BMW Z4 3.0Si induction kit self build

[GazHyde]

Having spent some time looking at the incredibly expensive induction kits from the US of A, I started looking in to a self build solution. This isn't a discussion over the merits of an induction kit, just how I'm going to try and assemble parts to make my own.

The initial issue with the Si air box is that the MAF housing is built in to the lid of the box. Ditching the air box means there is nowhere to plug the MAF, which is going to be relatively problematic.

Quite by accident I stumbled over something on eBay while searching for something else. A custom made MAF housing for the N51/N52 engine, but for a different part numbered MAF. Had a chat with the US seller, and took a punt. It arrived today, and the MAF is a perfect fit!

Small initial issue that it's the same dimension as the existing pipework. Pic below shows them next to each other. As it stands the pipe on the left will need to be removed. Should be able to easily work around it!

There are now lots of things to think through at this point trying to find the best place to locate it. I will need to lose some of the existing pipework and air box, then source a cone filter, extra hoses, connectors etc.

Been looking at these for around £30, but not sure on quality. High Performance ‘MAF Safe’ Twin layer dry foam. I will probably end up buying a conventional cone filter as well to see what difference there is (if any).

Then should this all connect together nicely, I'll be working on a heat shield. Will update the thread as I progress...

 

[5harp3y]

looks great

 

[Dino D]

AEM do dry filters which like a proper product.
http://www.aemintakes.com/default.aspx

 

[Grumps]

Good luck to you Gaz. Looks like you've taken in a bit of a challege. Wish I had better knowledge to tackle such things.

 

[GazHyde]

AEM do dry filters which like a proper product.
http://www.aemintakes.com/default.aspx

Added to my list

Good luck to you Gaz. Looks like you've taken in a bit of a challege. Wish I had better knowledge to tackle such things.

Mainly guess work Dave, but a vague idea of where I'm heading helps. It's just plumbing, pipes and connectors really!

 

[t-tony]

Having spent some time looking at the incredibly expensive induction kits from the US of A, I started looking in to a self build solution. This isn't a discussion over the merits of an induction kit, just how I'm going to try and assemble parts to make my own.

The initial issue with the Si air box is that the MAF housing is built in to the lid of the box. Ditching the air box means there is nowhere to plug the MAF, which is going to be relatively problematic.
View attachment 45213

Quite by accident I stumbled over something on eBay while searching for something else. A custom made MAF housing for the N51/N52 engine, but for a different part numbered MAF. Had a chat with the US seller, and took a punt. It arrived today, and the MAF is a perfect fit!

View attachment 45214

View attachment 45215

View attachment 45216

Small initial issue that it's the same dimension as the existing pipework. Pic below shows them next to each other. As it stands the pipe on the left will need to be removed. Should be able to easily work around it!
View attachment 45218

There are now lots of things to think through at this point trying to find the best place to locate it. I will need to lose some of the existing pipework and air box, then source a cone filter, extra hoses, connectors etc.

Been looking at these for around £30, but not sure on quality. High Performance ‘MAF Safe’ Twin layer dry foam. I will probably end up buying a conventional cone filter as well to see what difference there is (if any).
View attachment 45217

Then should this all connect together nicely, I'll be working on a heat shield. Will update the thread as I progress...

That looks a very useful piece of kit Gaz. I wonder if Matt @machine monkey could fabricate such an item?

Tony.

 

[Dino D]

I was up Biddenden Motorsport (@Martyn Scott 's place) and saw this intake on his S54 e30 race car:

Some inspiration for you!
No filter at all and gets a vortex from a small intake in place of the headlight.
Can't wait to hear it!

 

[5harp3y]

I was up Biddenden Motorsport (@Martyn Scott 's place) and saw this intake on his S54 e30 race car:
View attachment 45232
Some inspiration for you!
No filter at all and gets a vortex from a small intake in place of the headlight.
Can't wait to hear it!

Works really well if you have individual throttle bodies as per the ///M engines. not so much on a maf equipped car

 

[machine monkey]

That looks a very useful piece of kit Gaz. I wonder if Matt @machine monkey could fabricate such an item?

Tony.

Yes this is something I could help with. If you let me know exactly what you need. And an idea of what you want it to cost (so I can figure out how you want it made and out of what) it would be something I would quite enjoy helping with.

 

[GazHyde]

Cone air filter arrived today, and a perfect fit to the MAF housing! Cost the princely sum of £22.50 . The benefit of the dry foam cover is that it can easily be washed, and doesn't need oiling - so no potential mess accumulating on the MAF.

Forgot to mention the MAF housing was £65, with £18 delivery (hammered by the $ exchange rate). Sadly customs wanted £13, and then Royal Mail also wanted £8 to push a card through my door telling me about the £13

Total cost so far is £126.50, which is around £300 under the cost of importing an AFE induction kit. So far it's a bargain!

Next stage is to see if it will all fit in the space left by the old air box, which should happen later this week. I have a slight suspicious it's a bit longer than will fit, but can always look to cut down the MAF housing a bit.

 

[Grumps]

Ooh looking good Gaz. Really looking forward to seeing it in situ! Think you can do it for the 3 if this is successful??

 

[GazHyde]

Ooh looking good Gaz. Really looking forward to seeing it in situ! Think you can do it for the 3 if this is successful??

It's technically easier on the Z3 & Z4 with the M5x engines as the MAF isn't part of the air box. Just need a new cone filter and possibly a bit of extra hose to push it closer to where the air comes in by the headlight.

 

[t-tony]

What is the OD of the MAF housing Gaz, I may have spotted a cost effective alternative during an MOT this afternoon.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

This is the spec Tony, this one being the 90mm version

 

[t-tony]

Cheers mate, I saw one on a Corsa diesel van on Saturday and took a couple of pictures but didn't have a chance to measure it. Today I had another from the same company and whipped the hose of and measured it but it's only 70mm, but it may come in for someone. Obviously the MAF attachment would need to be modified but there's hundreds of these things out there.
I've been hanging my nose over one of these for a while but it will have to wait now till after the brakes have a birthday!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350629487166?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Tony.

 

[machine monkey]

I have a K&N cone filter on mine. It didn't quite fit so I cut some rubber into a strip the corect width and length. Warped it round and then when the jubilee clip tightens up it makes a perfect seal.

 

[5harp3y]

only problem with foam filters is when the degrade you start pulling bits of foam into the engine

 

[GazHyde]

only problem with foam filters is when the degrade you start pulling bits of foam into the engine

Yeah, but at £22.50 a go I can change it every oil service and still not break the bank. I may buy one of the other types of cone at some stage to see if there is any difference between them. Obviously won't be a scientific test.

 

[MAURICE THE MARTIAN]

Good work Gaz.

 

[Antm72]

Nice work it should look at home in the engine bay