VWR Panel Filter - thoughts?

[nath_mk6]

Hey guys just wanting to use the collective knowledge of the group to see if anyone has had any experience fitting a replacement panel filter?

I'm looking at starting off slow and low cost with the mods to my Mk6 and saw Ian's post about replacing his panel filter on the new 118TSI they recently got. I haven't been able to get a hold of him to see how it went, but the photo's below are from his post on Mk6.

So my question is has anyone firstly done this, and are the claimed gains realistic (http://www.rennenhaus.com.au/products/volkswagen/golf-mkvi/vwr-high-flow-panel-filter/)(those of 15NM gains with the 118TSI)?

Thoughts?

Here are the photos taken from Ians thread on Mk6.com

194
VWR Filter

195
Comparison of OEM and VWR

[Paul_OH]

I tried a K&N Panel filter in my GT for approx 4-5000km (same looking airbox as yours) and didn't notice any power/driveability gains just a small increase in induction noise. I ended up going with the Forge CAI and am very happy with the driveability and noise it produces.

If you're interested I'm happy to sell the K&N for $50 incl postage (1/2 price of new) as something to try? Otherwise I'd be looking at a full CAI

[nath_mk6]

Hmm I see, well it does appear, after doing a little research that this would just form part of some CAI (as mentioned here) so it may just be more cost effective to fit a shiny new CAI straight off.

Question is which one? and what sort of price would I be looking at?

I know the GruppeM is a favourite or people, and looks sweet as when installed, and then the other one that I'm aware of is that sold through EA (Derek) which is the Carbonio (?)

What are the major differences between the two, aside from the visuals, and are there any other good variants for the Golf?

[Justin Fox]

I always recommend replacing the stock paper panel filter on any new car as it's a no brainer (in comparison to fitting an aftermarket intake system which needs much more thought and commitment on a new car). It's a great modification as it's cheap and 100% legal.

[G-rig]

I agree most intakes are just for sound and would like to see before and after dynos. They probably make 5/8 of F/all difference on the R32, 1kw?? Same could go for the other cars too.

[bigwill]

hey nathan, if u decided to go ahead with purchasing the VWR panel filter let me know and i'll buy it with you and we can split postage

[nath_mk6]

NP will let you know, just ordered some OSIR goodies so once they arrive I will look at the filter.

[Tinto]

http://ourohio.org/uploads/images/stories/home_gardens/keeping_safe/ks_sponges.jpg

Have you had to pick up the phone to get a response out of VWR?
I had no luck via email.

I've noticed much less intake sound on the Pirelli since the paper filter has probably caked up a bit.

[bigwill]

NP will let you know, just ordered some OSIR goodies so once they arrive I will look at the filter.

sweet, what bits and pieces did u buy?

[nath_mk6]

Bought the OSIR CF surround for the DSG shifter and the OSIR S/S Foot rest, all they really have for the mk6 for now.

O sent you a PM bigwill

[nath_mk6]

Hey Tinto, no was looking at getting it through Rennenhaus

[defaultx]

Nath,

I'd love to know if you notice any difference because I've been thinking about this for when I take delivery of my GTI.

Thanks!

[nath_mk6]

Will let you know going to pay for it shortly so should have it by the weekend for installation :)

[Justin Fox]

Flow should be a LOT better with the foam filter. I'd had a bit of experience with different types of filters in the past. The only filter I've ever had a problem with was a foam filter on my Alfa 147. Yes it worked great, increased the flow a lot over the paper element but it also wore out quicker than any other filter that I've had. The foam literally began to disintegrate (you could pick at the foam and bits would literally fall off). I had to get rid of it then (obviously) as the induction strength from the engine is definitely powerful enough to suck bits of foam into the engine. I suppose keep an eye on it at service intervals.

[G-rig]

How bout for n/a cars Justin, make any difference?

[defaultx]

Thanks for the heads up Justin. Didn't really think about deterioration and you're more than right about the suction being strong enough to suck the loose pieces into the engine.

Maybe our new forum sponsor can shed some light on durability and other factors for us?

[rennenhaus]

well i've put one in the MK6 TSI

and so far so good

i didn't expect a huge change via the butt dyno, as the car is bone stock otherwise

what i have noticed is you can hear the induction system now, especially noticeable in the likes of underground car parks and such.... love it

[Justin Fox]

How bout for n/a cars Justin, make any difference?

As Ian suggested above. I wouldn't ever expect a huge amount of difference in power from an intake system, especially on a naturally aspirated car, but:

- Not all naturally aspirated cars are the same. A few Honda engines can make quite a bit of power from well designed cold air intake systems (The K20 is a good example). A few brands out there make dyno proven results as well as better response too. I'd expect the R32 to make more power from the same intake system than an FSI (non-turbo). In my opinion a 1kw-3kw gain is a gain nonetheless (a great thing!).

- Most stock systems not only use a restrictive paper air element to prevent dirt from getting into the engine but they often use chambers on intake tubes to dampen sound (to keep the car quiet). Replacing OEM intake pipes and restrictive air filters simply increases more flow of air into the engine and that's a good thing, especially if it's cold air it's grabbing (most stock airbox designs do grab cold air).

- Better air flow can mean better response (and I've felt the difference in many of my past NA cars) but more sound from the intake is something I've always appreciated. A Mugen intake system on a DC2R, or a DC5R makes so much more noise than the factory set-up. It really makes these cars come alive and to me the money spent on making more music to my ears is money well spent.

- Intakes are like exhausts: They all flow and sound different. On a few cars I've tried aftermarket panel filters, exposed pods, cold air intakes and custom air boxes (on the same car) and they all felt and sounded different. The panel filter will never sound as loud as a pod and in most cases a cold air intake that snakes a pod filter way down to your front bumper will sound a lot deeper on WOT at low RPM's than a short ram intake.

On my V35 Skyline (same engine as a 350Z) I just replaced the intake tube with one off a 350Z, basically a straight pipe (no chambers to quieten down the sound). I also replaced the stock paper filter with a K&N panel. I got more sound and the car felt more responsive down low. I would have got a lot more sound if I used a pod set-up but I just wanted to keep it legal (getting old Justin!).

Here are a few pics:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4289208441_92bfa03273_o.jpg
The stock intake system is so well designed already so I just worked on making it better. If you squint you can see the new K&N panel filter in the hole.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/4289953634_dd4c74fe37_o.jpg
The tube on the top/left is the stock intake tube. You can very clearly see the 2 sound chambers which reduce the intake sound. The bottom/right tube came off a 350Z and fit right on in my case.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4289953734_41760e9364_o.jpg
Looks stock doesn't it? I've even put a plenum spacer on this engine and no one would ever know. Car sounds so much meaner WOT (the plenum spacer makes all the noise and power) but it looks dead stock and that means no paranoia. I suppose it depends on your values but no paranoia when cops are behind me is worth it's weight in gold for me right now (yes definitely settling down lol).

[10d]

^If I might add, the plenum increase the volume of air available after the filter. The air after the the filter have a lot less restriction, hence better power and response.
Right, Justin?

[nath_mk6]

Just fitted my filter, no pics sadly, but will let you know my impressions after a bit of a drive, so far from an around the block the sound is definately richer under acceleration >D