[Mr. 5]

Hey guys,
I thought I'd start another thread since the previous thread was on the pre-production filter.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127159

I'm so thankful they did more R&D to determine the correct amount of pleats to increase flow but at the same time keep filtration the same.

I installed the filter 5 minutes after I got home.
I went out to get a pizza that I ordered and it looks like I am noticing the same thing as everyone else...the turbos really are louder. I didn't think that this could happen due to my catless DPs already making them louder.

To those who say that they didn't notice an increase of power? I don't know how you can't feel it!
But, maybe the RPI scoops are really helping with the flow of air.
Well, I noticed the increase right away! The power seems to grab quicker and cleaner. I'm sure that the RPI scoops were grabbing the air and directing it perfectly but since I had the K&N in there before, there was so much air that the K&N could allow. Now since I have the new Helene filter in there, there is more air that is being allowed to pass through the filter at a quicker time!

I'm very impressed but not surprised since I knew that Helene Performance would come through!
Thanks a bunch guys!

For those who are noticing the Streamline filter from Helene Performance for the first time, here's some facts:

Some highlights of the Streamline® SE air filter are:
• Direct fit replacement for OE filter panel. No modifications required.
• Twice as many plies of cotton as the competition.
• Tight leak free seal with the air box lid. Some patience required.
• Truly the deepest pleats in the industry for maximum particulate retention at redline RPM's.
• Maintains OEM paper filter’s 99% debris collection efficiency per ISO 5011 standards.
• Reduces restriction levels considerably to improve engines respiration.
• Filter continues to flow well as it loads up.
• Crisper throttle response and potential for MPG gains.
• Filter is 100% washable and reusable.
• Unique manufacturing process yields considerably less urethane bleed onto filtering media.
• Only highest quality materials used. Superior build quality is obvious.
• Will not affect the factory warranty.

Every Streamline® SE air filter adheres to a simple design philosophy:
• Must be ultra-efficient in dust/debris collection
• Must maintain zero pressure imbalances from the inlet side to outlet side.
• Must strictly maintain proper CFM rates into the engine to balance backpressure levels
• Must provide a superior seal between the OEM air box and the filter panel.

This thread is for those who have interests in the filter and for those wh would like to share their experiences with this filter.

BTW,
Right now, I have the following filters:

Stock
K&N
Helene Performance
ITG (on its way..Thanks Eugen!)

I need someone with a slightly used BMC filter that I can use for testing.

I'm going to perform and independent test and dyno each one of these filters to determine the hp and tq increases on the dyno. I understand that these tests aren't the best in the world to determine which is best, but it won't hurt to have.

Here's some pics


Thanks for looking!

[uhcoug2011]

Excellent Review and Work as Always Mr. 5!

[ybbiz34]

It is lookin' good Mr. 5!

[ChaneRZ]

keep us posted on the dynos.

[roozie2001]

yah i enjoy it. im completely stock with just the helene and the last few days driving with it with a little bit of a heavier foot than usual i've gained a mile or two per gallon as well which definately doesnt hurt. i dont notice too much power gains but its hard to realize those gains on a stock car in TX when its constantly 90 degrees. im sure if i get the RPi scoops to where theres more airflow in the stock box the filter will be able to handle it. so RPi scoops are next. Great review Mr5

[scottp999]

Great write up. Thanks for your work on this. I am impressed with the filter and think it's a worthy upgrade. I can hear the turbos more now, but it's hard to tell what might be a 5-10 whp difference when there is already a good amount of whp.

Scott

[v2bling]

who makes these rpi air scoops? I want one for my 5 series ! Thanks a bunch ! Nice review

[roozie2001]

Originally Posted by v2bling

who makes these rpi air scoops? I want one for my 5 series ! Thanks a bunch ! Nice review

uhmmm RPi. im gonna give a free pass on this one. won't put u on blast that hard lol.

[stressdoc]

Nice pics! I thought previous dyno comparo results showed no significant power gains from different filters. New clean high quality filter always a good idea regardless. Who is the best vendor for this? Just direct from Helene?

[scottp999]

Originally Posted by v2bling

who makes these rpi air scoops? I want one for my 5 series ! Thanks a bunch ! Nice review

The scoops are sold here: http://shoprpi.com/product_info.php?...products_id=42

I think there is a picture of them around here somewhere. They are justpicking up more air from the stock setup. They just extend the stock scoops in the front grill (correct me if I am wrong).

The RPI main site is here: http://www.raceprecision.com/

[Mr. 5]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Nice pics! I thought previous dyno comparo results showed no significant power gains. New clean high quality filter always a good idea regardless. Who is the best vendor for this? Blaine at Helene?

