Modifying your Airaid air box

[kga10734]

I started this in the V6 intake test results, but it's getting lost in all the hoopla so I decided to start it over in a new thread so those of us that are trying it out can keep track of what each of us are doing.

So far my impression of this mod to the air box and moving my IAT sensor back to the stock location(within the MAF)is positive. The throttle is a bit more responsive and driving in "D" has better throttle response as well. Where as before driving in "D" was a bit more sluggish.

Here is my original post from that thread....

OK here is what I did. I didn't what to cut any large holes in my air box, but I did want to allow more air to reach the filter. I drilled a bunch of 1/2" dia. holes in a few places on the air box. I looked at what had clearance around the fender area. The back side of the air box fits tight against the fender well so I drilled into the places that are facing the front and close to the fender area as to try and stay away from the engine side of the air box. I should be getting more then enough cool air into the air box hopefully helping keep the intake air temps down to normal since I have moved my IAT sensor back to the stock location housed within the MAF. If I drilled more holes then I need no big deal, at least it won't be starving for cool air now. I took it for a quick drive down the road and no CEL and seems to be running just fine. I didn't sit in any traffic to see if it heat soaks while sitting, so I'll have to check that part of it out later this weeks to see if it still has the response it had with the IAT relocate.

Thanks to JRE for doing the test and giving us the results. With this test and your findings, you answered a question I was thinking about which was is there enough air getting into the Airaid air box with just the stock snorkel tube after seeing how the other companies were making theirs. As I have stated before, this is my first experience with a CAI and Airaid was out right after I bought my car and I had heard good things about them. So far my experience with Airaid is top notch and their customer support is above and beyond what I have gotten from most companies. Airaid supplies a nice large filter, but the opening to the air box was small(stock size).

[KMPrenger]

Thanks KGA! I was all geared up to do the IAT relocation when my AirRaid arrives, but now I'm super happy that won't be needed!

[merlin803]

I am going to need someone to come over and punch holes into my box that neatly, lol.

(no, really....come on, I'll grill you up a burger....).

[speedy_g]

I'm glad u did start this tread ! I'll be doing the same .id like to run some piping also to bring out side air in but not sure if there's clearance .maybe open the grill area up a bit bye the rs .

[DevilKnightFalcon]

Now the question is....has this actually worked? Guess we need someone to do another dyno so we can find out if this actually lowered the temps enough.

[camarowa]

I did a very similar mod to my airaid. I have to agree with KGAs findings.

[Primus]

Or at least get some IAT temps...

[PieNsky]

Originally Posted by Primus

Or at least get some IAT temps...

Maybe Airaid is teaking on theirs now?

[SchwarzerDrache]

Originally Posted by merlin803

I am going to need someone to come over and punch holes into my box that neatly, lol.

(no, really....come on, I'll grill you up a burger....).

Come to MD first and I will cook you a steak and buy you a beer.

If this mod does lower the temps we might see even better numbers than the Injen. My fear is the stock hole brings air away from the engine compartment. Will this draw in hot air since it is allowing air from within the engine compartment to get in.

[ArkySS]

Originally Posted by SchwarzerDrache

Come to MD first and I will cook you a steak and buy you a beer.

If this mod does lower the temps we might see even better numbers than the Injen. My fear is the stock hole brings air away from the engine compartment. Will this draw in hot air since it is allowing air from within the engine compartment to get in.

My thoughts exactly. I was thinking of going the opposite direction since the C.A.I. and ADM products tested so well with closed boxes. Would it make sense to close the Airaid up?

[camarowa]

Originally Posted by SchwarzerDrache
Come to MD first and I will cook you a steak and buy you a beer.

If this mod does lower the temps we might see even better numbers than the Injen. My fear is the stock hole brings air away from the engine compartment. Will this draw in hot air since it is allowing air from within the engine compartment to get in.

Originally Posted by ArkySS

My thoughts exactly. I was thinking of going the opposite direction since the C.A.I. and ADM products tested so well with closed boxes. Would it make sense to close the Airaid up?

Thought about this as well before drilling holes in the airaid box. But based on the locations of the holes that I drilled (3 2.5" holes), I believe this will be very minimal. Positioned as low as possible and as far away as possible from the engine. Seems that throttle response improved a little. Drove it last night, appr. 80 degrees for 20 miles. Tube was warm but not as warm as before. I am thinking JRE's recommendation does the trick.

[RedJewel2SS]

why didn't you drill holes in the very bottom of the box? that's where i would think the most air from underneath is coming from, not the sides of the box.

[kga10734]

Anybody that has a Dashhawk and wants to send it to me, I'll pay the shipping charges both ways. I would be more then happy to log the temps and then return it to you. I'm not going to go out and buy one just for this. If not I'll have to wait till another time when it's cooler to go get my car dynoed.

As far as drawing in hot air, my air box seals against the bottom of the hood, and if there is any hot air coming in from the original intake hole and the new ones I added, I plan on making a shield to block the holes off from the engine bay to make sure it is getting fresh air coming in from the front of the car. I don't think that is an issue right now since it is drawing in air from the same fender area as the other intakes.

[kga10734]

Originally Posted by RedJewel2SS

why didn't you drill holes in the very bottom of the box? that's where i would think the most air from underneath is coming from, not the sides of the box.

I picked the locations I did to allow air coming in from behind the grill area and fender area. The very bottom is closer to the engine and I wanted to stay away from it as much as possible.