LLepp
Test Drive
- Location
- Liberty Hill, Texas
Thoughts on DIY CAI utilizing factory air box
I have been looking at the cost of cold air intakes and have been pondering how to reduce that cost and get a bump in performance. I have been inspired by the two snorkels for Gen 2 X's, http://www.xterranation.org/showthread.php?2555-2nd-gen-DIY-snorkel and http://www.xterranation.org/showthread.php?1267-Mini-How-to-DIY-Raised-Air-Intake-(Snorkel)
It seems to me that the big difference between stock and after market CAI's is that the After Market CAI does away with the interior baffling and provides a smooth route for air to be pulled into the engine. It also seems that the CAI have a larger air inlet opening.
What if I replaced the factory intake tube, between engine and airbox, with a mandrel bent tube of similar interior diameter.
What if the air inlet to the air box was removed and replaced with a larger interior diameter inlet.
All connections would have to be air tight.
Connect it up to a DIY snorkel.
Replace the Air filter with a K&N air filter.
I can see that this could be done in steps.
1 Replace air filter
2 Replace tube from air box to engine
3 replace inlet to air box with larger inlet tube
4 build and install snorkel
Power and MPG testing could be compared to a factory set up baseline and then after each modification. (Replicate driving on same stretch of hi way)
Acceleration testing could be done after each modification ( much more fun, GPS and stop watch, zero to 85 on Texas toll road 130)
I am actively seeking feedback. I would like to get this right the first time.
PS Just found this article on Snorkels from another forum http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22791&highlight=snorkel
I have been looking at the cost of cold air intakes and have been pondering how to reduce that cost and get a bump in performance. I have been inspired by the two snorkels for Gen 2 X's, http://www.xterranation.org/showthread.php?2555-2nd-gen-DIY-snorkel and http://www.xterranation.org/showthread.php?1267-Mini-How-to-DIY-Raised-Air-Intake-(Snorkel)
It seems to me that the big difference between stock and after market CAI's is that the After Market CAI does away with the interior baffling and provides a smooth route for air to be pulled into the engine. It also seems that the CAI have a larger air inlet opening.
What if I replaced the factory intake tube, between engine and airbox, with a mandrel bent tube of similar interior diameter.
What if the air inlet to the air box was removed and replaced with a larger interior diameter inlet.
All connections would have to be air tight.
Connect it up to a DIY snorkel.
Replace the Air filter with a K&N air filter.
I can see that this could be done in steps.
1 Replace air filter
2 Replace tube from air box to engine
3 replace inlet to air box with larger inlet tube
4 build and install snorkel
Power and MPG testing could be compared to a factory set up baseline and then after each modification. (Replicate driving on same stretch of hi way)
Acceleration testing could be done after each modification ( much more fun, GPS and stop watch, zero to 85 on Texas toll road 130)
I am actively seeking feedback. I would like to get this right the first time.
PS Just found this article on Snorkels from another forum http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22791&highlight=snorkel
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