Suggestions on Intake Systems

[REALZ1]

Wanted to get some feedback & suggestions on intake systems, particularly for A3/S3.

A few that I've run into:

• CTS 3.5" CAI
• 034 Motorsport P34 MQB CAI
• ECS Luft-Technik Intake System
• Agency Power Cold Air Intake System

Pros/Cons, dependability, durability, any feedback or suggestions appreciated!

Thanks!!

[TheMysticWizard]

Neuspeed P-Flo

Decent option, I've had their intake on my A3 (different one, because TDI) for 35k+ miles and it's been good. A little bit more turbo/engine noise.

Cleaned it once, recently.

A lot of debate if these cars really benefit from an intake tho, the stock setup is pretty decent, brings cold air in from the grill and apparently flows fairly well. A good drop in filter is all you need for Stage 1 and maybe even Stage 2.

There is a free mod you can do to the air "scoop" in the grill... You close off the vent facing the engine compartment (Red XX's) and open up the vent in front of the air box (blue arrows on right side) as it is closed on that side from the factory.



(My Neuspeed Intake and arrows showing flow)

[REALZ1]

Neuspeed P-Flo

Decent option, I've had their intake on my A3 (different one, because TDI) for 35k+ miles and it's been good. A little bit more turbo/engine noise.

Cleaned it once, recently.

A lot of debate if these cars really benefit from an intake tho, the stock setup is pretty decent, brings cold air in from the grill and apparently flows fairly well. A good drop in filter is all you need for Stage 1 and maybe even Stage 2.

There is a free mod you can do to the air "scoop" in the grill... You close off the vent facing the engine compartment (Red XX's) and open up the vent in front of the air box (blue arrows on right side) as it is closed on that side from the factory.



(My Neuspeed Intake and arrows showing flow)

Good stuff! Thanks!

[n8vs3]

Aside from looks, I don't imagine any significant performance benefit with aftermarket air intake. If anything, most will end up sucking more hot air from the engine bay. Save the $ for downpipe and ECU tune if you want any real gain.

[BecksA3]

Good stuff! Thanks!

I did this, and I bought a used 3” turbo inlet pipe, and a 3” silicone hose to connect to OEM air box. I need a high flow filter, but all said it’s about $200 and flows very close to the aftermarket intakes at twice the price or more.


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[REALZ1]

I did this, and I bought a used 3” turbo inlet pipe, and a 3” silicone hose to connect to OEM air box. I need a high flow filter, but all said it’s about $200 and flows very close to the aftermarket intakes at twice the price or more.

Good point, I noticed some sites offer pipe,hose,and filter packages as well. Thanks.

[REALZ1]

I just noticed that my 2020 A3 has a MAF sensor and most of the intake systems i've seen for 2017+ A3/S3 that connect directly to the inlet pipe does not have a spot for the MAF.

On some sites, the 8V is noted as 2014-2016 while 2017-2018 is call "8V.5". I assume the MAF is one of the differences in the inlet hosing.

Sorry, newb here so still learning compatibility.

[BecksA3]

I just noticed that my 2020 A3 has a MAF sensor and most of the intake systems i've seen for 2017+ A3/S3 that connect directly to the inlet pipe does not have a spot for the MAF.

On some sites, the 8V is noted as 2014-2016 while 2017-2018 is call "8V.5". I assume the MAF is one of the differences in the inlet hosing.

Sorry, newb here so still learning compatibility.

Hang in there. I’m sure someone on here will figure out how to make something work.


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[TheMysticWizard]

TDI has MAF as well, though I'm not sure on placement in comparison to the gasser 2020

----edit-----

Looking at a few 2020's online, I don't see a MAF...?

[LilBoyBlue]

If you don’t care about money or time get the integrated engineering intake. I think they’re back ordered, but look slick af in the engine bay. Yes you can save a couple hundred bucks on mods for your luxury vehicle, but you’re not doing this for economic reasons and I think it’s the best design for an intake.


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[REALZ1]

TDI has MAF as well, though I'm not sure on placement in comparison to the gasser 2020

----edit-----

Looking at a few 2020's online, I don't see a MAF...?

The MAF housing sits right in the middle of the intake hosing and the sensor is directly on top.


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[texasboy21]

TDI has MAF as well, though I'm not sure on placement in comparison to the gasser 2020

----edit-----

Looking at a few 2020's online, I don't see a MAF...?

Looks like the news A3s/S3s have a MAF - news to me - vorsprung durch technik!

https://parts.audiusa.com/a/Audi__S3...312337.html#16

[normcaldwell]

Looks like the news A3s/S3s have a MAF - news to me - vorsprung durch technik!

https://parts.audiusa.com/a/Audi__S3...312337.html#16

Glad I have a 2016 S3.
My E46 M3 had a MAF sensor, which was a pain in the arse.

