refly'd to 84mm?
3) if you had your time over again would you recconsider the 82mm (either Audi or MB)
A Couple of Q's if I may.
Know'n what you guys know now about the 1371410125 80mm TB....
1) Lenin you mentioned you had to port your sc snout out.
The 1131400912 (ex SL55 >2006) I understood was already 80mm?
Does this mean you had a different part# and had to port it - maybe a pre 2006 SL55 SC snout?
I do like the idea of simply tacking some ears on the bottom and tapping in some new threads for the 80mm TB. Thus avoiding the adapter plate.
2) I know robert posted a dyno showing little if no improvement for the 80mm. After running the setup for a year or so now, would you conisder having the 80mm ported and refly'd to 84mm?
3) if you had your time over again would you recconsider the 82mm (either Audi or MB)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 27
From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
Lenin/Rob,
A Couple of Q's if I may.
Know'n what you guys know now about the 1371410125 80mm TB....
1) Lenin you mentioned you had to port your sc snout out.
The 1131400912 (ex SL55 >2006) I understood was already 80mm?
Does this mean you had a different part# and had to port it - maybe a pre 2006 SL55 SC snout?
I do like the idea of simply tacking some ears on the bottom and tapping in some new threads for the 80mm TB. Thus avoiding the adapter plate.
I used the original SC snout that came with the C32. The snouts from the 55 platform are a bit longer due to the bypass valve and would not fit in the C32 without some firewall surgery. You car may be different.
2) I know robert posted a dyno showing little if no improvement for the 80mm. After running the setup for a year or so now, would you conisder having the 80mm ported and refly'd to 84mm?
I log my AFRs and they are normal. Therefore I would consider this in the future.
3) if you had your time over again would you recconsider the 82mm (either Audi or MB)
I would not consider 82mm due to the higher cost and possible issues that some people had with them. Not Audi for sure.
A Couple of Q's if I may.
Know'n what you guys know now about the 1371410125 80mm TB....
1) Lenin you mentioned you had to port your sc snout out.
The 1131400912 (ex SL55 >2006) I understood was already 80mm?
Does this mean you had a different part# and had to port it - maybe a pre 2006 SL55 SC snout?
I do like the idea of simply tacking some ears on the bottom and tapping in some new threads for the 80mm TB. Thus avoiding the adapter plate.
I used the original SC snout that came with the C32. The snouts from the 55 platform are a bit longer due to the bypass valve and would not fit in the C32 without some firewall surgery. You car may be different.
2) I know robert posted a dyno showing little if no improvement for the 80mm. After running the setup for a year or so now, would you conisder having the 80mm ported and refly'd to 84mm?
I log my AFRs and they are normal. Therefore I would consider this in the future.
3) if you had your time over again would you recconsider the 82mm (either Audi or MB)
I would not consider 82mm due to the higher cost and possible issues that some people had with them. Not Audi for sure.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 185
From: Chicago
E63 SL55 996TT C5Z06
i have this set up and love it, BUT the SPECTRE air filters are such bad quality and break apart at the base and also the plastic tip starts to separate after 6-9 months of use... (SEE ATTACHED PICS)
**Question - any feedback about other conal filters that work with the Needswings DCAI setup aside from the SPECTRE ones that comes with the system?
Not complaining at all about the Needswings DCAI which is worth every penny and Rob has always been exceptional with his support and service. He actually sent me a free replacement set of SPECTRE filters with an order of some other stuff i got from him.
But this is my 3rd set of filters (i ordered one set from SPECTRE directly) and each time the base of the cone is totally broken apart and the tip of the cone is cracked open, so not sure what stuff can get into the throttle body or supercharger when the filter is that degraded...????
any feedback would be apreciated
thx jv
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 185
From: Chicago
E63 SL55 996TT C5Z06
found these specs on the SPECTRE air filter for the Needwings intake so you can see the dimensions....looks like you need a 4" diameter cone filter around 5 inches long to work with the Needswings setup, so hopefully others make a similar filter to the SPECTRE which again for me has been very poor quality and breaking apart.....
http://www.spectreperformance.com/se...specifications
Part HPR9833 Product Specifications
Air Filter Large End Diameter4 in (102 mm) Air Filter ShapeRound Tapered Filter MaterialNon-woven Synthetic FlangesNone Height5.75 in (146 mm) Oil Amount10 ml (0 oz) Package Contents1 Air Filter Package Quantity1 Product Box Height8.5 in (216 mm) Product Box Length8.5 in (216 mm) Product Box Width8.5 in (216 mm) Product StyleSpectre Unique Universal Air Filter Weight0.8 lb (0.4 kg)
http://www.spectreperformance.com/se...specifications
Part HPR9833 Product Specifications
Air Filter Large End Diameter4 in (102 mm) Air Filter ShapeRound Tapered Filter MaterialNon-woven Synthetic FlangesNone Height5.75 in (146 mm) Oil Amount10 ml (0 oz) Package Contents1 Air Filter Package Quantity1 Product Box Height8.5 in (216 mm) Product Box Length8.5 in (216 mm) Product Box Width8.5 in (216 mm) Product StyleSpectre Unique Universal Air Filter Weight0.8 lb (0.4 kg)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 27
From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
Hi jvakos, I never had the kind of problems you are describing with my filters. And therefore never looked for a replacement for the Spectre filters. Can it be cold Chicago weather? Do you garage your car or is it kept outdoor overnight?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 185
From: Chicago
E63 SL55 996TT C5Z06
Lenin - appreciate the feedback. I am guessing its the chicago cold along with moisture/rain that degrades them in my situation. I do have it in our garage but its not a heated garage so that probably doesnt help, nor does living in downtown chicago with all the dust and grime.
