Cheap Modified Airbox

[wcjp]

I did the cheap airbox mod last week. I had no problem moving the filter minder. I replaced the factory filter with a Fleetguard filter at about 11k. Still no problem moving the filter minder. Went to Home Depot for a toilet flange as others have used. The wife found something that worked better in my situation. The drainage cover found on the same isle as the toilet flange worked great. The drainage cover is a natural guard for large objects/animals. I attached 4" aluminum dryer hose with a large hose clamp. I had to cut a piece of plastic that only appears on the passenger side. I reused the plastic as a chaff guard to protect the frame from the aluminum.



As previously stated I always moved the filter minder when towing. After the mod the filter minder never moved. I towed the Jeep, trailer and camping supplies about 160miles on Friday/Saturday. This included a few times of heavy foot acceleration to keep the ricer's at bay. Egt's were also down 100degrees. Can't claim any mpg benefits. I averaged 14. 3mpg while towing 6000lbs at a constant 70mpg.



http://www.cascade4x4s.com/pics/2006 pics/August/Airbox/index.htm



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[AMink]

That's a cool (literally) idea! I have fog lights though. Is there a good place to run a tube with the fogs?

 

[wcjp]

I supppose the hose could go behind or near the fog lights. Total cost was about $8.

 

[Buffalo]

Cleverly Done!!!



Nice job. Did the piece that you cut out come from the fenderwell?



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[wcjp]

Cleverly Done!!!



Nice job. Did the piece that you cut out come from the fenderwell?



Joe F. (Buffalo)

Yep. Before cutting I checked the driver's side. The extra plastic only existed on the passenger side. After cutting and installing the flexible line I noticed the possibility of rubbing against the frame. Two small cuts and a large zip tie cured that problem. I've been thinking and may add another drainage cover at the bumper. This would prevent any small animal from even entering the flexible line.

 

[CB HUNTER]

Should there be any concern that on the highway in high rains water might be force through the tube into the box ? Just a thought prior to me doing this. I thought your ideal was pretty slick though. still pondering.

 

[wcjp]

There was an article one or two TDR's ago. It talked about the possibility of water making it's way. The answer was no. The addon filter doesn't remove the stock intake from the fender. Thus, no vacuum is created that would induce water. That's the best answer I can give as it's still summer. Any impending deluge I could always plug the secondary intake.

 

[HBarlow]

My intention is not to rain on anyone's parade here - - - I like the cool air modification and have thought of doing it also - - - but the problem that can occur in areas where high water might stand in a roadway after a heavy rain is that if the air inlet is down low it is possible for the engine to ingest water when the truck is driven into water that is navigable.



In one of my previous lives when I was an insurance adjuster I paid several claims late one year when several clueless housewives drove their late model cars into water above the bumper, ingested water, and hydrolocked the engine. In one memorable case it was a year-old Toyota Camry V6. At least one connecting rod was bent and the engine was locked down. I think I paid for a complete rebuild.



Harvey

 

[Razkul99]

I did the PSM intake mod and it has worked flawlessly. As others have mentioned you really can most of the parts and pieces at a local hardware store. The part the PSM kit had that I could not find is the insulated tubing. I also liked the fabricated piece that mounts behind the bumper, which looks sharp and holds the hose in place.



All in all, I have noticed reduced EGTs and quicker turbo response. *I did replace the drop in filter with an AMSOIL Nano filter*



Awesome, cost effective mod.

 

[Razkul99]

My intention is not to rain on anyone's parade here - - - I like the cool air modification and have thought of doing it also - - - but the problem that can occur in areas where high water might stand in a roadway after a heavy rain is that if the air inlet is down low it is possible for the engine to ingest water when the truck is driven into water that is navigable.



In one of my previous lives when I was an insurance adjuster I paid several claims late one year when several clueless housewives drove their late model cars into water above the bumper, ingested water, and hydrolocked the engine. In one memorable case it was a year-old Toyota Camry V6. At least one connecting rod was bent and the engine was locked down. I think I paid for a complete rebuild.



Harvey

One word... LIFT. Hugging the ground doesn't get you anywhere...



I also believe that the weight of water is too much given that these modded air boxes have TWO intakes and thus, air would likely be drawn from the stock intake if the secondary intake is covered by water, snow, etc. Not to mention my house is about 4 feet long which is a long way to draw water...



(Incidentally, the guy that developed the PSM intake has tested it for years in Golden, Colorado... rain and snow are common there. )

 

[BHolm]

The rain doesn't concern me in the least. I agree that there is NO WAY you could suck up standing water and it is too far to pull rain in. Snow is more of a concern for me and has been the main reason I haven't done this mod. I am out in the heavy CO snows, just about everytime we have one Snow seems like it would be light enough, especially swirling around the front bumper area, to get sucked up into the filter. If you use a stock paper filter it could become soaked in short order and then you have problems.



I like the idea though. I just don't think I would duct the hose to the fog opening. I might just cut it off in a more protected area behind the bumper, but below all the hot air sources in the engine compartment.