83 2000 FI Air Intake COA Help

[F16Waldo]

At a recent local Tech Help inspection event I learned I was missing some air filter box clamps and had other minor issues to resolve with the air intake system. OF course this brought up the discussion of "upgrading" the air intake system with some of the other club members. So now I am pondering what to do.

Looking for inputs, advice on this subject matter. (searched past forums, didn't really find anything that deals with this...my "bad" if I missed it) Here are my Qs:

1) Should I keep the original air intake system or upgrade to something "fancy"? I don't plan on doing any big engine mods but always nice for a slight performance nudge. If I keep original, what enhances should I look at?

2) If upgrade is way to go, what is best way to go? Vick's has a "Cold Air Intake System" for about $190 (of course it doesn't identify what is included in this system) and AR has a performance filter for about same price (bolts onto current plumbing?) and a separate performance intake for about $140 (no details on compatibility with the performance filter). Or is there an other option I am missing?

3) What installation "gotchas" are there in doing this kind of upgrade?

Thanks in advance for the feedback/advice!

Cheers
Waldo

[Bambolone]

Bump! I'm curious as well.

[tima01864]

There is a modification on the stock air box, I know a few who drilled 1 or 2 inch holes in the box to allow more airflow. I haven't, After this rebuild I may consider it.

[RRoller123]

Anything that you can do to lower the resistance to air flow going into the system will help. In stock condition, all of the air for the engine is forced through that very small trumpet, which is quite restrictive. I added a bunch of holes, but be very careful to place them where they won't pick up splashed water or bypass the filter, etc. Those side holes are against the fender wall, and very well protected from the elements. The bottom one, if I remember correctly, has some sheet metal that protects it from water intrusion. I never drive in the rain anyway, unless caught by accident, so it matters little. The filter is above all this anyway. It obviously makes the air box a little more easy flowing, and it sounds a lot better too.

[TX82FIAT]

The performance filter (looks like K&N) bolt on to replace the box works well. Have not looked at the filter only kits but would advise some Shielding so you are not sucking in more hot exhaust air from the proximity to the manifold. I have seen some drill some holes in the metal to the left of the radiator (where no one will be able to see) to allow more cold air to get into the engine bay area near the filter. I suppose you could create a basic snorkel to get low in the bay where the stock box picks up air. Filters are easy to clean/oil.

[RRoller123]

Yeah, that is the basic problem with the K&N, it just pulls in hot air unless it gets ducted, and nobody that I know of has yet come up with a good way to duct it. Most of the studies I have seen show that there is basically little difference in flow resistance between the stock filter and the K&N, but the K&N is cleanable and reusable, which is a good advantage. But unless it gets ducted with fresh cool air, it's not doing much better than the stock one. Except for that trumpet restriction. That is a real problem, pulling all the engine air through that small cross section. Not good.

[DRUMMOND]

here is my setup. cold air from the front kn filter red

[RRoller123]

That looks good, I wish the pictures were bigger, as the "imageshack" won't allow a connection. It looks like you have it ducted entirely with air taken from the very front of the car? if so, that is very good! How does it separate water or spray from the air stream? Can't see it in the pictures.

[DRUMMOND]

I have never had a problem. I don't drive in the rain

[DRUMMOND]

one more

[RRoller123]

That looks like it will work! What's with the plastic bottle beside the AFM (edit: Windshield washer bottle...? Doh!) , and how do you keep road spray, rain etc out of the filter? It looks like the top of it is exposed directly to the front of the car's air flow?

[TX82FIAT]

That is nice work. I have three 2" holes drilled right where you located you filter with my filter located about six inches further back in the engine bay. I've some shielding for the filter but realized I do not need it now as the amount of airflow and temperature under the hood is decreased significantly. Unless I'm sitting in traffic, the inflow of air feeds directly to the filter.