Air Box Mod

So I was thinking of doing this mod after I get my new muffler installed (http://www.sshotrods.com/s10/new4.3/airbox/) 'cause I already have a K&N drop-in and don't really want to spend any more dough than I have to for a CAI. I figure it's almost the same surface area as the cone filter that would be put on, and would have a built in heat sheild. I wanted to grab a spare from the wreckers to hack up so I could go back to stock if I had to, but they want between $50-$150! It's a frickin plastic box! Anyway...before I cut into my airbox, does anyone have any input or experience on this modification?

i have a CAI on my 97 And i really need a heat sheild, I could get away i think by using that box as one. I think thats a good idea. When i get my tires and rear leaf spring shackels ill give that a whirl next week

So I was thinking of doing this mod after I get my new muffler installed (http://www.sshotrods.com/s10/new4.3/airbox/) 'cause I already have a K&N drop-in and don't really want to spend any more dough than I have to for a CAI. I figure it's almost the same surface area as the cone filter that would be put on, and would have a built in heat sheild. I wanted to grab a spare from the wreckers to hack up so I could go back to stock if I had to, but they want between $50-$150! It's a frickin plastic box! Anyway...before I cut into my airbox, does anyone have any input or experience on this modification?

Well just chopping up your box may do more harm than good.
The purpose of cold air intakes or the factory air boxes is to pull forced cold air from the grille or fender area.
Air that is forced in there going down the road.
Not underhood air.
If you are going to redo it keep that in mind.
And remember if you are using a K&N filter go easy on the oil and keep it cleaned and serviced and the MAF sensor cleaned.

So I was thinking of doing this mod after I get my new muffler installed (http://www.sshotrods.com/s10/new4.3/airbox/) 'cause I already have a K&N drop-in and don't really want to spend any more dough than I have to for a CAI. I figure it's almost the same surface area as the cone filter that would be put on, and would have a built in heat sheild. I wanted to grab a spare from the wreckers to hack up so I could go back to stock if I had to, but they want between $50-$150! It's a frickin plastic box! Anyway...before I cut into my airbox, does anyone have any input or experience on this modification?

Unless there are real dyno #'s it isn't worth the effort.

I did it, I haven't had any problems.

I did it, I haven't had any problems.

Ditto.

i just cut the hole in front of the box bigger with help from a 3in hole saw

don't have to hack it that much as in the link, just open up the existing hole more and it will be esentially a CAI seeing our air filter setups essentially pull in cold air in from the front grill in its stock form.

Just did it last night, but I only left the sides and back on. Unfortunately I won't be able to tell if it makes much difference itself because this morning I got my new Ravin Z55 muffler installed!

Just did it last night, but I only left the sides and back on. Unfortunately I won't be able to tell if it makes much difference itself because this morning I got my new Ravin Z55 muffler installed!

How does it sound??!!

I bet you it sounds pretty sweet.

Yeah it sounds great! I thought I was getting a Magnaflow, but when I got to the shop they said they had this one Ravin kicking around, and I managed to get a deal for taking it off their hands!:lol:

Yeah it sounds great! I thought I was getting a Magnaflow, but when I got to the shop they said they had this one Ravin kicking around, and I managed to get a deal for taking it off their hands!:lol:

Wait till it breaks in, it will get even louder.

Add a high flow cat and it will sound even better.