So many rookie Q's so little time (3rd air filter)

[cotto]

After considering my limited experience with carbureted engines, I have always thought more air that gets in the better. K&N's moto anyway. So after cleaning my K&N I took a closer look at my stock air filter housing. I have a relatively huge air filter and an intake smaller than most stereo face plates. Shouldn't the opening for the housing be larger to allow for more air. I thought of enlarging the hole or adding holes so my baby cummins could breathe easier and help with my 14 mpg (unloaded/highway). Most of you'all speak highly of your 18-20 mpg. But I wasn't sure if there is a special ratio between air in and air out.



Should I start cutting or would this be a BIG rookie mistake?



Cotto

 

[Grey Wolf]

Welcome sir!



I don't know what the rest of the troops have done , but I did open up the housing on mine. I made a rectangle slot about 3" X 6" above the stock opening.

 

[Withers]

I drilled about 16 3/4 inch hole in the air box to get more air into the engine. I did not see any drop in my egt's but I'm sure it's getting more air.

 

[cotto]

I'm glad other had the same thoughts. What all did getting more air do for ya? More power? Better mileage? Lower temps? Or just less time between filter changes or cleanings?



???

Cotto

 

[Grey Wolf]

One of the first things I did when I purchased the truck was to change the exhaust and open the intake.



I didn't have any hard data at the time, just seat of the pants! It had better response and the coolant temp never changed... . like they say air in air out

 

[JLEONARD]

I drilled five 2 1/2 inch holes in my airbox.

Can't really say it affected egt or mileage, but it must have helped, because now more of the filter surface gets dirty, which means it's pulling in air from all around it. . before just the one spot would get dirt in it.

 

["Mad Max"]

BIG opening

Cotto - First off, welcome to diesel land!

Have a look at my readers rigs (diesel) and have a look at the intake stuff - may be just what you looking for.

Any q's send me a pm.

- S

 

[Greenleaf]

I'll have a stab at it.



Upon speaking with a reputable organization which sells mod/high performance product for use on our beloved CTD, I was informed of the following;



The BHAF [or any high flow/high capacity assembly] benefits the latter truck [1994+] bc of the small factory assembly.



Adapting another filter assy to our truck is not necessary bc it flows enough air, more than the engine can use, unlike the latter trucks.



This company dynos trucks and found that the 1st gen engines produce the SAME HP with a CLEAN factory element as with out any element.



Furthermore, was told that the more air which enters the intake from within the engine compartment the less HP the engine can develop due to the fact that this air is much warmer [less dense] than air outside engine compartment. Thinner air makes less power. BTW, if you dyno your truck, do so on a cold day with high barometric pressure. Nos look better than on a hot day with say a low front passing through. [all other things being equal]



My school busses employ a very large air filter assy. We don't change them very often. Use the filter minder which monitors the amount of restriction. I'm told you don't want to mess with it till it's time bc the more you do the greater the chance of contaminating the intake with dirt.



I'm currently overhauling a tractor engine which had operated with the intake hose loose. The pistons are toast as well as the cylinder liners. OUCH!!! Guess they never thought to perform PM. Good news for me, this job will pay for new truck stuff!



This is some info passed onto me, a rookie with the DODGE truck. Hope I didn't step on anyones toes here. Just some thoughts to pass along. I would recommend doing as much research as possible prior to any mods.



Speaking of mods... ..... I,m currently assisting in the conversion of a cat 3408 to run on alcohol!



Scott

 

[cotto]

Thanks guys. This is exactly what I was looking for. Sometimes my ideas sound good, but I've learned to ask questions before I do irreversible damage. Although I still seem to have a few that bite me right in the rear. Unfortunately my pocketbook is there to protect my rear.



Thanks again,

Cotto

 

[RCCola]

option 2

Welcome Aboard!



One option that isn't perminate is to take the air box out.

You can just try it for a day or two. If you can't tell a difference then put it back on.



It will help if you can take a hole saw to the radiator support. I cut 3 2 1/2" holes around and below the head light. Then took the head light ring out.

I think it helps. or just looks faster any way.



I can't tell you hp or tq #s but you can here the turbo a lot better and it "feels" stronger.



You you do get lot of bugs and dirt in the filter quicker.

But do what you got to do and buy lots of the K&N Cleaner.

The difference from a factory air clener to a K&N is the one stepop up from air box to no air box



Here is one of the older posts with some of the same/other thoughts



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=58032&highlight=air+box





Have a Great Day

and always Roll the Coal