Rerouting air intake...

[TheKhaos]

Before I do something incredibly stupid, I would like some opinions on what I plan to do to my Daytona ES.

I plan to build a ram air, with the intake coming from a hood scoop. This would be hooked up to the stock air hose, which instead of connecting to the air box, would be connected somehow to a K&N cone filter attached directly to the throttle body. I've read about this setup somewhere, and would like some input as to any specific advantages or disadvantages with this design. Also needed is a way of connecting that air hose to the filter. I was imagining a huge hose going over the top of the whole cone. o_O

Thanks in advance.

(Also, what the heck is an underdrive pulley, what's its function, and why does it supposedly add 6-7 hp on my 3.0L?)

[TheKhaos]

Bump.

[WissNX01]

Alright. A ram air, for some cars, is an excellent idea. However, I would use some cardboard papertowel tubes or whatever, and make a mock up, to see what size whatnot you need.

When you get down to actually building one, use smooth piping, and avoid large angle changes if you can. Smooth piping will allow good unrestricted airflow. Large angle changes will slow that flow down.

Also, I wouldnt connect anythng directly to the throttle body. YOu have a MAF sensor or some kind of air flow meter. YOu should really consider including that in part of your design, at the very least.

Advantages could be small, but there may be some. Its possible you will get better gas mileage. If you are looking for a huge HP change, I dont think you will get one. Im pretty consistant in telling others that bolt ons generally just add wieght and gains are small. But if you do it, do it right with a nice scoop, and at least it might look neat.

As far as underdrive pullys, they wiegh less. That means its easier your your engine to spin them, thus freeing up HP for your wheels. My opinion, the pullys are expenisve, and not really worth it for a tiny 7 hp gain. YOu clould spend the same amount and get a good port and polish or a good engine balancing.

[SVTcobra306]

Underdrive pulleys actually don't "make" any horsepower, however they cause your accessories to turn slower and use less of your horsepower. Weight has little to do with it.

Even the most expensive ones are less than a couple of hundred bucks, you can't find a reputable head porter or anyone to balance an engine for that price. Plus engine balancing in real life doesn't add much if any power, it adds to the life of the engine. A full balance/blueprint job will gain you a few ponies, but should be part of an engine build not just a "mod".