Whats Special About £150+ Induction Kits ?

**Zer0** · 12-31-2009

i decided on K and N Typhoon ages ago, then i thought to myself, i can buy a cone for 12 quid, and fit it low in the engine bay so it becomes a cold air intake. all i need is the pipes really which wont cost much, anyways, ims sure i can fit this for less then 50, so whats special about BMC, GSR and K and N ? why can they get away with charging 150+ for a simple induction kit ? is it a special cone or what? special pipes? either way it cant add an extra 100 quid can it ?

**scottie2065** · 01-01-2010

most have a heat sheild and some are made from carbon fibre. Red Devil built one for his 156 alfa and looked pretty sexual tbh

**crosshairs** · 01-01-2010

I think the most honest answer mate is, Think design, realisation and marketing etc etc. If all manufacturers simply sold stuff at the cost of parts etc, they would last about a nano second in business.
I agree some are vastly inflated prices, but they do have to make some profit.
Another thing is, some manufacturers, will put there price up to make their products look exclusive or higher quality, but then cheaper alternatives come along and spoli the party.

I suppose the pipes etc, all being in one box, makes things easier for the end user too, so no shopping round, measuring etc etc, so convenience is a big factor too.
Personally though for something as simple as an induction kit, imho, i would go down Reds route and build my own, then every time you open your bonnett, you can admire your own handy work and ingenuity at work

**Andymac** · 01-01-2010

Nothing special about any induction kits at all. If you want to make up a kit then follow these guidelines. The generic cone filter must be as large as you can make fit, and should be isolated from engine bay heat, ideally by not being in the engine bay, but if it has to be, then put it soimewhere in still air (front wheel arch inside any splash guards is good. Then, keep any pipework to the MAF as short as possible and made of smooth tubing with as straight a run as possible. The inside bore should be as constant as possible and any joins must be air-tight.

The filter should be in a position high up so that a large puddle, or shallow ford won't swamp it, it needs to be in a place that stays reasonably clean, and if it is near any high temperature areas, these should be shielded from the filter and the pipework should be wrapped in protective heat reflective wrapping as you want lots of cold air to get the the engine without heating up.

Finally, when all is in place, don't expect any more detectable power as that isn;t going to happen, maybe a whole additional horsepower? Its more for the sound, hence the big filter.

Go for a brand you know of, and pick a material you have researched well (foam, gauze or metal mesh)

Have fun and share pics when all done please.

Cheers

Andy