Hello!

Thanks for the warm welcome again guys!

Quick question on CAI for my mera. I had a look at the airbox and there are sensors everywhere!! The one that I don't understand is the sensor in the plastic pipework before the airbox. Is this a temp sensor? If so, will this kit be the right one? LINKY Is it any good!? Any suggestions??

Thanks
 
Yup, that's the same kit I got for my '04 1.8 Almera. I feel it's only fair to warn you tho' that I was very disappointed with it. It was very noisy (intake noise was boomy) & it was very reluctant to pull past 5k rpm. I followed the instructions to the letter. I've gone back to a K&N panel filter & it's much better.
 
I can't see intakes like this as any good. You're likely to suck in warm air from the engine and as Paul says there if you don't get good gains there's not much point. All you get is noisey engine. I see three options. 1. BMC CDA, 2. Cold air feed to the standard box, 3. keep standard intake and concentrate on other areas that need more attention. Just my opinion :)
 
Welcome to the club.

That's the right K&N. The sensor in the pipework is the air temp sensor and you need to plug it into to front of the K&N. IIRC Pre June 2001 models had that layout then they went to having the air temp sensor housed with the MAF. Guess they went back to the old layout for some reason.

I've had that K&N kit in both my old 1.5 and current 1.8. Sound good and acceleration through the gears seems a little smoother but no real difference - you get more air in but it's warmer. A cold air feed from the fog-lamp hole following the path of the old airbox pipe helps a little. I basically keep mine because it sounds good.

The stock airbox is pretty good so the cost effective/least hassle option is a higher flowing panel, could always whip the resonator out if you want it a little louder and (slightly) freer flowing.

Best bet would likely be a CDA carbon-fibre enclosed jobbie with cold-air feed from the fog lamp hole but not cheap and only really worth it in conjunction with some other mods (higher flowing manifold/exhaust, ECU remap, FPR etc).

Our 1.8s were tuned for torque rather than power; as economical, responsive city and b-road drivers. I'm sure there is more power to be had but without forced induction it may be more hassle than it's worth to try to squeeze it out and turbo or super charging will mean a lot of cost, work and headaches.

On the other hand driven properly they are not totally lardy and handling is pretty good - on the twisties they can surprise you at what they can compete with - so as well as thinking about getting more power it's worth thinking about doing more with what power you do have - weight reduction, lightweight alloys and suspension upgrades will help there but it's not going to be a real racer without a huge amount of work and expense.
 
Thanks for the wise words Stu! Not looking to 'tune up' the mera as such asI have no intention of it being a track car. Its just that its not 'sport' enough. If you know what I mean!
 
I disconnected the resonator box today(removed the three way join), just to see if there were any real gains with a standard filter. It makes a cool noise when accelerating and does seem a bit freer. Are there any negatives to removing it. ie to much air?

Thanks Matt
 
Just been on pistonheads, and this car is for sale

Its got contact info as tussey01 so i'm guessing you are selling it

Why you selling it so soon?

Matt
 
'mon the N16's! :D

They aren't speed machines by any means, but you'd be extremely surprise how well they accept handling modifications and then how much fun you can have.
 
N16MERA said:
I disconnected the resonator box today(removed the three way join), just to see if there were any real gains with a standard filter. It makes a cool noise when accelerating and does seem a bit freer. Are there any negatives to removing it. ie to much air?

Thanks Matt
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is there a 'how to' or instructions to do this mate?
 
TheSam said:
a Bristol lad good on ya, where abouts you from?

fine looking motor you got there
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Alright mate, Thanks! I'm actually originally from Hertfordshire. Have been in Bristol for 2 years. I live in Kingswood at the moment, where abouts are you?
 
N16MERA said:
Just been on pistonheads, and this car is for sale

Its got contact info as tussey01 so i'm guessing you are selling it

Why you selling it so soon?

Matt
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Well spotted! lol

Its a funny (or stupid) reason really! The 'mera wasnt my first choice of car (i'm gonna get killed now!!) I really wanted a Leon Cupra as I wanted turbo power again! I needed a sensible family car asap and saw a Cupra for sale on the forum but he was quite far, and this mint 'mera was for sale 10 mins down the road from me. The missus made me get the 'mera as she liked it and it was cheaper. So I said to her that if the 'mera was sold the same week I could recoup some money to buy the Leon. But I'm still here with the 'mera, and I'm actually happy with it!!:D
 
If I had a penny... lol. Join up if you're now keeping the car, and do a search mate :thumb:

p.s. Leon is a nice car ;) not the latest shape mind. I was tempted by the 1.9tdi before when i was looking at changing my 1.5 phase 1 n16.
 
edk said:
If I had a penny... lol. Join up if you're now keeping the car, and do a search mate :thumb:

p.s. Leon is a nice car ;) not the latest shape mind. I was tempted by the 1.9tdi before when i was looking at changing my 1.5 phase 1 n16.
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So this is your sales pitch! Do you get commision!? lol just kidding.

So this is a common mod then?

I deffo will join:D
 
haha but seriously mate it's well worth joining up. You'll get back the money easily with the amount of discounts you get by being a member. Also it'll unlock loads of info on maintaining and modding the car. Invaluable really.

Oh and you get the much sought after membership pack. If that doesn't persuade you I don't know what will!


It's not a common mod (in fact i've only seen it done once to a UK N16) but it's commonly asked about. There was a how to somewhere but it seems to have been mislaid.
 
edk said:
haha but seriously mate it's well worth joining up. You'll get back the money easily with the amount of discounts you get by being a member. Also it'll unlock loads of info on maintaining and modding the car. Invaluable really.

Oh and you get the much sought after membership pack. If that doesn't persuade you I don't know what will!


It's not a common mod (in fact i've only seen it done once to a UK N16) but it's commonly asked about. There was a how to somewhere but it seems to have been mislaid.
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I'm now a fully paid member!! lol

Sounds like a big job then?
 
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