Cold Air Intakes - Carbonspeed, Carbonio and APR's Carbon intake all the same thing?

vidacalavera

vidacalavera

Registered User
Joined
Jan 24, 2016
Messages
54
Reaction score
25
Points
18
So I was really happy with my Stage 1 remap. It turned out I had a downpipe and other bits and pieces on that the previous owner fitted. I didn't notice them because of the poor map it was running. A quick flash to get rid and then the APR map and things were improved no end! Just shows you how different maps can be. Now I've had a taste, I'm thinking I may as well go for Stage 2+ as the chap who mapped it says all I really need for now is a decent cold air intake with a mind to getting a upgraded intercooler in the future.

I'm not made of money though, so wondered which intake offers the best value for money. Also, are Carbonspeed, Carbonio and APR's Carbon Intake essentially all the same thing with different branding? Advice please!
 
Yes the carbonio etc are basically rebranded versions of the same.
Don't go with one though as its basically just an intake scoop and will retain the original airbox with an uprated panel filter. Apart from a splash of carbon, it won't offer enough of an increase in performance, if any!
Go for a Revo intake if you don't mind the increase in suction noise as it's the best made and best flowing or the VWR if you want to keep it a little civilized.
Are you manual or stronic, as you'll need a new clutch if manual.
You'll also need an uprated hpfp for 2+
 
  • Like
Reactions: HHS3
To get to stage 2+ you need to have an updated fuel pump. Do you have this already?

The air intakes you have suggested offer little if any gains. You should be looking at something like a Revo which I bought from V hub for £250.
There are other makes such as ITG and VWR but they are expensive.
A cheaper option is Neuspeed and my car made 365 BHP 378 ft lbs with one of those. Well made and everything fits properly. The Revo will flow a greater volume of air but costs more.
It is important with a foam filter that it does not dry out as they can go crumbly and bits can get sucked into the turbo. Regular maintenance is essential.
On my Revo I am using a Green cotton gauze filter to dispense with the foam.
 
Right! i thought a much
-Ju- said:
Yes the carbonio etc are basically rebranded versions of the same.
Don't go with one though as its basically just an intake scoop and will retain the original airbox with an uprated panel filter. Apart from a splash of carbon, it won't offer enough of an increase in performance, if any!
Go for a Revo intake if you don't mind the increase in suction noise as it's the best made and best flowing or the VWR if you want to keep it a little civilized.
Are you manual or stronic, as you'll need a new clutch if manual.
You'll also need an uprated hpfp for 2+
Click to expand...

Right! I thought as much. I'll have a look at the Revo and VWR one. To be fair, I think he recommended the VWR one as a likely upgrade. It's an Stronic and from what he said, the previous owner has fitted an hpfp, downpipe and exhaust upgrade but I can't understand why he was running a poor Stage 1 map. Anyhow, onwards. Cheers!
 
prt57 said:
To get to stage 2+ you need to have an updated fuel pump. Do you have this already?

The air intakes you have suggested offer little if any gains. You should be looking at something like a Revo which I bought from V hub for £250.
There are other makes such as ITG and VWR but they are expensive.
A cheaper option is Neuspeed and my car made 365 BHP 378 ft lbs with one of those. Well made and everything fits properly. The Revo will flow a greater volume of air but costs more.
It is important with a foam filter that it does not dry out as they can go crumbly and bits can get sucked into the turbo. Regular maintenance is essential.
On my Revo I am using a Green cotton gauze filter to dispense with the foam.
Click to expand...

Another Revo suggestion - I'd best have a look at them! Yep - it already has an updated fuel pump. That is all really top advice and stuff I didn't realise. I'll keep the maintenance in mind when I choose one. Much appreciated.
 
My modified Revo
IMG 1201
 
vidacalavera said:
So I was really happy with my Stage 1 remap. It turned out I had a downpipe and other bits and pieces on that the previous owner fitted. I didn't notice them because of the poor map it was running. A quick flash to get rid and then the APR map and things were improved no end! Just shows you how different maps can be. Now I've had a taste, I'm thinking I may as well go for Stage 2+ as the chap who mapped it says all I really need for now is a decent cold air intake with a mind to getting a upgraded intercooler in the future.

I'm not made of money though, so wondered which intake offers the best value for money. Also, are Carbonspeed, Carbonio and APR's Carbon Intake essentially all the same thing with different branding? Advice please!
Click to expand...

Just to be clear the APR Carbonio on the S3 is rubbish ... on a standard A3 its no different to the VWR enclosed intake ...

7742907030 0313c0e5ef o
 
vidacalavera said:
Really? Well I'm well and truly put off it now. I wonder why APR insist on pushing it for the Stage 2+ remap if it doesn't make any difference?
Click to expand...

Let me re-phrase my answer - the version that uses the original airbox (and panel filter) is rubbish and this is the one everyone usually (with an S3) refers to as being poor. If its the updated version with enclosed cylindrical filter (that you can swap out for cotton gauze, foam or dry) then thats a very different product. I'm not sure which version is supplied for the S3.
 
I don't think they do push it tbh. I had one on mine when I was stage 2 and was advised by the APR dealers to go with a full intake. It will run ok with one on but you'll basically strangle the amount of air you can get in.
 
downtothebone said:
Let me re-phrase my answer - the version that uses the original airbox (and panel filter) is rubbish and this is the one everyone usually (with an S3) refers to as being poor. If its the updated version with enclosed cylindrical filter (that you can swap out for cotton gauze, foam or dry) then thats a very different product. I'm not sure which version is supplied for the S3.
Click to expand...


I've got you! I understand now. That must be the one the he was recommending. He said he'd recommend either the APR Carbon or The Racing Line one.
 
-Ju- said:
I don't think they do push it tbh. I had one on mine when I was stage 2 and was advised by the APR dealers to go with a full intake. It will run ok with one on but you'll basically strangle the amount of air you can get in.
Click to expand...

That sounds right - I bet its the updated full unit (as mentioned above) the dealer was talking about.
 
downtothebone said:
Let me re-phrase my answer - the version that uses the original airbox (and panel filter) is rubbish and this is the one everyone usually (with an S3) refers to as being poor. If its the updated version with enclosed cylindrical filter (that you can swap out for cotton gauze, foam or dry) then thats a very different product. I'm not sure which version is supplied for the S3.
Click to expand...
Yours is a completely different setup from the S3 as the maf is in a different place on the later A3's, it's a proper induction kit you have, whereas the S3's have the maf at the back nearer the turbo
 
-Ju- said:
Yours is a completely different setup from the S3 as the maf is in a different place on the later A3's, it's a proper induction kit you have, whereas the S3's have the maf at the back nearer the turbo
Click to expand...
Yes -I know.
 
vidacalavera said:
I've got you! I understand now. That must be the one the he was recommending. He said he'd recommend either the APR Carbon or The Racing Line one.
Click to expand...
The upshot is the Carbonio is not a value for money product and on the S3 its outshone and out gunned by the open enclosures - the numbers don't lie.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

I oOEddOo I
Carbonio Intake / Carbon speed intake ???
Replies
31
Views
5K
S3Alex
S3Alex
willmac
Carbon Speed Cold Air Intake for S3
Replies
5
Views
2K
willmac
willmac
DPM
Carbon Speed 2.0T FSI Cold Air Intake
Replies
4
Views
4K
gr1zly
gr1zly
S
Help please!!!! Carbonio carbon intake for A3 and S3????
Replies
5
Views
1K
yahyar
Y
jaydav2306
CarbonSpeed CAI Intake
Replies
9
Views
1K
GNJ_Motorsport
GNJ_Motorsport
Top
Back