I removed mine but now I have concerns:

First let's look at this: http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...5CPR/index.php Basically 05 Mustang GT would run lean if carbon filter is removed.

My concern is the Engine Management System. This system/software could be US specific, customized to accommodate an additional charcoal filter (that means reduced air flow) in the air intake system and it may not be able to handle this much more air (after this filter is removed) and eventually result in lean condition long term. This could have ill effect on engine and performance. This could also void warranty.

I am thinking putting it back.

 

I don't believe there are any adverse effects of moving this filter because Dinan removed this filter in their CAI without needing adjustments to the ECU. If you think about it, most CAIs are producing more airflow to increase power output and they do so without a remap to fuel mixture. Of course, I'm not saying that aftermarket upgrades don't sometime adversely affect engine longevity but since Dinan has a warranty for their CAI that matches BMW's warranty as well as consequential damages caused by the upgrade, I feel safe with it.

Then again, who knows....

 

Is this a carbon material filter that just provides better filtering of the air?

Is this one of the reasons the Dinan CAI produces so much added HP?

Is the Valvtronic more sensative dirt in the air?

I can understand where the manufacturers do things to the exhaust/intake for noise restrictions, but why would they limit the air if this was not necessary for some reason.

I would feel better about it if they said it was required for high dust areas or something like that.

 

Is this a carbon material filter that just provides better filtering of the air?

Is this one of the reasons the Dinan CAI produces so much added HP?

Is the Valvtronic more sensative dirt in the air?

I can understand where the manufacturers do things to the exhaust/intake for noise restrictions, but why would they limit the air if this was not necessary for some reason.

I would feel better about it if they said it was required for high dust areas or something like that.
[/quote]

ok - what an idiot. I just read the initial post and saw the reasons - Emissions.

I agree with you. You are justing giving the engine a little less restriction and more air like the Dinan CAI. The ECU should compensate for it without a problem.

I doubt it would affect the engine mixtures. If you are worried about it, take a plug out and clean it. Then run it for 10k and take a look at the plug. It would tell you if the engine was running too lean. Or just have BMW or your tech check it in 10k miles.

I don't remember, can you even see the plugs on this beast?

 

I am sure this is one of the reasons contributing to the hp increase for the Dinan CAI but I don't think it's the primary reason. The Dinan CAI has two air intake tubes feeding the air box one of which feeds air from right behind the front grill and I think the extra intake tube contributes more to the hp gain.

 

I really should read everything before I respond - but looked at the Mustang article. That is very strange. Basically the ECU's add fuel based on the amount of air that is let in. The more you open the butterfly, the more air, the more fuel. It should compensate to added air within reason.

It does not make sense that Ford would have this problem, but my gut tells me that it would not be a problem as Dinan has basically gone one step further than just removing the carbon filter.

 

If the M5 guys are doing it I think its safe for us regular 525-550 cars to do it.

 

If you put a less restrictive intake on the 02 to 04 Z06's, then the car will be stronger initially because it is running a bit leaner, but eventually the Z06's ECU overreacts, and the car starts running too rich and loses the gain. It takes a dyno tune to get things right in the long run. Presumably Dinan, for example, knows what it is doing. If so, then taking the filter out should not be a problem if it is there purely for emissions reasons. But, on the other hand, you would think that those supplying the Z06 intakes would know what they are doing too. Maybe they also sell dyno tunes.