Modifying a cowl induction setup
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula
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Modifying a cowl induction setup
I'm trying to do a high performance build that works off the factory cowl induction setup that the early T/As had. However the filter setup that comes with it seems very inefficient, running straight into that lid. I'm thinking about modifying it to get rid of that lid and run one of those filters that has the element on the side and top. Looking for thoughts and suggestions. (Not my pictures, just examples)
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Re: Modifying a cowl induction setup
Engine masters did a feature on filter lids. Might want to watch that before you go cutting
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Re: Modifying a cowl induction setup
But I wonder, if in this case, it might not be beneficial.
Correct me if I'm wrong: In the Engine Masters test, it's used as a topper on a substantial open element air cleaner, sort of like the example Steve posted above. In that test, if I recall correctly, they actually lost a few horses. The theory was that the introduction of air flow over the top colliding with that from the side created undesirable turbulence, and a loss of power.
But in this case, with just a single side snorkle, and the open top sealed to cool outside air, I wonder if it might not be beneficial in this case. I like what Steve is thinking, but you'd need a dyno session or flow bench to find out for sure I guess.
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Re: Modifying a cowl induction setup
I thought of that episode too when I saw this.
But I wonder, if in this case, it might not be beneficial.
Correct me if I'm wrong: In the Engine Masters test, it's used as a topper on a substantial open element air cleaner, sort of like the example Steve posted above. In that test, if I recall correctly, they actually lost a few horses. The theory was that the introduction of air flow over the top colliding with that from the side created undesirable turbulence, and a loss of power.
But in this case, with just a single side snorkle, and the open top sealed to cool outside air, I wonder if it might not be beneficial in this case. I like what Steve is thinking, but you'd need a dyno session or flow bench to find out for sure I guess.
But I wonder, if in this case, it might not be beneficial.
Correct me if I'm wrong: In the Engine Masters test, it's used as a topper on a substantial open element air cleaner, sort of like the example Steve posted above. In that test, if I recall correctly, they actually lost a few horses. The theory was that the introduction of air flow over the top colliding with that from the side created undesirable turbulence, and a loss of power.
But in this case, with just a single side snorkle, and the open top sealed to cool outside air, I wonder if it might not be beneficial in this case. I like what Steve is thinking, but you'd need a dyno session or flow bench to find out for sure I guess.
#5
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Re: Modifying a cowl induction setup
Inner lid helps block moisture and critters from getting in. Hard to tell at what point it's becoming a flow obstruction. How much hp are we talking here? Sub-400 I probably wouldn't worry about it.
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Re: Modifying a cowl induction setup
The cowl intake? airbox? whatever its called, has its own provisions for keeping water and such out. The obstruction is the filter top which can just be replaced with a filter element top. Horsepower will likely be around 400 but its the cfm im concerned about.
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Re: Modifying a cowl induction setup
I thought of that episode too when I saw this.
But I wonder, if in this case, it might not be beneficial.
Correct me if I'm wrong: In the Engine Masters test, it's used as a topper on a substantial open element air cleaner, sort of like the example Steve posted above. In that test, if I recall correctly, they actually lost a few horses. The theory was that the introduction of air flow over the top colliding with that from the side created undesirable turbulence, and a loss of power.
But in this case, with just a single side snorkle, and the open top sealed to cool outside air, I wonder if it might not be beneficial in this case. I like what Steve is thinking, but you'd need a dyno session or flow bench to find out for sure I guess.
But I wonder, if in this case, it might not be beneficial.
Correct me if I'm wrong: In the Engine Masters test, it's used as a topper on a substantial open element air cleaner, sort of like the example Steve posted above. In that test, if I recall correctly, they actually lost a few horses. The theory was that the introduction of air flow over the top colliding with that from the side created undesirable turbulence, and a loss of power.
But in this case, with just a single side snorkle, and the open top sealed to cool outside air, I wonder if it might not be beneficial in this case. I like what Steve is thinking, but you'd need a dyno session or flow bench to find out for sure I guess.
Compare the smallest cross-sectional area of that opening with the cross-section of the carburetor blades. If it's not significantly smaller it's likely not a restriction. I don't know about the carburated intakes but on the crossfire cars, that opening is MUCH MUCH larger than the area of the throttle bodies. I know that people had tried testing them with 2 filters stacked giving 2x the filter area and weren't able to show a flow or power increase.
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Re: Modifying a cowl induction setup
This guy added the cowl set up to a TBI motor.
According to his butt dyno, it works well lol
I imagine an open element air filter like the one ion the second pic will suck in looots of hot air once the motor is hot.
Maybe you could find an open lement that fits like a stock filter INSIDE the stock assembly..... then you can remove the inner baffle. And have free flowing air.
Or maybe you could find one of those rare dual snorkel assemblies or make your own and utilize that?
its kinda hard to find stuff cause of how low the hood line is on these cars.
If you just cut out that inner lid / baffle thing with no provisions, you'll be sucking garbage straight into the carb / motor.
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