Custom CAI under-car scoop project

[BrokenJohnny]

I have a CAI, but living in the rain capital of Canada, I don't like how dirty my K&N gets. I took a hacksaw to the last 4 or five inches of my intake tube, so instead of me being able to see the filter poking out when I look under the car, The filter is now higher up in the engine bay. It still curves down towards under the car, but it's a few inches higher up.

I did this because I planned to make an under car scoop for the intake.

I removed the plastic paneling from the inside of the left front tire bay to see what sort of arrangement I could design.

I also nabbed the intake hose from my Dad's wrecked pickup truck (Which I wrecked....Doh...)

Conveniently, the plastic panel has a nice slot where a scoop could go. Pic--->








That's the panel, the hose, and two pics of the hose stuck in the panel's vent. Obviously, I'm going to do a little cutting and gluing, and fashion a proper scoop for underneath. I'll probably hit up home depot.

Here are a few questions I have.

#1.) I heard that underneath the car is a low pressure zone. Is that true? And if so, would this affect the performance of the intake/scoop?

#2.) Should I make a connection between the scoop and the filter? What I mean is, should I just have a scoop that ducts air towards the filter? Or, should I make a shroud for the filter, and attach it to the hose so that the air is directly channeled into the filter, with the only opening being the mouth of the scoop?

#3.) Should I just remove the whole damn bumper, and make an intake like some of the new mustangs have, or like that one supercharged probe has?

This thing is, I don't REALLY expect to notice much of a difference in performance either way. And I don't care. What I DO care about, is reducing performance. That's something I definitely don't want to do. But I liked the idea of having a CAI with an under-car scoop. And I love tinkering with my 6, since it's parked right now. (I'm taking the bus to work to save up for the KLZE.)


Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated. Karma given freely.

Thanks,
Johnny

[neptune_51]

LOL good call on taking the bus. The gas prices in BC are killer right now (though coming down)

Im not sure about the low-pressure zones on the car but IMO and experience, anything is better than the crap-box Mazda designed for our intake.

I think you should just leave that scoop so it brings air into the engine bay, the filter would see that fresh air regardless.

[BrokenJohnny]

Originally Posted by neptune_51

LOL good call on taking the bus. The gas prices in BC are killer right now (though coming down)

Im not sure about the low-pressure zones on the car but IMO and experience, anything is better than the crap-box Mazda designed for our intake.

I think you should just leave that scoop so it brings air into the engine bay, the filter would see that fresh air regardless.

Thanks for the feedback! Karma. I figured the filter would still see the fresh air regardless. But still, I'm thinking that having the air directly ported/rammed into the intake would be best. I figured is the scoop was sealed to the the intake, no fresh air would be wasted blowing into the engine bay, but rather all of it would be sucked into the engine.


However, I'm not sure. I read that with the hood scoop on some of the SS Cameros, at about 65MPH, the engine is no longer "sucking" air in, but rather has the air channeled in by the scoop. That's why I questioned having the scoop under the car, in regards to it being a low pressure zone. Really, I just want to do something different, and not have it affect my performance negatively.

And you're right. The stock air box on the 6 is quite shabby. It might be fine for some middle aged woman who doesn't care about performance. But I definitely noticed a difference when I installed a CAI with a K&N cone filter.

I know that no amount of speed will create a positive pressure in any intake scoop I make. My main concern is funneling in the freshest air possible, preferably from completely outside the engine bay.



And in regards to gas prices...

Yeah, We're getting the olympics in 2010, so apparently, they're taxing the F**K out of us.

Obviously, it's nothing more than price gouging. None of the gas companies compete with each other. (A decade ago, we had an American company come to BC called Arco. Gas prices went way down due to the cheap American gas being sold here. I'm talking 35-25 cents a litre, or less. Back then, 45 cents was considered outrageous. Infact, I once bought an entire tank of gas for my chevy spectrum for 11 bucks. No lie. When I get my 6 back on the road, I plan to steal gas for gas stations that friends work at, and justify it because the oil industry is stealing from us. I already have a few leads worked out. In any case, the people of Canada are too [mangina] to finally lead a rebellion against our government and demand we build more refineries to take advantage of our natural oil reserves. Did you know the tar sands of Alberta contain more potential oil that Saudi Arabia? Obviously, our government is only concerned with taxing the hell out of us, and is in cohoots with the oil industry, just like any "Big Business" is.)

