Airbox question

[lane_viper]

I'm a pretty new owner and was simply wondering if it does any harm by removing the top of the airbox. I've only done it a couple of times and am now dying for an intake. I know it's not getting as cool of air as it would be getting if the top was on, and that is probably robbing a few HP, but it justs sounds like heavenly music when VTEC hits. Also, what intakes would you guys recommend?

[parkerdt]

Leave it on - the heat comes rolling up into it with it off.

Get a K&N (or similar) filter to replace the stock - part is K&N # E-2435, and you will still have the sound. You may have to remove the compartment divider to get it to fit - this is no problem.


Dave

[lane_viper]

Got the Stock K&N Replacement filter right after I bought it. Surprisingly, I really noticed a sound and power difference right away. Still wanting the amazing intake sound, it's like crack you know.

[parkerdt]

OK, next step - remove your exhaust resonator. :)

[Goku]

You can run with out the air box lid no problem. I have a DIY somewhere on here on how to remove the insides of the box. I'll look for it and post it when I find it.

[Goku]

http://forums.s2kca.com/showthread.php?t=8803

Here it is, but because of the recent crash of the server all the pictures are gone. I no longer have these, so I can't re-upload them. If you have any questions let me know.

http://forums.s2kca.com/showthread.php?t=9881

Also this is the coolant by pass mod. the video still works so if you have any questions let me know.

[Vorlon]

BTW, Fujita F5 sounds just a good + no heat soak + better gas milage!

[repiv]

Having the airbox lid off is a personal choice. When the engine bay's hot air gets sucked in and the intake air temp sensor reads the higher temps, the ECU will pull timing. This will reduce the power of the engine. Additionally, it has been said that for every 3 degrees C of intake temp rise, 1 hp of engine output is lost due to less oxygen in hot air. So these two combined may be quite detrimental to engine performance. If you are willing to live with these as a trade off for the sound you like, then it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
If you want the sound and the performance back, then go for something like the K&N FIPK kit or the Comptech cold air intake. The ultimate sound and cold air performance will come from the Injen/AEM/Fujita type of intake. This locates the filter down low behind the fake air duct in the front bumper. Many people who live in high rain areas are not comfortable using this intake for fear of ingesting water and blowing the engine up. However, some small precautionary modifications will reduce this mishap from happening.
Keep in mind that the engine bay can get as hot as 70 degrees C on a hot day during city driving. You do the math.

[Bob A (SD)]

I strongly disagree with Goku regarding this issue. If you want to increase your probability for heat soak, increase the temperature of the air being inducted with corresponding loss of power, all for a bit of improved growl noise from under the hood, have at it. In every thread I've seen this discussed in the past it was universally dismissed. One maybe 4 or 5 years ago included temperature measurements which confirmed the unacceptable results of running without the lid.

As Dave said either go with an established, well designed after market CAI or from my knothole, mod/gut your stock box.
Here's a couple pix of my gutted airbox with passenger side aux intake which also includes a variant of the radmat mod too, all designed to insulate the induction air from engine compartment heat as well as to increase air intake channels:

http://rap.midco.net/bald1/radmat_side_sm.JPG
mods in progress

http://rap.midco.net/bald1/PICT0681_sm.JPG
insulation installed which is also in the underside of the airbox cover (not shown)

http://rap.midco.net/bald1/PICT0680_sm.JPG
buttoned up using a Coastal Metals air director

http://rap.midco.net/bald1/engine_compartment.jpg
current configuration with an AUT cooling plate replacing the Coastal Metals director

--Bob
http://rap.midco.net/bald1/SS2.gif

[desmo4]

I measured the intake air temp at 140 F on my Imoni while sitting in traffic on a 90+ degree day. At speed it drops to 115 F and in the evening at speed 108 F. If you want to know whats really going on you need to instrument your car and the Apexi I-moni is the easiest way.

Jonathan

[lane_viper]

Many people who live in high rain areas are not comfortable using this intake for fear of ingesting water and blowing the engine up.However, some small precautionary modifications will reduce this mishap from happening.


Cold air intake is definitely the way to go. What mods are you talking about here? I had a friend that this happened to on his S. Kind of scares me.

Thanks all you guys for the posts and keep the ideas coming.:rockon:

[repiv]

Cold air intake is definitely the way to go. What mods are you talking about here? I had a friend that this happened to on his S. Kind of scares me.

Thanks all you guys for the posts and keep the ideas coming.:rockon:

You plug the hole under the hood along the right side rain gutter. This hole drains water right on top of the filter. Then, an umbrella for the filter should be made out of an old plastic bleach bottle or milk jug (gallon size). The worry is not so much driving in rain. It's more parking in rain and filling the first elbow of the intake with water.

[Vorlon]

Cold air intake is definitely the way to go. What mods are you talking about here? I had a friend that this happened to on his S. Kind of scares me.

Thanks all you guys for the posts and keep the ideas coming.:rockon:

A completely understandable concern! Talk to JT at Xlevel about a Fujita F5 and AEM bypass valve (lets water escape before it is sucked into the engine....great video floating around with the AEM bypass valve on an intake....a bucket of water....and an NSX.)