I had been looking for a decent intake for quite some time. Deciding between J's Racing super sexy Kuchinoko intake, Mugen's highly functional airbox and Gruppe M's somewhat unusual system wasn't easy. They each bring something special to the table and whether it's the looks, function or price this decision just wasn't easy nor quick !
To start with, a J's Racing intake makes your engine bay look really, really nice, is very light being made of fibreglass but unfortunately it's also very expensive !! It's hard to part ways with over 100,000yen for just an intake. I wasn't too excited about the power gains presented to me either ! (it's worth to note this system uses a cone shaped filter)
So then I looked at Gruppe M being hugely popular or should I say well promotioned (is that a word ?) in Japan. It however draws air from just in front of the windshield through a snorkle-like design however the opening is too narrow and the air gets a lot of disturbance (and water!!) as it passes over the bonnet resulting in uneven pressure flow.
So finally we have Mugen which is backed up by Honda, guarantees a 30% increase in air pressure and a 10° C drop in air temperatures throughout the system, is very lightweight made of fibreglass and draws its air from the very front of the vehicle where it's at its coolest. Those combined with the fact that it is highly recommended by SEEKER and used a lot amongst DC5 owners I've met here in Japan my decision was made.
Now before I move on, I did consider "other intakes" but most if not all used a short tube system which draws hot air from the engine bay and suffers from terrible heat soak. If you're after looks and a nice intake sound then those are perfect for you, if you want some function and efficiency then Mugen or J's Racing!
Anyway here it is unpacked and boy is it light !!
I remember when I removed the OEM airbox cover last year to replace its original air filter, the cover alone was heavier than this system is in its entirety !
My supplier provided the box at a 30% discount on the original retail price so a nice bargain as always !
It will be fitted hopefully this weekend and I'll post some photos!
Very Interesting about the Gruppe M. General consensus in Aus is the Gruppe M is the superior of all DC5 intakes. Got some links for me to read?
ReplyDeleteIt depends how you define superiority...
ReplyDeleteLike I said all intakes bring something better to the table but if you're after functionality rather than looks Mugen is the one.
Unfortunately I don't have any reading material to back this up. It is based on what I've seen on japanese tracks amongst DC5 owners and from talking to tuners here and my own experience
This is also true in the UK
ReplyDeleteGruppe M is believed to be supperior to Mugen Box, there are some dyno sheets comparing cars with mugen and with Gruppe m, only thing is that they where done in different cars and somewhat different components(I/H/E)... not back to back comparison on the same car, same dyno...
(superior meaning power wise)
How about the ARC intake?It seem like ARC intake not in your list..:)
ReplyDeletei want to ask about Gruppe M.Is it right we should be careful if we wanna drive in rainy day and also when we want to wash a car?It is 1 of most famous intake maker in the world,so i think they have think about that.But i need to know because i plan to buy ARC or Gruppe M intake..
fast reply will be appreciate master DC5..:)
BTW,this is my email bean_jal@yahoo.com
Don't know much about ARC intakes for a DC5 sorry.
ReplyDeleteAs to driving in the rain, normal rain is fine. Downpour, typhoon style rain or floods are not irrespective of which intake you have. Gruppe M is more exposed to rain because it's over the hood and has a snorkle like scoop which is bound to collect rain (not sure how it deals with draining it beyond that point), Mugen however is under the bonnet and hidden from direct rain so there is a difference there. Plus it has 2 drainage points 1 of which is before the rain passes a rubber groove.
If you want a cheap Gruppe M I can source it for you here. Where are you located ?