There was one that did show increases and another that didn't.
I'm really interested in what the results of my testing will show.
I've always been completely 100% fair to every single manufacturer with whom ever's product that I've ever tested.

I perform 3 runs each with enough cool down time between each run.
I pick the highest run out of each to compare, but I will also post up all 3 runs as well.

Every run will be done on 91 octane and in 4th gear.

I just need someone to give me a BMC filter to use just for the day so I can add the BMC to the testing.
Of course, a brand new one would most likely show the best results so if a vendor wouold like to give me one for the testing then that would be best.

[stressdoc]

Awesome! I am definitely ready for a clean new filter. Look forward to results.

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

There was one that did show increases and another that didn't.
I'm really interested in what the results of my testing will show.
I've always been completely 100% fair to every single manufacturer with whom ever's product that I've ever tested.

I perform 3 runs each with enough cool down time between each run.
I pick the highest run out of each to compare, but I will also post up all 3 runs as well.

Every run will be done on 91 octane and in 4th gear.

I just need someone to give me a BMC filter to use just for the day so I can add the BMC to the testing.
Of course, a brand new one would most likely show the best results so if a vendor wouold like to give me one for the testing then that would be best.

[Craig@SupremePower]

Nice write up bro!!

[Mr. 5]

Originally Posted by scottp999

The scoops are sold here: http://shoprpi.com/product_info.php?...products_id=42

I think there is a picture of them around here somewhere. They are justpicking up more air from the stock setup. They just extend the stock scoops in the front grill (correct me if I am wrong).

The RPI main site is here: http://www.raceprecision.com/

Well, what happens is this:
The stock design grabs air from the front vents.
When the engine needs air then the engine will suck the air into itself.

The RPI scoops make our intake system into a RAM-Air system.
The scoops deflect the air into the box forcing the air into the engine.
If the engine doesn't need any air then no problem since the rammed air will exit elsewhere (like water holes and other places, etc)
When the engine needs air though, now there is plenty of air forcing its way in there.

I have the perfect rationalization!
(just an example! do not do this!)

Drive on the freeway with all of the windows closed and open your sunroof.
You can feel some air from the sunroof being opened.
This is the stock way.

Now go on the freeway again but now, stick a piece of plywood out of the sunroof to where the plywood is angling the air towards you. Are you going to feel more air being thrown at you?
This is what the scoops do.


The scoops really do work!

[e90AW335i]

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

The scoops really do work!

+1, I love mine....

[jcarlucci1]

Any chance of adding the bms filter to your dyno comparison?

[Mr. 5]

Originally Posted by jcarlucci1

Any chance of adding the bms filter to your dyno comparison?

ya, Terry contacted me because he wanted for me to add the filter to the test as well.

In order for me to add the BMS filter to the comparison, all dynos will need to have the hood closed to make it fair.
A fan blowing directly on an open filter does not simulate real world conditions.


He agreed so he's going to send me one.

[e90AW335i]

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

ya, Terry contacted me because he wanted for me to add the filter to the test as well.

In order for me to add the BMS filter to the comparison, all dynos will need to have the hood closed to make it fair.
A fan blowing directly on an open filter does not simulate real world conditions.


He agreed so he's going to send me one.

Makes sense to me. Should be interesting.....

[BattleWagon]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Nice pics! I thought previous dyno comparo results showed no significant power gains from different filters. New clean high quality filter always a good idea regardless. Who is the best vendor for this? Just direct from Helene?

That was one test on harsh conditions. And keep in mind too, a dyno run is far from a "controlled" environment for comparing filters. That is why the ISO 5011 test is used to compare filters in a controlled environment on a ISO certified flow bench.

In a nutshell, points to ponder:

- Any new filter will flow well.

- As the OEM paper element filter starts to load with debris, its restriction levels will increase exponentially due to the very small holes required to catch dirt.

- As aftermarket oiled cotton media filters start to load with debris, their restriction levels increase only linearly.

- Therefore, the aftermarket filters will flow better for longer then the OEM and that is the one basic concept this whole filter industry is based on.

- Now add in filtering considerations - It is easy to make one that flows well while sacraficing filtering and vice versa, but the holy grail is to make a filter that does BOTH well.

[drphil71]

Awesome write up, I need to make myself some scoops now.

[SLV335I]

Didn't they dyno it with no filter and it made no difference also. That means that the air box is the restriction.

[stressdoc]

I think what the lack of power increase might indicate is that the computer modulation of the turbo wastegates is adjusting to the change in pressure differential. So the main benefit to a more efficient intake system is reduced stress on the turbos rather than more power, at least at moderate boost levels where intake is not a limiting factor.

On a different issue, it would be helpful if the manufacturer posted info regarding what the BMW (& Dinan) approval of their products is.