CAI placement?
 

Well, while reading about the dyno day and HP gains from filter placement, I have a question... Sorry.


I don't see where else would be possible to place my air filter other than this...
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0014_large.jpg

I know aesthetics shouldn't be a concern, but that's just an UGLY placement if you ask me, and I wish I could hide the filter and pickup some cold air isntead. What are some other options?

This OBX manifold is making life hell... I can't clock the turbo into any good position it seems. So, I'm going to cut a hole just behind the headlight and go through the fender (inside the plastic wheel well) to plumb my FMIC. Planning to weld the aluminum 2" IC pipes once the mock up is done and only have 4 couplers (TB, turbo, 2 on intercooler) MAYBE, 5 if I have to. Originally the PO cut the holes you see in the core support and had all this jank ass piping, some aluminum, some exhaust pipe going over the radiator but none of it fit. I then had a nearly complete new mock up for the pipes w/ the IC pipes at the bottom, but it was ugly as sin, with the pipes entering to IC at the top and going through the fender I can eliminate a lot of excess piping.

Also, is it more common to come over the top of the core support for the IC to TB piping, or should I go under the radiator (I think this is more common)? ...Or... ??

PS: If I remove my PS pump and resevoir do you guys generally just leave 1 rubber hose on the rack and loop it on to both ports like a bypass? It's in my way and just cluttering up the place.


I'm trying to get there guys, any help would be appreciated.

You do not want the air filter behind that radiator sucking in hot air. Easiest place is right behind the headlight.
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if it were me and I was routing my IC pipes that way, I'd route the air filter down and then back up under the wheel well, under the headlight.

If you can finagle it past the charge pipe, up near the clutch reservoir is an option. It's going to be close to the turbo/manifold, but it might be the lesser of two evils. Plus a heatshield becomes another option.

here are some reference pics of my set up for you, I know that having the filter right next to the radiator sucks but it works ok. good luck!

http://i42.tinypic.com/259zyn8.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/bgplj5.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/18jcd1.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/rurwhv.jpg

sure it works....

Here's mine.

Attachment 206175

I think about doing this more and more every day. Now that the weather is warming up, i'm noticing that the filter on the compressor isn't going to cut it much longer.

I saw another decent idea googling around the other day. Gotta find it.

Edit:
How it started http://www.gearfx.com/ford/images/in..._shield_08.jpg
The final: http://www.gearfx.com/ford/images/in..._shield_72.jpg

Thread: http://www.nloc.net/vbforum/gen-2-li...ir-intake.html

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0016_large.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0015_large.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0017_large.jpg

Railz - That's basically how I'm doing my IC piping, but I'm using 2" and tucking it so that I'll keep the OEM plastic wheel well liner. I see you went under for the TB side, is that 2.5" pipe? That was my plan since the TB is 2.5" already. Is that a TURBOXS BOV? I've got the same one and was wondering what it's going to sound like... if it is one, care to comment?

SamS - I wonder though, when you're traveling forward and air hits your windshield, I would think it would cause a slight vacuum on the cowl area.... especially if you have the hood-to-firewall seal removed. IDK, I don't feel like that's a good spot. I could be very wrong. Just seems like if there is a vacuum you're putting a restriction on your fresh air.

BenR - too cluttered. That CAI system is HUGE.

Brain - That's where I'm routing my charge pipes! I originally wanted to place the CAI there, but now because of clearance and what not, I've decided the charge pipes going through there would be much easier on me.


I have 7" between the compressor outlet and the headlight motor. I was going to go ghetto fab and use (2) 2.5" copper 90's soldered together and still go over the top of the radiator with aluminum, but I think the 90's would restrict some flow.

I think the best option might just be to place it behind the driver's headlight like suggested, or plumb it down and under the driver's headlight.

Can someone chime in on the PS pump/resevoir question in my original post? It's right in my way! I know you guys are always telling people to drop the PS and be a man..... well, grant me some chest hair!

placement
 

You can place the filter anywhere you want just use a cold air extrension, or drier hose to get it away from heat. Place it in a box to get it further away from heat sourse

oldgayfrog - your post count went from zero to 7 within 3 minutes. Thanks for the wisdom. Go away.

The cowl area is generally accepted as a high pressure area. There are plenty of threads on de-powering steering.

No worries, he'll be gone once he gets the link piggy back setup he's trying to buy.

Anyone ever taped string to the cowl area and actually driven around to prove it? I'm not saying you're wrong, I don't know whether it is or isn't. I just wouldn't do it w/o proof that it was a safe spot.

****** I want to thank those of you who have chimed in with pics or advice. Thanks!

Yea, I also string tested the mouth with a video camera.

Lookup Randall CAI in miata.net


Added: Check out this thread.
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread...highlight=hood