[BShark]

Don't forget that Canada is attempting to make a commitment towards the environment, and whether it's sincere or just to appeal to the ever-so-popular environmentalist subculture conscience, it's a win-win for the government. Bring in tax revenue, and reduce the number of drivers on the road.

[BrokenJohnny]

Originally Posted by BShark

Don't forget that Canada is attempting to make a commitment towards the environment, and whether it's sincere or just to appeal to the ever-so-popular environmentalist subculture conscience, it's a win-win for the government. Bring in tax revenue, and reduce the number of drivers on the road.

The government seems to think we are all driving around just to be really annoying.

Right. Price us off the road.

Yeah, that might work in Vancouver. In fact, when I did live in Van, I didn't own a car, and never missed it at all. But in my current city of residence, the bus system is garbage. On weekdays I can get to work fine, but on saturday and sunday, it's absolutely rediculous. The buses run late in the morning, and quit early at night. I have to bum rides from family and friends. Either that, or take a 45 minute bike ride, mostly up hill. Or, simply be late to work, and have hell to pay. But I'm forced to make it work.

The environmentalist movement is nothing more that a political platform. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm all in favor of conserving the planet, and treating our environment with respect. But the whole movement is bunk. Sheer bunk. The Co-founder of Green Peace himself, Carl Sagen, quit green peace because he was disgusted at how it had become a political launchpad for up and coming parties. To this day, Carl Sagen is one of my personal heros.

Download the Showcase TV series called "Penn and Teller's Bullsh*t". They totally expose the environmentalist movement for what it is, as well as exposing psychics, gun control, Diet fads, End of the world propoganda, and conspiracy theories.

The current wave of environmentalism is nothing more that another method of controlling what the people think. Al Gore's ego is much more detrimental to our planet that "global warming" will ever be.

And in regards to global warming, it's all about a planetary cycle. Did you know that a few hundred years ago, the Vikings were able to grow crops in the now frozen lands of Greenland? Again, it's all a political platform. Were being duped. In the 70's and early 80's, the movement was trying to prevent a new ice age. Now, we've magically switched to trying to prevent global warming.

Studying into global politics, history, known conspiracies, and even secret societies has been my life's work until this point. And I can say with confidence, the price of gas is completely and utterly unjustified. As is the mainstream environmental movement.

If anyone wants to talk more on this subject, message me. But for now....uh....I'd like to get back on topic. Sorry for the rant.

[BrokenJohnny]

Here are some more pics of the next stage of the project. What I'm planning to do is build a sheet metal shroud around the cone filter, and channel the end of the shroud to a scoop under the car.



There is the two cones of the shroud, the scoop, the filter, and the elbow joint.



That's the filter in the shroud.



Both sides of the shroud.








That's basically how the set up is going to look. Tomorrow, I'm going to move a few hoses around in my engine bay to get everything to properly fit, rivet and seal the sheet metal cones, and try to devise some way that the shroud can be taken apart so the filter can be cleaned or changed. I'll probably use screws or something.

More pics to come!

[BrokenJohnny]

Alright, here are the last few pictures of my under car scoop:

Here's an image of the engine bay:




Here is a front view. Notice the scoop on the right underside of the bumper. (Excuse the yellow wires. It started to rain, and I didn't have time to drill some brackets onto the scoop.)




Here's a picture from the left side of the car. If you look closely, you'll see the scoop sticking out underneath the front bumper. I ended up not using the metal duct that I bought from Rona.




Here's a close up of the scoop from underneath. Like I said, it's still tied up with yellow wire, because it started to rain, and I needed to rig the thing up before I got soaked. And Yes, that's duct tape. Razz me all you like, but it works , and cost me virtually nothing.



Here is a close up front view of the scoop. I took it off my dad's old wrecked Chevy pickup truck. This scoop was actually the intake connector from the the round, carburator filter.

