DIY - Air Box Mod - Page 2

hawkeye680 · 09-30-2004, 07:58 PM

What about just leaving the snorkel out? Thanks for these instructions by the way

Titan4x4Aggie · 09-30-2004, 09:12 PM

you need that tube to separate the air from the fender (cold air) from the air in the engine (hot air).

without the snorkel, you no longer have a Cold Air Intake (CAI).

trust me, you want the snorkel!

mbjkiller · 09-30-2004, 11:33 PM

I read on m5board that wraping the air tube that leads to the engine with heat resistant foil can also do some good, keep the air cool. Just though I would share.

CLASH4X4 · 10-01-2004, 12:16 AM

This theory of less resistance because of where the snorkel exits is in my opinion false. The air WILL choose the path of least resistance, but because the filter material has not changed neither will the resistance level (because if this was the case the air would distribute itself across the filter regardless). You are right in saying the air is mainly being pulled through that one particular area, but that doesn't mean it is encountering more resistance. In fact it could be moving into the engine more efficiently. I think the area specific collection of dirt is because of an "air swirl" effect where the air is being directed in a focused stream which in reality is a more efficient design. The swirling air encounters less resistance in theory and if this can continue throughout the intake system you will see optimal horsepower/torque. This is why longer runners and fewer bends in an intake/exhause create more power. It's not so much that there's a larger opening, it's a more efficient one. BTW, this is just my educated belief and I could be completely wrong, but being a mechanical engineer I like to think I know a thing or two.

hawkeye680 · 10-01-2004, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Titan4x4Aggie

you need that tube to separate the air from the fender (cold air) from the air in the engine (hot air).

without the snorkel, you no longer have a Cold Air Intake (CAI).

trust me, you want the snorkel!

Thanks for answering my stupid question, I just looked at the pictures again, duh. Yesterday was a long day...

JMC · 10-01-2004, 10:41 AM

I just did mine last night. Maybe its psychological from the little bit of added noise but it definately changed the way my rig pulls. A small gain it may be but there has to be an increase in power.

dersheist · 10-01-2004, 10:55 AM

I just did the mod yesterday. I have had a K&N drop-in filter since shortly after I bought my truck in February 04. All the dirt was concentrated at the exit port of the snorkle, the rest of the filter appeared perfectly clean. The true test will be to look at the filter after driving it for some time to see if the filtration of dirt is more evenly spread out. Has anyone who's had this mod for a while looked at their filter recently to actually see if there is a difference?

juma · 10-01-2004, 07:47 PM

yeah. I've had this since march and my flat panel K&N shows no dirty spot. another thought I think would help is to take out the snorkle and just replace with some rubber gasket material of somekind that will open up the entire fender oval hole and the bigger airbox hole. I've tried some plumbing gaskets but haven't found a good one yet. maybe some styrofoam trimmed up would to it...

juma

spitan_titan · 10-01-2004, 08:24 PM

What is the better air filter? The Fram Air Hog or the K&N? Both are priced about the same, Fram may be a bit more. Maybe with this mod the OEM filter is fine...

Titano24's · 10-01-2004, 09:05 PM

I just got done with the modification, it took me about 20 min and I do hear more of the intake "whoosh". I stil am on the stock filter and I will not be buying the K & N since I will be either getting the AEM or the Nismo down the line.

-Shane

MTOOFAST · 10-04-2004, 02:31 PM

I did this mod a little while ago and didn't notice a big difference. I recently added the K&N drop in and I could tell a noticable difference. Looks to that the air box mod and drop in are the way to go. I couldn't see spending the $250 on the CAI. Just for the record I didn't allow the computer to update or anything like that.

Mike H.

CLASH4X4 · 10-05-2004, 12:29 AM

You guys just totally ignored my post didn't ya? Oh well....magic horsepower is funner I guess.

bighawaii · 10-05-2004, 02:57 AM

i think understanding is a part of it also, or they would of stoped hacking up their intakes. personally, if i do not have knowledge in a specific area, i do quite a bit of research 1st or ask someone i know that is experienced it that area before i do any mod to any of my vehicles. ty CLASH4X4 for your experienced post, im very enthused to see a fellow "car nut" .

MTOOFAST · 10-05-2004, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLASH4X4

You guys just totally ignored my post didn't ya? Oh well....magic horsepower is funner I guess.

I read your post from start to finish twice, but I don't think you are seeing the point either. You can call it magical or whatever you want. You were right in the point that no matter how the air got in the air box that it would take the path of least resistance. Therefore adding the drop in filter that is proven to flow better can utilize the added air from the air box mod. Also if the air inlet is directed at a certain part of the filter (which it is) then it will cause that portion of the filter to clog first, therefore not allowing as much air through. I can only speak for myself on my filter and it was very dirty on that corner where the inlet came in, and the rest of the filter looked new. My truck only has about 5000 miles on it. I can't prove the horsepower numbers and show that I picked up XX number of hp with this mod because my truck will never see a dyno except when it's trailering my mustang for a testing session. I do plan on running the truck at the track soon, but I don't have any numbers to compare to, cause I never ran it stock. I typed this in a hurry so I hope it at least makes a little sense. BTW: I'm also a mechanical engineer and have had no problems making horsepower in my stang, or the 3 previous ones I owned.

Mike H.

Titan4x4Aggie · 10-05-2004, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLASH4X4

You guys just totally ignored my post didn't ya? Oh well....magic horsepower is funner I guess.

You said you were a mechanical engineer. I did a quick analysis using several variables to "prove" that shortening the snorkel will indeed add hp.

Picture 1 shows the analysis for a general air intake assembly and the equations associated with deriving a net torque value from air intake losses due to pressure drop across the filter.

Picture 2 is a comparison of how shortening the snorkel exposes more of the filter to the intake air stream and subsequently lowers torque loss (increases net torque).