custom made an air intake system *PIC*

[legendr35]

my filter was dirty so i decided to replace it today, but no auto shop had a K&N drop in filters available, so I decide to make my own using a K&N cone type filter.

I purchased a pre bent aluminum intake pipe and cone type filter from the local autozone. Then I hacked the pipe until it fit snuggly with the filter on, pretty simple. Took about 15 mins to do and it came out perfect.

Since my wheels are out for repair, my car is on jack stands, therefore I was unable to test for any power gains or losses, but I'm sure it's better than the stock filter box.

Although I did test the sound by reving the car in neutral, and it's pretty loud, there's a nice mean hissing sound associated with it also.

Costs Involved:
K&N Cone Filter: $69.99
Aluminum Intake Piping: $39.99
Total: $109.98 + tax

 

[4AU4LIFE]

That looks pretty dang good. Was that pipe for any vehicle specifically?

 

[legendr35]

That looks pretty dang good. Was that pipe for any vehicle specifically?

thank you, it was basically a generic pipe, not vehicle specific.

 

[Brocz]

What else did you remove besides the intake box? I am trying to decide whether I should buy a Cantrell intake from SOS or do something like you did.

I am not a gear head so doing anything like you did is scary to me, though it does sound pretty simple.

Is the K&N Cone filter just a standard thing you can find at any parts place?

 

[legendr35]

What else did you remove besides the intake box? I am trying to decide whether I should buy a Cantrell intake from SOS or do something like you did.

I am not a gear head so doing anything like you did is scary to me, though it does sound pretty simple.

Is the K&N Cone filter just a standard thing you can find at any parts place?

i only removed the stock intake box, nothing else.

the cone filter is available at any parts store, it is a 3" inlet i believe.

well, you're really not messing with the car, everything can be put back to stock, so it shouldn't be that scary :biggrin:

 

[Alittleboost]

Thats the Gayest intank ever!...... :biggrin:


The driver sucks to.

 

[fkong777]

wasnt there more hose connected to the OEM intake? what did youd do with them?

 

[nsxtasy]

Since my wheels are out for repair, my car is on jack stands, therefore I was unable to test for any power gains or losses, but I'm sure it's better than the stock filter box.

Don't be so sure.

well, you're really not messing with the car, everything can be put back to stock, so it shouldn't be that scary

Again, don't be so sure.

I put a similar cone filter on my NSX for a while. Power differences were negligible, although it did add a noticeable whoosh sound to the car while accelerating (which some might incorrectly perceive as an improvement in acceleration).

I discussed aftermarket air filters with one of the top NSX experts in the country. He noted that, while it is extremely rare for damage to result from aftermarket headers and exhausts, the same is not true of aftermarket intakes. He is familiar with quite a few cases (on many different automobiles) in which aftermarket air filters caused engine damage by allowing larger particles into the engine (even though they claim they don't). After our discussion, I decided that I simply can't risk my $23,000 engine just for a difference in noise and no significant power gain. I removed the aftermarket air filter and returned it to stock.

 

[4AU4LIFE]

Ken,
So you are running and OEM air filter also or did you get a K&N drop in?

 

[MCM]

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52261


I am trying to decide the same thing. Stock Air Box or Carbon Fiber RM Racing Intake / K&N set up. I have modified many cars, so things like this are not scary to me at all. Cast iron exhaust manifolds are used as they are cheap to produce and last longer than headers. Air box's are used as they work well in all conditions like heavy rain etc. K&N filters are used in all types of off road racing and have been proven in events like the BAJA 1000 as well as many other types of motorsports. So I have faith in them - if they are maintained at stopping damaging particulate. As far as gains go, its probably minimal.
The deep sound when wide open is probably the best reason for this mod.
Or looks depending on what looks good to you. An engine is nothing more than an air pump. Getting more air in, and out is usually considered a good thing. But my experience with wiz bang computer controlled cars is minimal.
If there is a reason not to perform these mods, it would probably have a lot to do with the engine management system. If thats the case, I am all ears.
Would also like some info on air temp around a mid engined car V.S air temp
around on a typical front engined car. In case you couldn't tell, I am new to these cars, & looking for an education. :biggrin:

 

[Vytas]

I discussed aftermarket air filters with one of the top NSX experts in the country. He noted that, while it is extremely rare for damage to result from aftermarket headers and exhausts, the same is not true of aftermarket intakes. He is familiar with quite a few cases (on many different automobiles) in which aftermarket air filters caused engine damage by allowing larger particles into the engine (even though they claim they don't). After our discussion, I decided that I simply can't risk my $23,000 engine just for a difference in noise and no significant power gain. I removed the aftermarket air filter and returned it to stock.

I agree. My NSX tech expressed the same thoughts. I have always had the stock intake and it will stay that way.

 

[MCM]

legendr35,
the aftermarket set ups I have seen have a sealed line coming off the intake tube that goes to the rear valve cover. I assume its a crank case breather of sorts. Just thought I would mention it as it needs to be addressed.
And I agree with everyone here, if you let dirty air into your engine you will have trouble down the road.

 

[BioBanker]

legendr35,

And I agree with everyone here, if you let dirty air into your engine you will have trouble down the road.

But, if he is using a K&N filter, which shouldnt let anything nasty through, and if the junctions between the filter and the pipe and the pipe and the TB are foolproof (thats IF), then there shouldnt be an increased risk of contaminants should there? But he should tap that for the extra line.

As I see it, it all comes down to the junctions, it they're good, then all should be fine. It would be a shame to ruin a good engine to save $50 on an intake though.

