ESFO

::SIGH:: I really wish I had a better review of it... cause I just spent over $600 (including shipping) on this thing and its not worth it for me to return it and lose another $100 in shipping. So here it is...

As I mentioned before, the product looks great. The carbon fiber work, the clamps, the parts all look fantastic. It looks every bit of its $840 retail price. The installation, if it weren't for a couple unforgiveable omissions, went smoothly. As complex as it looks initially, it took about the same time as installing a Hyperflow.

What I didn't like and what makes this intake not worth buying (at the moment) is their failure to, 1.) make it a true cold air intake, and 2.) make an initial air intake duct that mates up the the frame of the car like in the stock configuration. Here are some pics.

Installed:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/71038/img_1052.jpg">

Here's the biggest problem with the intake. As you can see, the supplied intake duct doesn't look ANYTHING like the factory one and as you can imagine, it doesn't fit. I mean, you can mount it as they direct, but there's a 1 - 2" separation between the frame rail and the air inlet duct which will now allow mucho hot engine bay air into the intake. I guess the higher your speed the better your chances are of getting cool air, but, this sucks!

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/71038/img_1050.jpg">

Also, it's not a cold air intake. The end of the box which is at the front of the car is completely open. It is formed to go around he headlight assembly but it is not fitted.

I am disappointed, big time. This is the third aftermarket intake I've purchased, always looking for a better product. I've used the Hyperflow, the Matrix, and now the GruppeM. In my opinion, none of them perform as advertised. If I had to pick one as my favorite, I'd say the Matrix. I have a letter in to GruppeM about the inlet duct, and if they fix it, this'll be my favorite.

Anyone know someone who can make a custom air inlet for me?

Sia Bani

probably not going to do one. I email him periodically though...hoping one day his wife will forgive the time he spent and let him do it again!


Sorry to see it not be worth it Rod

ESFO

If it looks identical to the factory but then reduces to the size of the GruppeM circular intake runner opening, I'd be all set. Maybe I'll email him sometime... Especially if I get no response from GruppeM.

s4for5_TTfor2

I know it was a lot of $$ for the Gruppe but if you just fit those two together with a little skillfull cutting and re-work you will have exactly what you wanted.
Real cold air induction.
Maybe to test it you could cut the stock piece, stick the Gruppe hose into it and just duct tape it up as a trial.
Hard to tell from your pics but if it does not work out the front stock piece is probably cheap to replace anyway and you could still return the Gruppe as it won't be cut.

S4Johnson

I agree, take carefull measurements and cut the stock to match the M and tape it.

camster4000

Thanks for the review... I may just go w/ the hyperflow...

ESFO

Here's a better view of the differences:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/71038/img_1048.jpg">

VerrÜckt

<center><img src="http://www.sdr-research.com/x1/Intake_r06_c2.gif"></center><p><ul><li><a href="http://www.sdr-research.com/x1/intake.htm">Click</a></li></ul>

KurtW

Same reason I've left more than one gorgeous girl out in the cold. Gotta be better than just nice to look at, babe, and the looks don't entitle you to anything more....

ESFO

Would be nice if it was available for the B6...