Air box mod

[Indy Aurora]

Read a lot about the air box mod and the resulting poor gas mileage. Anyone get the same or better when they did the airbox mod? Did most of you just break out the white part and cap the resinator whole, or did you also make the whole in the bottom bigger. I would still like the car to sound somewaht like the luxury car it is, not a race car.

[dred98]

I don't think letting more air into the engine causes poor gas mileage unless the driver puts his foot down more often to hear the extra induction noise.
There's not a lot of extra noise though.
I made the hole in the bottom bigger to match the hole in the metal and I've noticed no difference in mileage and only a little difference in the noise.
If you're not sure about it don't do it, it's not a big deal in performance.

[philipja]

What is that metal mesh thingy that is on the throttle body where the hose hooks up to it from the air cleaner? It looks like maybe just something to keep debris out or maybe an air restrictor?

[dred98]

I think it's just to stop junk getting through, although the only thing in that tube should be air that's gone through the air cleaner already. Maybe someone else has a better idea ?

[RoraStar96]

Its the MAF screen, its an additional filter as well as providing your intake manifold with laminar airflow, which is critical. Its should be carbon free, if its not, clean it.

Any increase in air flow will not be felt until a proper exhaust modification is installed.

[philipja]

Thanks Rora, with all the talk of airbox mods, I was gonna take it off and trash it. Guess I wont do that. With that screen there, I dont think mods to the air box would make any difference. (Am I wrong?) It's just going to get held up at the screen.
There is also a sensor in the air box.. is ripping the guts out going to affect the reading at the sensor?

[RoraStar96]

The 32V needs air, no doubt, the airbox is loaded with inserts to smooth the air, and decrease any noise, that is why there is an airbox resonator attached as well, however, increased intake air, wont do to much unless it can breathe out....thats my philosphy anyway. I'm sure there are some "experts" who are dying to prove me wrong...lol. But anyhow, if you do it, it wont hurt to much.

The sensor you are talkin about is the Intake Air Thermistor (IAT) if its not attached the SES light will come on. Removing the guts of the airbox wont set off the sensor at all.

Good luck with it!

[RoraStar96]

I suggest leaving the MAF in place!

[philipja]

Thanks. I think I will clean it out a bit. Your philosophy sounds correct. If the extra air can't get out the rear whats the sense of shoving it in.

[RoraStar96]

I felt substantial gains when my cat back exhaust was completed. The airbox mod, helps a little bit, esp when the engine is cooler (ie 3 mins after startup), its pretty whiny. I have an RSM stainless intake tube sitting in my trunk, bu I am waiting to install the 80mm TB before the intake goes on. The more air the better.

The airbox gut is a good confidence builder once you start ripping things apart!

On another note, I have been unsuccesful in finding a proper plug/cap for the airbox resonator :/

[97 silverbullet]

I've have a plug for the intake tube. You have all painted models right using model paint. take the cap of the paint (small model paint can) can and put it in the hole open end in first then using the same clamp used for the resonator clamp it down, I've had that on there for over a year and its never moved.

[zimaad]

I went to Home Depot and got a black PVC cap that was like 2" or 2.5" in diameter. I cut the end off so I just had the smooth cap at the top. This fits somewhat snuggly over the existing resonator attachment. I used a good amount of epoxy to ensure the cap seals out air/dirt. maybe it was RTV..I can't remember) Anyways...it looks pretty good too.

Also, for the person who is going to be cleaning the MAF screen. Be careful not to ding the screen at all. As said before, this is what is used to straighten out the air flow going into the intake. Anything that impedes or causes turbulence to the airflow doesn't help. It's also a good idea to put something in front of the throttle body hole to keep any sort of debris from getting into your intake/engine.

[RoraStar96]

And thats why those stupid Tornado things dont work either...

Laminar air flow! very important!

[Indy8]

[quote=zimaad]I went to Home Depot and got a black PVC cap that was like 2" or 2.5" in diameter. I cut the end off so I just had the smooth cap at the top. This fits somewhat snuggly over the existing resonator attachment. I used a good amount of epoxy to ensure the cap seals out air/dirt. maybe it was RTV..I can't remember) Anyways...it looks pretty good too.

I wish I would have thought of that and posted it.......oh.. wait a minute, I did four months ago!

[philipja]

I wish I would have thought of that and posted it.......oh.. wait a minute, I did four months ago![/quote]

What's your point?