Not sure if this would be better on a separate thread but out of curiosity what's the general consensus on filters? Pro's & Cons etc?
Am I right in thinking that the panel filter suffer less heat soak and also produce a considerable amount of low end torque than the induction kits and if so what is the real advantage of one compared to a decent panel filter. I've had numerous induction kits on previous cars and always loved the additional noise that came with them but this idea that they just don't do anything for performance puts me off buying another one for the GTi. Surely the air is already hot after passing through the turbo and other engine parts etc anyway?
It seems like the VWR panel filter is very good which sorts that if I decide to go down that line but what about the induction kits and which seem offer the best results all round from peoples experience?
I've also seen a thread on smoothing the air box out inside to give even better results with a panel filter. Has anyone done this and noticed an improvement 
....I don't have any experience of anything other than panel filters (yet!) but have read a lot about them. The consensus is that 'filters on a pipe' induction kits are better performers than flat panel filters, but neither represent good 'bang for your buck' like a remap does.
However, taking the principle of engines needing air, then surely aftermarket filters will improve efficiency and so contribute something. It's probably a bit like performance exhausts - They don't do much except to throttle response and sound until you also have an ECU remap. I've also been told that an intake coupled with a performance exhaust will help each other.
Regarding smoothing the airbox inside, the Carbonio ram interior is very smooth indeed. Or do you mean smoothing the stock engine cover filter box internally? - I have never heard of anyone doing that.
Some induction kits can be too noisy for some - The EVOMS is particularly raspy for example. Current fashion is not to hear boy-racer blow off dumping noises.
Filter maintenance and sound are important considerations.
Something I don't understand is why the oem air intake rams are so extremely convoluted. It concerns me that there may be a good reason as my Carbonio is the opposite.