I shot Rob an email asking if he had any other suggestions, plus sent K&N an email asking if they had a 4" diameter similar cone filter....will report back if i find anything better than the Spectre ones. Luckily they're fairly inexpensive so replacing them every 6 months is what i may have do do.
thx L
JV
I shot Rob an email asking if he had any other suggestions, plus sent K&N an email asking if they had a 4" diameter similar cone filter....will report back if i find anything better than the Spectre ones. Luckily they're fairly inexpensive so replacing them every 6 months is what i may have do do.
thx L
JV
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 852
Likes: 4
From: DE
2005 E55
Lenin - reviving a very old post here and question about the intake cone filters on Needswings DCAI...
i have this set up and love it, BUT the SPECTRE air filters are such bad quality and break apart at the base and also the plastic tip starts to separate after 6-9 months of use... (SEE ATTACHED PICS)
**Question - any feedback about other conal filters that work with the Needswings DCAI setup aside from the SPECTRE ones that comes with the system?
Not complaining at all about the Needswings DCAI which is worth every penny and Rob has always been exceptional with his support and service. He actually sent me a free replacement set of SPECTRE filters with an order of some other stuff i got from him.
But this is my 3rd set of filters (i ordered one set from SPECTRE directly) and each time the base of the cone is totally broken apart and the tip of the cone is cracked open, so not sure what stuff can get into the throttle body or supercharger when the filter is that degraded...????
any feedback would be apreciated
thx jv
i have this set up and love it, BUT the SPECTRE air filters are such bad quality and break apart at the base and also the plastic tip starts to separate after 6-9 months of use... (SEE ATTACHED PICS)
**Question - any feedback about other conal filters that work with the Needswings DCAI setup aside from the SPECTRE ones that comes with the system?
Not complaining at all about the Needswings DCAI which is worth every penny and Rob has always been exceptional with his support and service. He actually sent me a free replacement set of SPECTRE filters with an order of some other stuff i got from him.
But this is my 3rd set of filters (i ordered one set from SPECTRE directly) and each time the base of the cone is totally broken apart and the tip of the cone is cracked open, so not sure what stuff can get into the throttle body or supercharger when the filter is that degraded...????
any feedback would be apreciated
thx jv
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 185
From: Chicago
E63 SL55 996TT C5Z06
So I never had the problem when I had the Needswings CAI and my C32, but I am having the same problem with the spectre filters in the intake on my E55. They must have switched manufacturers or something (much like the old green filters). Supposedly they are warranted by Spectre but good luck getting them to pay up. I've just had to check the filters regularly and keep extras on hand.
This gal at K&N in their customer service was very nice and shipped me a new set of replacement Spectre filters after i sent her my photos of the degraded ones and explained the problem.
Suzanne Olivas
Customer Service
800-858-3333
www.knfilters.com
SuzanneO@knfilters.com
I have an extra set on hand just to be safe, but for now the current filters are 1 year running and no issues. Perhaps there were some lots of filters that had quality issues or something.
I take them out every couple months and shake them out to keep them clean. i think the proper way to clean is to apply a oil or something but i've not done that.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 27
From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
K&N owns Spectre, its another of their brands actually.
This gal at K&N in their customer service was very nice and shipped me a new set of replacement Spectre filters after i sent her my photos of the degraded ones and explained the problem.
Suzanne Olivas
Customer Service
800-858-3333
www.knfilters.com
SuzanneO@knfilters.com
I have an extra set on hand just to be safe, but for now the current filters are 1 year running and no issues. Perhaps there were some lots of filters that had quality issues or something.
I take them out every couple months and shake them out to keep them clean. i think the proper way to clean is to apply a oil or something but i've not done that.
This gal at K&N in their customer service was very nice and shipped me a new set of replacement Spectre filters after i sent her my photos of the degraded ones and explained the problem.
Suzanne Olivas
Customer Service
800-858-3333
www.knfilters.com
SuzanneO@knfilters.com
I have an extra set on hand just to be safe, but for now the current filters are 1 year running and no issues. Perhaps there were some lots of filters that had quality issues or something.
I take them out every couple months and shake them out to keep them clean. i think the proper way to clean is to apply a oil or something but i've not done that.
