The Authentic GruppeM Intake Explained

I've noticed in recent years that the GruppeM intake has had a pretty bad rep around the forums, especially amongst some of our newer members (2007+). I think this is due to it's high price and the common misconception of how the intake actually works. Also note that replica GruppeM intakes aren't true replicas in the fact that the heat shields have different shapes. I had my car apart today while I was replacing my thermostat and water pump, so I decided to take some pictures to illustrate how the GruppeM works.

This is the GruppeM intake installed. I believe many people have based their opinion on this intake purely off what they see in this picture. An intake snorkel that goes nowhere and a heat shield stuck up against the backside of the headlight, yuck!




This is the intake in it's raw. It is specifically designed to scoop cool air and block heat from the alternator and engine. The heat shield on mine is made of carbon kevlar. Take note of the shape of the heat shield.





This is the area where the intake will be installed. I've labeled some key components in the picture to help get an idea of where things are in relation to the intake. The alternator and expansion tank can become quite hot when the engine is at full operating temperature.




This is the intake after it has been properly installed. The alternator and expansion tank have been completely covered by the heat shield. The filter on the intake also has plenty of surface area. Also note how low the intake actually sits.




Here is another picture of the intake installed. I've highlighted the area in blue of where the air is actually supplied from. This is a rather large opening that feeds down to the bumper, right where the brake duct and fog light sit. Notice how the heat shield sits nicely against this opening. This same opening is used by intakes such as Dinan, Benfer, etc that take their air from the same location.



Here is a bird's eye view of the opening. I've labeled the fog light and brake duct to give you an idea of where this opening actually leads to. Plenty of cool air is provided by this area. It's common for people with the GruppeM to actually cut a small portion off of the top of their brake duct to supply additional cool air.




This picture goes back to the intake snorkel that goes nowhere. While it may lead nowhere, it is actually acting as a "cooling fan" for the intake's heat shield. Heat shields can actually absorb a lot of heat. This cooling method helps to keep temperatures down.




That's all I have. I hope after reading this it has shed some light on how this intake actually works. A common misconception is that the air is take from the back of the headlight. As illustrated in the preceding pictures, the air is taken from the lower part of the bumper, same location that the Dinan, and like intakes, take their air from.

You might be asking yourself, "why does he care so much?", and the answer is, I really don't care. I just think a lot of false information goes around this forum. Years ago the GruppeM was regarded as a great intake and loved by most. In the snap of the finger, nowadays it seems people have nothing but negative things to say.

Feel free to discuss. Comments both positive and negative are welcome.


Additional Info:

GruppeM Dyno:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachm...7&d=1051068218

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=24845

Maybe this sort of intake will prevent the expansion tank from breaking so quickly..?

That looks mighty expensive for 2hp.

Originally Posted by Toadfart

That looks mighty expensive for 2hp.

it's actualy says 7, and 8. idk what the numbers in () are for


WOW, who's dyno chart is that. is that someones real chart or is it from the manufacturer.

lol @ the dyno chart.

+1 I agree.

I had the same intake on my sedan with my csl front bumper, I ran a large hose from the hole in the csl bumper up to the intake and it made a better difference for me at high speeds.

great description but it would be more helpful with real (not from manufacturer) dyno chart "before" and "after"

Originally Posted by djenker

great description but it would be more helpful with real (not from manufacturer) dyno chart "before" and "after"

+1 I have the Dinan intake and I can't really notice any difference, but it could just be me.

But great write-up!

i think intakes that completely shield the filter and use the stock intake snorkel, such as the conforti intake, will always provide better isolation from heat than something sucking in air from anywhere in the engine bay.

Nice write up Stu.. I have had the mine since 03, never had any issues with it.

Originally Posted by Afrothunderr86

WOW, who's dyno chart is that. is that someones real chart or is it from the manufacturer.

That would be Samir @ Technik (aka Rennsport) a very reputable tuner in California

Originally Posted by Acarder

Maybe this sort of intake will prevent the expansion tank from breaking so quickly..?

My expansion tank bit the dust while running this intake

Originally Posted by Toadfart

That looks mighty expensive for 2hp.

As stated, the dyno reads 7. Regardless of which intake you run I wouldn't expect to see very high gains.

As for the price on these things. You'd be crazy to buy one new. I got mine in the classifieds for $200.

Nice write up. Samir did a similar write up years ago, I think it was titled "GruppeM functionality explained." Folks should look for Samir's thread if they have questions that aren't answered in here.

Originally Posted by russ330

Nice write up. Samir did a similar write up years ago, I think it was titled "GruppeM functionality explained." Folks should look for Samir's thread if they have questions that aren't answered in here.

Yeah it's a great read. Its the second link I posted under "additional info". None of the pictures work in that thread unfortunately.

Originally Posted by DiscoStu

As stated, the dyno reads 7. Regardless of which intake you run I wouldn't expect to see very high gains.

Lets be honest here. The AFE claims 13whp but really only makes about 3-4.