All Things Mk5 > Performance Modifications

Ram Air Induction Kit: Standard (70mm) vs Oversized (90mm)

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BB:
Hi,

I'm looking to buy a Cold Air Induction Kit and for a bit of piping and a foam filter RamAir seem to have the only product on the market at a palatable price point. So which to go for the Standard (70mm) or Oversized (90mm)?

I know this topic has been discussed in bits over various threads but I thought a more focused comparison on the topic would be useful.

A lot of people are saying the Oversized one is very noisy so I'm leaning towards the standard size as I'm after a bit of extra noise but not irritatingly so and more when I put my foot down rather than all the time. I still want to be able to cruise around without turning too many heads.

Other positives for the Standard Ram Air:
- Fewer connections for air leaks

- More consistent and less turbulent air flow through the system due to same diameter piping and fewer pipe parts and therefore fewer joints. The joints being sites for turbulent flow to initiate and develop --> which could also leading to increased noise

- The standard arguably looks better because more of the system is made from the hard plastic piping vs the flimsy thin hose joint sections (the large % of thicker plastic probably helps with noise reduction). Also the same diameter pipe and fewer parts + joint connectors give it a cleaner look


My question to anyone who owns either Ram Air size, Which Size did you go for and why ? what's your opinion on the noise level for that size :mad: ? Any buyers remorse? Would you go for the same size again if you were to repeat the purchase ? Any better options on the market for a similar price?

*I know they both are 70mm Diameter at the MAF point

mjmallia:
A number of people go for a CAI but then revert back to the standard engine cover with a performance panel filter or with an ED30/S3 paper one (thinner than GTI version - what I have now)........as it is good for 300bhp

You loose low down torque with a CAI I found like others round town, but then gain it top end.

If you want a decent noise, go for an exhaust or replace the original central resonator for a high flow version with a pre-cat delete.

pudding:
For drag strips and track days, CAIs and huge exhausts work in your favour.  Anywhere where you're never at less than 70% throttle.

For every other driving scenario, stock is best.

Of course, some folk actually like the noises they make, in which case take your pick, they're all much of a muchness  :smiley:

BB:
So i bought the standard RamAir 70mm induction system.

This is a common complaint with this system, but it is very loud, relentlessly so, constant raspy inhale and whooshing exhale from the turbo every time you step on and off the throttle, so irritating. Some people like it & some people hate it, I knew this going in but didn't know which side of the fence I would be on till I gave it a go. Really glad I didn't go for the bigger version.

I now had this horrible noise that I needed to get rid of because no way could I drive round with this noisy asthmatic engine. I didn't want to go back to the OEM engine cover air induction system as I liked the look of the RamAir system and not having a great big dirty piece of plastic over the engine, really what I wanted was to suppress these noises somewhat.

So the solution that I decided upon was to buy one of those cheap enclosed air filters on eBay for £23 in the hope that the enclosed nature of the product vs the open foam filter of the RamAir would muffle the noises. It worked brilliantly !!! The noises have been reduced by I would say around 70% and now it is actually quite pleasant hearing the softer noises of the intake and exhale of the turbo de-spooling.

pudding:
Good stuff.  Sometimes playing around with stuff rather than just accepting what is can yield results  :happy2:

I always liked the BMC CDA (enclosed) for noise levels and power hikes, but they are difficult to fit in the engine bay.  Shame VW didn't fit the battery in the boot like the R32.

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