Which aFe intake is better, Stage 1 or Stage 2?

LivesNearCostco · 11-01-2011, 05:50 PM

Recently noticed that aFe now offers two intakes for the E46 330, the traditional "Magnum Force" Stage 1, and the newer Stage 2. Does anyone know which is better?

Stage I, List price $395:
Uses metal velocity stack to direct airflow to MAF
Top seals with screwed on aluminum cover.
Cone filter appears to have open end.
Separate models for 325/328 and 330 (3.0" vs. 3.5" MAF coupling)
aFe claims up to +20HP

Stage II, List price about $300:
Uses plastic elbow tube to direct airflow to MAF
No cover; top seals against hood with rubber seal
Cone filter appears to have closed end
One model for all E46 non-M (includes 3.5 to 3.0" adapter)
aFe claims up to +6HP

Has anyone here tried the Stage II? Does anyone know if the Stage I uses a larger cone filter that might offer more airflow?

Stage I listing and photo at Mod Bargains
http://www.modbargains.com/aFe-Stage...6-3-Series.htm

Stage II listing and photo at TMS site:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-56...1999-2006.aspx

Bryan@Jlevi SW · 11-01-2011, 08:41 PM

It depends what your definition of "better" is. If you are looking for performance, the stage I system is the way to go. If you are looking for an affordable solution that still free's up some performance, the stage II would be the way to go. I would personally recommend getting the stage I. It is only a bit more, but you get much more performance. You can choose either the Dry or Oiled filter. I suggest getting the Dry, unless you don't mind re-oiling the filter after cleaning. We sell both stages. Let me know if you have any questions.

Iceman00 · 11-01-2011, 11:42 PM

Neither. Get a better intake.

Rob43 · 11-02-2011, 01:08 AM

Here.

http://www.cosmoracing.com/productin...d=165&pid=1487

JFYI, NO intake makes 20+ HP on a M54 N/A motor....NEVER.

3-5 WHP, sure.

With all the money your gonna save, I drink Coors Lt.

Good luck.

LivesNearCostco · 11-03-2011, 11:21 AM

Thanks, everyone. I did see Rob recommending that Cosmo racing intake earlier and have thought about it, though I'm not eager to relocate my Xenon transformers. I knew no intake is going to provide +20 HP, but was wondering if the higher claim for the Stage I meant that it made more power, for example would the aFe Stage 2 give me +6HP and the Stage 1 would give me +8HP. If that is the case, is it because the Stage 1 has a bigger filter, velocity stack, or better hot air exclusion?

Being in California, I also noticed the Stage 1, which has been around a long time, has the CARB # while the Stage 2 does not (at least not yet).

Ziggy31 · 12-20-2011, 09:16 AM

what intake do you suggest for a E46 M3?

11-01-2011, 05:50 PM	#1
LivesNearCostco Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 755 My Ride: 2003 ZHP 6MT View My Garage	Which aFe intake is better, Stage 1 or Stage 2? Recently noticed that aFe now offers two intakes for the E46 330, the traditional "Magnum Force" Stage 1, and the newer Stage 2. Does anyone know which is better? Stage I, List price $395: Uses metal velocity stack to direct airflow to MAF Top seals with screwed on aluminum cover. Cone filter appears to have open end. Separate models for 325/328 and 330 (3.0" vs. 3.5" MAF coupling) aFe claims up to +20HP Stage II, List price about $300: Uses plastic elbow tube to direct airflow to MAF No cover; top seals against hood with rubber seal Cone filter appears to have closed end One model for all E46 non-M (includes 3.5 to 3.0" adapter) aFe claims up to +6HP Has anyone here tried the Stage II? Does anyone know if the Stage I uses a larger cone filter that might offer more airflow? Stage I listing and photo at Mod Bargains http://www.modbargains.com/aFe-Stage...6-3-Series.htm Stage II listing and photo at TMS site: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-56...1999-2006.aspx __________________ Lowering my car's resale value one track day at a time...

11-01-2011, 11:42 PM	#3
Iceman00 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: FLA Posts: 2,739 My Ride: ghey View My Garage	Neither. Get a better intake. __________________ The Official Dyno Thread Swap your Intake manifold for more power Why your intake probably sucks (in a bad way) My "build" and dynos

11-03-2011, 11:21 AM	#5
LivesNearCostco Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 755 My Ride: 2003 ZHP 6MT View My Garage	Thanks, everyone. I did see Rob recommending that Cosmo racing intake earlier and have thought about it, though I'm not eager to relocate my Xenon transformers. I knew no intake is going to provide +20 HP, but was wondering if the higher claim for the Stage I meant that it made more power, for example would the aFe Stage 2 give me +6HP and the Stage 1 would give me +8HP. If that is the case, is it because the Stage 1 has a bigger filter, velocity stack, or better hot air exclusion? Being in California, I also noticed the Stage 1, which has been around a long time, has the CARB # while the Stage 2 does not (at least not yet). __________________ Lowering my car's resale value one track day at a time...

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11-01-2011, 08:41 PM	#2
Bryan@Jlevi SW 1.888.JLEVISW Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: 2942 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara, CA Posts: 978 My Ride: E46 330i ZSP View My Garage	It depends what your definition of "better" is. If you are looking for performance, the stage I system is the way to go. If you are looking for an affordable solution that still free's up some performance, the stage II would be the way to go. I would personally recommend getting the stage I. It is only a bit more, but you get much more performance. You can choose either the Dry or Oiled filter. I suggest getting the Dry, unless you don't mind re-oiling the filter after cleaning. We sell both stages. Let me know if you have any questions.

12-20-2011, 09:16 AM	#6
Ziggy31 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 10 My Ride: 2002 E46 M3 Coupe View My Garage	what intake do you suggest for a E46 M3?