4AGE engine tuning discussion

[Miguel - Newera]

You'd be surprised how much power these can sap - as well as the induction noise they'll take away from a well tuned engine.

I tried similar mesh filters (From Jubiride) for about 10 minutes and it felt like I lost around 15 bhp at top end - so I took them off and never used them again. Mesh gave about the same power loss as the K&N style filters also available from Jubiride...
Those too languish in our garage, only used every two years to quieten the intake for Shaken (MOT) with a bung up the exhaust and some tweaks to reduce emissions. Soon as that's over the filters get relegated to storage again and the engine's allowed th breathe a sign of relief!

Protection wise, coarse mesh will do virtually nothing as far as filtration goes anyways... A plate beneath the funnels to protect against dirt coming from beneath together with the original (Or better) under tray will provide greater protection against dirt and allow the engine to breathe properly through the ITB's.

If you really want to have filters, why not add some foam socks which can easily be pulled off when desired. Or if you want to minimise power loss with filtration perhaps make as large an air box out of corregated plastic board large as possible, with a large integrated foam filter. Seen this used in AE86 N2 racing with decent success...

Perhaps take a look at DTM carbon airboxes for BMW race engines http://www.s14power.com which run with ITB's for inspiration... Carbon makes a great resonant sound for air boxes, BTW... Look out for the sound clip