Here's one more shot of the front:



So yeah, it sticks out a little bit. You really can't see it from any standing position. And it may be made of sheet metal, rivets, and a little duct tape, but I tested her out, and I think it works great. And I can hear ever so slightly more of that "rush" of air when I accelerate. Inside the shroud is a K&N filter. It's standard CAI aluminum pipes from the manifold down to the filter, and then aluminum sheet metal from the filter, to the shrouds. From the end of the second shroud to the scoop, it's a black plastic "accordian" style pipe, with plastic scoop.

I had the standard CAI before. But I have to say, with the under car scoop, it feels like I have a little more oomph when in second or third gear. Not much mind you. In fact, it may just be the placebo affect. But it certainly isn't any LESS powerful.
In any case, I have quite limited experience with cars, and this is my first "official Home-brew modification" that I have ever done. I am personally proud of it.

Another note, I had to cut back the coolant hose located at the bottom left side of the radiator to make the shroud fit. I had to drain the coolant, and I cut back the hose by about 2 or 3 inches.

Total cost: $0.00. (Not including the pre-existing CAI, K&N filter, or the metal duct scoop I bought from Rona that I didn't use. (((But for the record the duct scoop cost $2.35))) )

If anyone has any feedback or comments on this project, negative or positive, please let me know. I graceously accept any constructive criticism, or suggestions.


Thanks,


BrokenJohnny

[DrHalo]

Really unique CAI, very cool (pun intended).

[BrokenJohnny]

Heh heh, thanks. I figure I'll eventually get around to taking the whole bumper off and seeing if I can rig up something that is a little more, eh, professional. The only trouble with that would be getting some custom made 3 inch aluminum pipes that fit correctly. I might just have to buy a box of elbows and tubes and see how it goes, unless anyone knows where I might be able to get a custom job done.

[pearsonmx6]

good idea but wont water still cause a prolbem for you

[BrokenJohnny]

Well, I think the filter it's self should be a little more protected against dust and what not. My only concern, looking at the scoop again, is water collecting in the bottom of the accordian pipe. I think what I'm going to do is drill two small holes in the lowest part of the bend to allow any water droplets to seep out.

I'm not too worried about getting water in my engine or anything. The K&N filter is supposed filter out dust and water.

Really, I think I'm safe against water. Unless I drive through a 3 foot deep puddle or something at 7000 rpm, heh heh.

[JGTC MX6]

Originally Posted by BrokenJohnny

Well, I think the filter it's self should be a little more protected against dust and what not. My only concern, looking at the scoop again, is water collecting in the bottom of the accordian pipe. I think what I'm going to do is drill two small holes in the lowest part of the bend to allow any water droplets to seep out.

I'm not too worried about getting water in my engine or anything. The K&N filter is supposed filter out dust and water.

Really, I think I'm safe against water. Unless I drive through a 3 foot deep puddle or something at 7000 rpm, heh heh.

For whatever reason I can not view your pictures, but aside from that as long as the holes you add are pre-filter your idea should work fine to remove the water.

K&N aka Rock strainer

[UnDeR_FLiP]

Pretty unique idea...I thought of doing the same thing once before, but got lazy and never did it. Doesn't look too shabby...I think the bumper idea would work out better though...give it a cleaner look.

As for your "low pressure" comment...as far as I know, air moving under the car moves faster than the air on the top surface of the vehicle. You might want to look it up, but I'm pretty sure thats how it works.

[whitenoyz]

Originally Posted by UnDeR_FLiP

As for your "low pressure" comment...as far as I know, air moving under the car moves faster than the air on the top surface of the vehicle. You might want to look it up, but I'm pretty sure thats how it works.

Negative, the top of the car is curved more than the bottom, just like an airplane wing. bernoulli's principle states that air moving over the car will be moving faster, which is why cars at high speeds need spoilers to produce downforce, because around 150 mph, planes take off, and so will cars unless they're being pushed down. An air intake at the top of the car will get air that is moving faster. Whether that will translate into performance gains, most likely.

[DimaK]

what's a point for doing this? more power? or keeping the dust away? cuz i don't see either happenign
goos job tho that's quete a bit of work