2.0 TDI Cold Air Intake - Is this any good?

[manol]

So even if I remove the MAF grid which is what I planned on doing, there is no improvement?

Not with an APR POS.

[Pearce]

How would it be any different for different brands of cold air intake? They all essentially do the same thing. Direct air with less turns, meaning less turbulence throuegh the MAF Grid, which restricts the airflow, get rid of that and you get more air into the engine.... Not true?

[Greg Roles]

Nope, the stock setup is very good, and even on my race tune I expect the stock system would be fine.

It's a feel good mod, and sounds cool, and feel free to fit what you want, but don't kid yourself there is power there, especially on the 103 stock turbo.

[manol]

How would it be any different for different brands of cold air intake? They all essentially do the same thing. Direct air with less turns, meaning less turbulence throuegh the MAF Grid, which restricts the airflow, get rid of that and you get more air into the engine.... Not true?

It's not different for any other brand of CAI...I just particularly _hate_ APR.
Buying a CAI for a 2.0TDI is like putting a lightweight carbon bonnet on a Getz. Might look cool, but you're not getting anywhere faster.

If you have a look at this picture of the APR setup.



and then of the stock..



Where are the improvements of 'direct air with less turns'? Nothing is replaced except for the shroud at the front, there is no bigger intake pipe, there is nothing, its a really expensive cosmetic mod that might make your car sound 'cool'.

[Pearce]

Alrighty then! So what makes the best sound then? Clearly it will be a matter of opinion. Anyone know of someone that can give a balanced opinion?

Actually, better question, what changes to the intake actually "Improves" the sound?

[Pearce]

Also, You'll have to excuse me questioning removing the MAF grid and getting rid of the turns. I have read on a post that the MAF grid can reduce airflow by 22% and that because you get rid of the bends the air is less turbulent, that warrants getting rid of the MAF grid. which is used to calm the airflow.

[Greg Roles]

Not so Manol, the stock TDI / Sportline etc Golf Airbox intake has a pretty twisted intake path, that APR intake is dead straight in comparison, but yes, the flow through the stock system is good enough for normal tunes on a TDI. You will note the GTI / R has a similar to that APR box straight intake path in comparison.

[lhennessy]

^ manol I don't know if you have actually looked at the stock intake... Lots and lots of twists and turns as Greg said.

Even just the top there is a 90 degree turn...

And don't get me wrong it doesn't make any power difference, just gives a nice dose/flutter and I found that it feels a touch more responsive but other no power gains or anything...


Pearce if you want to organise a time and location I can simply take your for a drive so you can see.

[Mysticality]

You can here the intake in this vid I took.
Skoda Octavia vRS TDI 3" Catback Exhaust Note - YouTube

The stock intake is a maze.





It literally goes straight into a 90^ angle, does a loop-de-loop, then through the filter, around another 90^ angle, through the MAF and into the turbo!

[team_v]

You can here the intake in this vid I took.
Skoda Octavia vRS TDI 3" Catback Exhaust Note - YouTube

The stock intake is a maze.





It literally goes straight into a 90^ angle, does a loop-de-loop, then through the filter, around another 90^ angle, through the MAF and into the turbo!

It may just be on the TSI engine but there is also a big gap under the "ram" part which i was advised is to let leaves/dust fall out of however it also allows warm air from the engine bay directly into the intake system.