 

[legendr35]

wasnt there more hose connected to the OEM intake? what did youd do with them?

there was actually 1 hose connected to stock intake, which i routed on to the new pipe(the pipe had a nipple and it came with a hose)

 

[chudson1549]

Looks good. You should do a search (longer than two years old threads) This has been done before and you will lose power with that setup. Several runs were done with different air filter combos. What was found was that the stock air box was better and gave more power.

 

[MCM]

SPA_2000, my car has a RM CF intake, and K&N filter installed as we speak.
(It was installed when I bought the car last week)
Cleaned and oiled it today. At this point I have not heard any real facts that
would make me go back to the air box. (I just like the sound at WOT)
I just agreed that dirt can kill an engine. I would think there would be lots of real data on this if it really was a problem, as its such a common modification. If I learn its not the way to go on an NSX, I will reinstall the air box. But have used K&N filters on several cars and dirt bikes with zero problems.

{Up date, chudson1549 may have just come up with some facts}

 

[NSX-TSION7]

Interesting set up, looks good too! In the past I used a drop K&N filter but drilled 1" holes into the stock airbox below the filter level, so I had a combo of both cold air and immediate air from the engine bay. The box helped cut down on the amount of direct heat from the engine. I am considering this approach for the NSX. Addittionally, remove the baffler just beyond the driver's side intake grill, to allow more cold air to enter the stock airbox.

Comments? By the way I did the above on my Dodge Durango, and loved it!

 

[Hugh]

I think it's a joke that they call those things "cold air intakes".
Hello people! It's sucking air from one of the hottest areas in the car.
The little elves at Honda and their multi-million dollar funded research determined that the outside air being rammed into the side intake might just be an ideal place for the engine to breathe from. They probably cringe every time they see someone bypass the oem type setup and install a $5.00 pipe that sucks hottter than hell air from the engine compartment.

I on the other hand don't fall for marketing hype since I'm a native New Yorker and I can detect one part per billion of bullshit from 10 miles away. I did however have my OEM air intake modified by cutting away the very front of the intake area down in the fender so that there is a larger initial opening to suck air in from.

 

[DutchBlackNsx]

I think it's a joke that they call those things "cold air intakes".
Hello people! It's sucking air from one of the hottest areas in the car.

The original RM-racing had a second connection on it, which run with a large tube to the side vent, much better then the original Honda straw.
Secondly, the temperature in the bay area during driving is not much different from outside temps. I have measured it, and it only really differes when you are at a complete stop, then it slowly rices. If moving, there's no difference.

The little elves at Honda and their multi-million dollar funded research determined that the outside air being rammed into the side intake might just be an ideal place for the engine to breathe from. They probably cringe every time they see someone bypass the oem type setup and install a $5.00 pipe that sucks hottter than hell air from the engine compartment.

Maybe, maybe not, if i remeber correctly, there was some debate a while ago that the sidevent would actualy cause underpressure, and not a 'ram air intake' function.
They made what was nescesary for the engine to breath, not more, not less, thats why you won't get any bennefit from changing to a open air filter.

I on the other hand don't fall for marketing hype since I'm a native New Yorker and I can detect one part per billion of bullshit from 10 miles away. I did however have my OEM air intake modified by cutting away the very front of the intake area down in the fender so that there is a larger initial opening to suck air in from.

You just sit in a NSX with modified intake, especialy the RM with cold air option. Floor the damn thing, and see how you feel then
I get a lot off compliments on the sound of my NSX.

I do agree on the filtering though, those K&N are prolly not as good as the stock one, i think Ken posted a comparising a while ago.

 

[NSX-TSION7]

Has anyone removed the baffler just beyond the side vent? I figure the more air you can get to the engine bay the better. Great point on the temp of the engine. I saw online today a stainless steel heat shield that shields half of the cone filter. I don't understand how it will shield the cone from heat since it too is metal! lol

 

[Hugh]

I saw online today a stainless steel heat shield that shields half of the cone filter. I don't understand how it will shield the cone from heat since it too is metal! lol

It must be made by the same fine folks that brought us the Tornado Fuel Saver. :biggrin:

 

[Hugh]

if i remeber correctly, there was some debate a while ago that the sidevent would actualy cause underpressure, and not a 'ram air intake' function.

I believe those same people are still debating about the Earth being flat.

 

[Ojas]

side vent pressure

ak did a similar mod a while ago. His last sentence has a good summary.

I believe those same people are still debating about the Earth being flat.

Actually, although I think the NSX vent does have a ram-air effect, it’s not an unreasonable debate to have since it’s possible for a vent to not have the effect. You could perform a simple test similar to what this Elise owner did to put rumors to rest.

 

[Hugh]

Re: side vent pressure

You could perform a simple test similar to what this Elise owner did to put rumors to rest.

Screw that! I have a much better experiment. Testing the venturi principle!
While driving on the highway at a nice clip, open your fly and expose your johnson. Now crack the driver's door open a couple of inches and take a leak. If you're going fast enough there should be nice little yellow stream heading right outside the car.

 

[MCM]

"Now crack the driver's door open a couple of inches and take a leak"


Couple of inches?
Sorry to hear that.

While I do not think it adds much if any, it does sound nice.
(and still runs like raped ape)
The RM carbon fiber intake is CARB approved, and the end of the filter is open (not open, but filtered mesh), so any air coming in from the side vent still enters. Its about 1 1/4" away from the inner duct.
(as seen in photo below)
Not saying anyone needs to get one, but I do not believe its as bad as some folks make it out to be.
Have spoke with Mark Basch, Ramon and a few other knowledgeable NSX mech's
and most say the same thing about the stock air box being very good and safe. Ramon actually thought I should leave this set up installed over the airbox. I have the stock airbox with a new stock filter and a K&N drop in.
Will probably install the box & OEM filter one of these days, but do not live in constant fear with the set up below.