[TheMysticWizard]

Looks like the news A3s/S3s have a MAF - news to me - vorsprung durch technik!

https://parts.audiusa.com/a/Audi__S3...312337.html#16

Hm. News to me as well. Weird, looking at new 2020 pictures at the dealer, A3 and S3, I don't see it:





But an 2020 A3 from a review on CarIndigo.com, you can clearly see it:



And, clearly in your part diagram.

That's the same place it was on my A3 TDI, attached to the outlet of the air box.

[MikTip]

Measured results on a flow bench

http://mygolfmk7.com/2018/09/stock-airbox-modification/

[LilBoyBlue]

I’ve got a 19 s3 and no MAF


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[REALZ1]

Attached is a pic of my intake, you can see the MAF sensor on top.

IMG_8717.JPG


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[TheMysticWizard]

Yep, there it is...

I'd assume it has a MAP sensor as well.


Wonder what made Audi decide to go MAF again...

I'm guessing this is an emissions thing, more accurately measuring the air coming into the engine so they can adjust fueling more precisely to reduce emissions further.

That being said, looks damn close to the TDI intake tract:

[BecksA3]

Attached is a pic of my intake, you can see the MAF sensor on top.

IMG_8717.JPG


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It looks like you could get a intake builder kit from Spectre or similar and put something together?

Might have to epoxy in the sensor housing though.


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[QuadRings]

I just put in a aFe Magnum Force intake yesterday, pretty happy with it. I was going to just do the stock air box/fileter/hose mod, but I actually picked up the intake w/o a filter used for $100, then bought a new dry filter and the optional cover to make it a closed box and quieter, so I spent under $200, so the low cost was a factor. Seems to have a little better throttle response, and maybe not fall off quite as early in the top end. It's nice and quiet, which I wanted, with the induction sound really only coming in above 3500-4000 RPM. During normal driving, it's barely noticeable. Perfect for what I wanted.

[CavEsk1337]

I’ve got a 19 s3 and no MAF


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Agree. My 2020 doesn't have one either.

[Gberg888]

Drop in filter + euro block off plate for the oem intake and the turbo elbow is a much better use of funds and will show more gains for less money than a intake.

[TheMysticWizard]

Agree. My 2020 doesn't have one either.

Ahh! I wonder if it's on cars sold in California in order to meet our strict emissions. I know other cars sold in California sometimes have differences based upon emissions.

[BecksA3]

I just put in a aFe Magnum Force intake yesterday, pretty happy with it. I was going to just do the stock air box/fileter/hose mod, but I actually picked up the intake w/o a filter used for $100, then bought a new dry filter and the optional cover to make it a closed box and quieter, so I spent under $200, so the low cost was a factor. Seems to have a little better throttle response, and maybe not fall off quite as early in the top end. It's nice and quiet, which I wanted, with the induction sound really only coming in above 3500-4000 RPM. During normal driving, it's barely noticeable. Perfect for what I wanted.

Or, if you fall into a deal like this. That hasn’t been my luck though.

The air box mods made a difference for me too.


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[REALZ1]

Ahh! I wonder if it's on cars sold in California in order to meet our strict emissions. I know other cars sold in California sometimes have differences based upon emissions.

Yeah that's probably the case...

[REALZ1]

Being that I have to account for the MAF, my choices are limited. The Neuspeed P-flo has a short ram version which only installs in front of the MAF sensor/housing. I also found one by Injen which utilizes the stock MAF housing. On my old 05 G35 I had an Injen CAI which I loved.

[REALZ1]

Being that I have to account for the MAF, my choices are limited. The Neuspeed P-flo has a short ram version which only installs in front of the MAF sensor/housing. I also found one by Injen which utilizes the stock MAF housing. On my old 05 G35 I had an Injen CAI which I loved.

Spoke to soon, Injen states "This product is not currently CARB exempt and is not available for purchase in California or for use on any vehicle registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles." so I can't even order it.

[TheMysticWizard]

I'd say...

Either go with the Neuspeed (I'm guessing it's about the same as mine...)

-or-

Throw in a aftermarket filter and possibly open up the air snorkel on the driver side and block off the engine compartment air on the passenger side

-or-

Wait it out for a while, see if other manufacturers jump on board. (Who knows, if this is CA only thing, they might not)

[REALZ1]

I'd say...

Either go with the Neuspeed (I'm guessing it's about the same as mine...)

-or-

Throw in a aftermarket filter and possibly open up the air snorkel on the driver side and block off the engine compartment air on the passenger side

-or-

Wait it out for a while, see if other manufacturers jump on board. (Who knows, if this is CA only thing, they might not)

Yeah I’ll probably do the aftermarket drop in filter and wait to see what else comes out.


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