RAMAIR Intakes - $100 Mod (Must Do)

[JNoSol]

For those who wants aftermarket intakes with the most sound, but don't want to spend $3k must look at RAMAIR.

Total cost is around $100 USD. I cannot be any happier with the sound result. Swoosh is super loud, sounds like HKS SSQV BOV. The sound is intoxicating. Vid on my IG: JNOSOL

About RAMAIR: RAMAIR is a very well known filter company based in the UK. Their filters are dry double foam (so no CEL by oil overload) with stainless steel mesh reinforcement. The filter base is aluminum with built in velocity stack. The result is a high quality cone filter with velocity stack that amplify the sound.

No comment on power gains, but this setup is way less restrictive than stock after looking at the air filters and charcoal filters. The turbos spool up much quicker. As for potential heat soak (which I doubt), I'm installing some DIY air scoops which feed fresh air into the OEM lower intake box.

Where to buy: http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAMAIR-UNIVE...xWGuww&vxp=mtr
Thread inspired by: http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1246543

DIY: You must cut your OEM box as shown, 1" away from the base using a hack saw. Don't worry, you can use the coupling that comes with it to re-attached later when you trade it back in. No dealer will care or notice.

Purchase some 2.5" "L" brackets from Home Depot for mounting, bending in a shape of "U." You may to make minor adjustments for the bracket to fit. One of bracket ends would bolt onto your OEM lower air box, using the same screw from your air box cover (no drilling). The other end of the bracket slips under the screw clamp of the filter. (photo below) I did drill a small hole to zip tie the hose that was held by the OEM air box cover (optional).

P.S. This isn't a sponsored post. Hell, it was only $100 a pair so I didn't need to bug them for any credit for this post. I just love non-M tax companies.

Overall, I hope you do it.

[TheHouseWon]

Really nice write up. I heard the video on IG...speechless

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by TheHouseWon

Really nice write up. I heard the video on IG...speechless

Thanks buddy. Can't wait to see how your 175mm looks like.

I think the raw milled aluminum looks great vs black too.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by TheHouseWon

Really nice write up. I heard the video on IG...speechless

Check out the OEM charcoal panels and restrictive filters. The surface of the filters is around 9x8" = 72 sqr inch. The RAMAIR is not only more free flowing, but the total filter surface is around 120 sqr inch.

[evilb]

Looks like a pretty good setup for the cost involved. Good seeing the writeups and DIY.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by evilb

Looks like a pretty good setup for the cost involved. Good seeing the writeups and DIY.

Thanks brother. Total cost was less than $100, can't beat it.

For those who are still hesitant to cut the box, you can fit these with the BMS intakes. These are dry foam filters for better flow, better sound, and no CEL due to oil overload.

[evilb]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

Thanks brother. Total cost was less than $100, can't beat it.

For those who are still hesitant to cut the box, you can fit these with the BMS intakes. These are dry foam filter, better flowing, sound better, and no CEL due to oil overload.

Personally, I prefer a cleaner look from the engine bay and loved the color matched filters in the kidney grilles. That's part of the reason why I went MSR instead of BMS or other.

It's great to see options coming up, though. Kudos for all the posts and pictures, bro. Good for the community here.

Brad

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by evilb

Personally, I prefer a cleaner look from the engine bay and loved the color matched filters in the kidney grilles. That's part of the reason why I went MSR instead of BMS or other.

It's great to see options coming up, though. Kudos for all the posts and pictures, bro. Good for the community here.

Brad

Awesome. I noticed you have Cyba tips, have more photos?

Can't decide if I want tips or Fabspeed muffler delete.

[JNoSol]

Top view:

[TheHouseWon]

How do we clean these?

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by TheHouseWon

How do we clean these?

Since it's completely dry foam, soak the filters in bucket of water with a couple drops of Dawn dish washing soap. Dump the water, refill the bucket with fresh water, and keep dunking the filter and replacing the water until the water is clean. Let sit dry in the sun for a day, then you're set.

Do not oil a dry filter.

[combatbmw]

How much are stock airboxes that get ruined by this mod?

Sure intakes cost some $$$ but we do drive M5's.
Just like anything when a car costs more the aftermarket is higher.

I bought a intake for my 15' Jeep for 250 bucks and it was a K&N.

But this is creative, Just rather not ruin factory parts. MY opinion.

But this is a good option for those that don't want to spend some $$$

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by combatbmw

How much are stock airboxes that get ruined by this mod?

Sure intakes cost some $$$ but we do drive M5's.
Just like anything when a car costs more the aftermarket is higher.

I bought a intake for my 15' Jeep for 250 bucks and it was a K&N.

