The time has come to test our prototype design for the MK7 intake. After weeks of designing and fabrication, the prototype for this VW is now ready to hit our Dynapack dynamometer so we can collect some data.

Testing these prototype MK7 GTI parts for overall power output gains over stock is important, so that’s the first thing we needed to figure out. The larger diameter piping compared to the stock system provides increased airflow that will have a direct impact on improving power output. This car did happen to come with an aftermarket stage 1 tune on it, so we tested our intake with that software upgrade.

We also wanted to provide sound clips of the car with the intake on so you can hear the difference.

Below, we have some footage of the MK7 running on the Dynapack, so check it out!

Our first impression was that this MK7 GTI intake is a big improvement, especially with regard to sound. You can hear the turbo spooling up and the sound of the diverter valve when letting off the throttle. It isn’t too obnoxious, but at the same time you certainly hear more of the exciting stuff!

Also, you may notice that the SAI (secondary air injection) filter adapter isn’t attached to the box. Don’t worry, as this is only a prototype design we were testing. In our finalized version, we will certainly offer the option to have an SAI attachment with the appropriate filter. For strictly testing and dyno purposes, the SAI adapter does not need to be attached to the box, as it will not affect performance or drivability. More on that later.

Results

The graph below shows average data curves of power and torque from all our runs. The stock tune with the stock intake is plotted against the stock tune with the prototype intake.

Throughout the majority of the MK7’s power band, we were able to achieve consistent power increases, with the peaks of power occurring later in the range. On a stock tune we saw an improvement of 11.63 hp with 14 ft-lb of torque! If you look closely at the graph, you’ll see fairly consistent gains throughout the RPM range. From about 4,500 rpm onward, the band simply shifted forward a bit due to its reaction with the intake. This less restrictive system makes the induction process more free flowing.

Even with the stage 1 tune allowing this GTI to make about 260 hp at the wheels, we were still able to see consistent gains throughout the RPM range. Here we had maximum power gains of 6.52 hp with 10.79 ft-lb of torque. Check out the plot below.

Since we are looking at several different plots, it is important that we monitor the air-fuel ratios (AFRs) to ensure that they stay at safe operating levels. Check out our AFR graph below.

As you can see, with the tune, the AFRs are in great shape, with the only minor deviation occurring on the 3,000–4,000 rpm range. The average change in the AFR was 0.44% on the rich side. So to all of you with tunes and aftermarket MK7 GTI parts, you’re safe with installing this intake.

Great news from the Mishimoto garage! We have tested and fitted the final iteration of our airbox design for this prototype MK7 intake. We made some minor adjustments for fitment and ease of installation, but more on that later. This has been an interesting project from the start because of the uniqueness of this box design – check it out!

Final Intake System

Once this prototype system was ready to go, we prepared it for final fitting into the MK7. The next step is paint! The final products will be powder coated, with the intake pipe color options ranging from wrinkle black/red powdercoat or chrome polish. So the painted parts below are just for visualization purposes.

As seen above, this version of the box has the SAI (secondary air injection) attachment. Also, compared to the previous version you’ve seen, the airbox lid is slightly different. There are now two bends instead of one on the lid, which drops the total height of the box by 25 millimeters. We did this to avoid any problems with hood clearance.

We have also retained the use of the stock inlet scoop, by providing a space for it in the front portion of the airbox where the fresh air is directed to the filter.

Here is a shot of the pipe with the vacuum attachment!

Attention to the Details

It’s the little things that matter when an aftermarket product has several components. We want our consumers to have the best possible experiences when handling any of our products. Here are some more design improvements we have made.

If you recall from our last airbox prototype, the design for the bottom of the box had formed into two steps to contour to the mounting-point locations on the chassis. In the present design, we made the entire airbox bottom into one smooth plane. This simplifies the design from a manufacturing standpoint.

In the image above, do you see that the bracket bolts are slightly offset? This isn’t a design flaw. We did that so the bracket can properly fit on the airbox in only one orientation. This should reduce the chance of an incorrect installation.

The image above shows how the filter and the SAI attachment will fit inside the box. Pretty cool, right?

And above is a prototype version of how the full system (minus the rubber grommets, which we will include in the kit) will look!

Product Fitment

Now onto fitment. Let’s see how this kit looks in the engine bay!

Look below at how all the components come together, including the SAI attachment, vacuum line, and bracket.

And here are some shots of how the intake kit looks fully mounted in the car!

The prototype had spot-on fitment, making our test fit successful! Everything is where it’s supposed to be and securely in place, which puts this project that much closer to release