Mini R53 supercharged JCW performance filtration upgrade
As front-wheel-drive fun goes, the supercharged ‘John Cooper Works’ version of the R53 Mini is pretty hard to beat. A superb basis for tuning and re-mapping, the hot Mini responds extremely well to breathing modifications – hence the fact that induction expert Pipercross has released a bespoke air filter for the archetypal hot-hatch.
The Pipercross filter is a direct replacement for the OEM part on these models, maintaining originality whilst improving performance. The design team at the company’s Northampton HQ took time to analyse the factory part and included all of the OEM moulded seals and features in their final version, including the hard-to-replicate triangular boss at one end of the filter that positively seats it in the filter housing. Precisely aping the original 119 x 191mm dimensions of the BMW part, this simple enhancement will literally drop into the Mini’s airbox.
The Pipercross filter has been engineered up to a desired quality, rather than down to a designated price and flows over 30% more air than the OEM part. This beautifully made component can make significant improvements in power, torque and driveability and comes with a full lifetime warranty to give decades of faithful service. An improved flow rate can also give a marginal fuel saving, which is no bad thing with fuel at £1.40 a litre!
The unique multi-layered foam construction not only means a higher rate of flow, it also mean that, compared to even the leading cotton-gauze replacements, Pipercross foam filters can go for up to three times longer before needing any servicing or cleaning. This can be done indefinitely for the life of the filter.
The filter is part of an extensive range of filters that Pipercross makes for many other models of BMW vehicles and despite being hand finished here in the UK, is priced at just £29.99 + VAT. This filter makes the perfect first modification for any cherished Mini, and flows stronger.. for longer!
For more details on the 3,000 vehicles covered by the Pipercross range, visit pipercross.com.
