RS5 Cold Air Intake options

[Chazz]

I’m looking for cold air intake options. I’ve been looking at the APR carbon intake and the 034 Motorsport X34 full carbon intake.

Here’s what I’ve found:
- The APR is street legal, the 034 is not
- The 034 costs about $300+ less
- 034 claims ~35% CFM increase (626 stock to 843)
- APR claims ~36% CFM increase (484 stock to 658)

Questions:
- Why are there differences in stock air flow? Are they measuring at different points within the system?
- Why is APR considered street legal and 034 is not?
- Are there other comparable or better options?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Green_Gecko]

Where the APR is concerned if you have a B9.5 it is a little bit of a mess around. but does fit. there is a thread with me asking if it will....

Is the 034 enclosed like the APR? I'm not in the same country, but an unenclosed filter is not street legal.

Edit: Here you go https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/980081-APR-Carbon-Intake-on-a-B9-5

[034Motorsport]

I’m looking for cold air intake options. I’ve been looking at the APR carbon intake and the 034 Motorsport X34 full carbon intake.

Here’s what I’ve found:
- The APR is street legal, the 034 is not
- The 034 costs about $300+ less
- 034 claims ~35% CFM increase (626 stock to 843)
- APR claims ~36% CFM increase (484 stock to 658)

Questions:
- Why are there differences in stock air flow? Are they measuring at different points within the system?
- Why is APR considered street legal and 034 is not?
- Are there other comparable or better options?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

The flow differences come from where the intakes are measured. Our flow numbers are just from the intake, and not the turbo inlet.

Until a product receives CARB certification, we list that it is for sanctioned racing use only. The B9 RS5 intake system is currently in the process of receiving the certification and we do this with all of our major intake products. Since this is a government-run process, it certainly can take time for this certification to come through. The 034 intake system is no less compliant than factory, or any other verified intake on the market.

That said, the 034 intake systems look and sound great under the hood of your RS5 and I'm sure you'll love the OEM+ Styling of our Carbon Fiber Airbox or Plastic P34 injection molded airbox!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

-Sean@034

[ninjamanRS5]

I ended up going with the APR option because of the turbo inlet upgrade. You have to be careful with it when clamping to the turbos so you don't crack the inlet tubing. That aside, APR fits nicely, you just need some patience and a little mechanical know how to properly install it.

Admittedly, it is a pain in the ass to have to reverse the install process to replace/clean the air filter.

Lastly, 034 makes really good products. You can't go wrong with them either!

[Chazz]

Thanks Sean! I figured the difference had something to do with the measuring process. I’m familiar with the speed of government and feel your pain 🙂. Any ballpark estimate for certification?

Chazz

[Chazz]

Thanks Ninja. I’ve heard much about the APR installation difficulty and care required to avoid cracking. What I hadn’t considered was how to replace/clean the filter. Please tell me is doesn’t require an almost complete removal.

[ninjamanRS5]

Thanks Ninja. I’ve heard much about the APR installation difficulty and care required to avoid cracking. What I hadn’t considered was how to replace/clean the filter. Please tell me is doesn’t require an almost complete removal.

It pretty much does. LoL!

[VVG]

Just get a high flow filter for use with the stock airbox, unless you are just doing this for a better looking engine bay

[Chazz]

I ended up getting the APR CF intake. Everything was pretty easy until I got to the air guide. Loosened everything and still had to struggle for ~ hour to jam it into place. I love APR, but this was more difficult than expected (even after reading about other peopleÂ’s experiences).

Looks great though and even better with the CF engine cover. CanÂ’t tell if itÂ’s more responsive yet. Already had the APR ECU update, so pretty responsive already. It does seem to guzzle more gas now though. Good thing itÂ’s cheap 🙄.

[sammo]

Just get a high flow filter for use with the stock airbox, unless you are just doing this for a better looking engine bay

I've been running the BMC filter since day 1 but there are several improvements that a design like the 034 intake provides:

1. Partially open back / bottom of the airbox allows better airflow into and around the filter.
2. 5" filter diameter (stock is 4") into 5" velocity stack - better airflow and "ram" effect
3. Smooth inside of intake tube compared to irregular factory tube where expansion section appears

All of these factors will contribute to improved airflow (and therefore power), improved throttle response and - the most important thing - more induction sounds.

[Code]

I've been running the BMC filter since day 1 but there are several improvements that a design like the 034 intake provides:

1. Partially open back / bottom of the airbox allows better airflow into and around the filter.
2. 5" filter diameter (stock is 4") into 5" velocity stack - better airflow and "ram" effect
3. Smooth inside of intake tube compared to irregular factory tube where expansion section appears

All of these factors will contribute to improved airflow (and therefore power), improved throttle response and - the most important thing - more induction sounds.

+1 for the induction sounds I went with the 034 unit myself. Here is the install and review if anyone is interested...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcCsogHEe1Q

[VVG]

I've been running the BMC filter since day 1 but there are several improvements that a design like the 034 intake provides:

1. Partially open back / bottom of the airbox allows better airflow into and around the filter.
2. 5" filter diameter (stock is 4") into 5" velocity stack - better airflow and "ram" effect
3. Smooth inside of intake tube compared to irregular factory tube where expansion section appears

All of these factors will contribute to improved airflow (and therefore power), improved throttle response and - the most important thing - more induction sounds.

An intake alone will not produce more power unless air flow is otherwise so restricted that the the turbos can't even build enough boost to achieve the specified MAP that the ECU calls for before opening the waste gates. The filter is by far the most restrictive component here, and even so the real benefit is subjective in a slightly improved initial throttle response. A better flowing filter will allow the turbos to spool a little faster and be less strained to produce a specified level of boost, but again, the fancy tubing is just fancy tubing. The filter is the key. Induction sound is a different matter, so if it makes for a more pleasing sound, go for it. It won't hurt.

The trend of these "cold air intakes" began years ago when people were building performance cars starting with real econoboxes that were truly compromised. Such is not the case with a car like the RS5.

[sammo]

I tend to agree. Throttle response and induction noise will be the main benefits on stock turbos. Once they're flowing, negligible improvement.

[Uncle Buck]

I did the APR CF intake as well - I freely admit I did it for the asthetics. It's a gorgeous piece of work. APR Stage 1+ coming when the warranty expires.