But this is creative, Just rather not ruin factory parts. MY opinion.

But this is a good option for those that don't want to spend some $$$

It would be very difficult to screw up this mod. Just use masking tape around the hose and mark 1" from the edge then cut with a hack saw. To revert the mod, use the silicone couplings that came with RAMAIR to re-attach the box.

Otherwise, you can buy BMS intakes (for the pipes) + RAMAIR filters. I don't like BMS filter as it's oiled and won't sound as good as RAMAIR.

The whole thought process of "we drive an M5" and should pay $3k for intakes is ridiculous to me. Intakes are intakes, it should not cost more because we drive an M5. I do these mods to combat silly M Tax companies.

If I wanted, I could partner with RAMAIR / 3D print the OEM MAF section and sell the intakes setup for $900. I don't have the desire to do this, because it's against my principal to take advantage of M drivers. I would rather teach you how to do this so you can save money.

[TheHouseWon]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

3D print the OEM MAF section and sell the intakes setup$900. I don't have the desire to do this

Some of us have time and willingness to explore a neat project like that!

Are the OEM intakes made of nylon, polyphenylene sulfide or polypropylene?

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by TheHouseWon

Some of us have time and willingness to explore a neat project like that!

Are the OEM intakes made of nylon, polyphenylene sulfide or polypropylene?

I would assume Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) due to high temp handling. It's hard and not very flexible.

I was going to attempt doing CF, but I don't want to ruin my oven.

[combatbmw]

Hey man totally agree 3k for intakes is INSANE!
But it is what it is, I did it so have others. I choose the company I felt had the best customer service and results.

I don't miss with BMS products personally.

Anyways good for you man, good luck with this.

Originally Posted by JNoSol

It would be very difficult to screw up this mod. Just use masking tape around the hose and mark 1" from the edge then cut with a hack saw. To revert the mod, use the silicone couplings that came with RAMAIR to re-attach the box.

Otherwise, you can buy BMS intakes (for the pipes) + RAMAIR filters. I don't like BMS filter as it's oiled and won't sound as good as RAMAIR.

The whole thought process of "we drive an M5" and should pay $3k for intakes is ridiculous to me. Intakes are intakes, it should not cost more because we drive an M5. I do these mods to combat silly M Tax companies.

If I wanted, I could partner with RAMAIR / 3D print the OEM MAF section and sell the intakes setup for $900. I don't have the desire to do this, because it's against my principal to take advantage of M drivers. I would rather teach you how to do this so you can save money.

[Rearview]

Two words - HEAT SOAK.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by Rearview

Two words - HEAT SOAK.

Hahah. I'm actually getting a wireless thermometer to test the IAT before and after air scoops to debunk that myth. All heat soak theory is based on dyno, a car isn't moving with lots of air moving through. Air scoops will convert the OEM air duct from passive to active to feed the RAMAIR filters (same concept as Eventuri).

So far, the intakes are cool to the touch after hard runs.

[Rearview]

Glad to hear but in 100 degree ambient temps; 87% humidity and traffic ... you will get timing cut ... no way around it. These things already bake themselves to death ... you will be sucking in some hot air, my brother!

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by Rearview

Glad to hear but in 100 degree ambient temps; 87% humidity and traffic ... you will get timing cut ... no way around it. These things already bake themselves to death ... you will be sucking in some hot air, my brother!

Well, there are lots of theories out there. I will use a thermometer to debunk those keyboard theories. Heat soak is more prone for N/A and super charged motors. Our turbos are super hot, a few degrees won't hurt. Even BMS are short ram.

I'm not trying to gain power, but gain sound without losing power. If I gain a few ponies, it would be a bonus.

1000HP+ Supras and GTRs have been using short ram intakes for years. I guess those guys don't know what they were doing, including Too Secret, HKS, etc.

[Northern X5M]

I am sure you will be fine once moving and the IATs come down. But from a stop, drag racing or road racing you will get some heat soak and pulled timing. I am also sure those modified cars you mentioned are probably not pulling as much timing as say a stock car.

[Rearview]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

Well, there are lots of theories out there. I will use a thermometer to debunk those keyboard theories. Heat soak is more prone for N/A and super charged motors. Our turbos are super hot, a few degrees won't hurt. Even BMS are short ram.

I'm not trying to gain power, but gain sound without losing power. If I gain a few ponies, it would be a bonus.

1000HP+ Supras and GTRs have been using short ram intakes for years. I guess those guys don't know what they were doing, including Too Secret, HKS, etc.

Maybe they don't know what they are doing. With regard to the marketing opportunity, sure anybody will sell you anything ... it's the ROI that matters. If your perceived or real ROI suits you, awesome! Just sayin, heat soak happens.