I have a question. A while back i asked about getting rid of the stiock air boxes and putting an open element air filter on the car. Then someone told me that it would be sucking in hot air and wouldn't be good for the motor. But then i also hear of people still putting them on their cars. Are they ok to have on there or no??? and is it even worth putting one on??? My stock air boxes already have the K&N air filters in it so i don't know if it would be worth it or not??

Oh and the car is a 1990 IROC-Z 5.7L TPI.

Thanks

 

im not a tpi expert but

hot air = less air (oxygen by volume to be exact becasue it is less dense)
less oxygen= less amount of fuel able to be burned
= LESS POWER

but if the stock airbox was restrictive enough to start with then the gains(in airflow) could offset the losses(air temp).

now its more of a matter of specifics

oh and another thing.... not only is power a concern but with the hotter intake air temp there is more of a chance of detonation occuring

 

If you gut & cut the stock airboxes then they will flow suficiant air,plus it will be cooler air(from infront of radiator),so why go to and open element? However most people that do run a open ,or cone tpye filter usualy run it down so that it picks-up cooler air from below(cold air pick-up),but unless you shield it well it tends to get wet in weather. I wouldn't change over until you start doing major mods and need the extra air. Do a search on TGO for free mods and there should be a section on cutting the air boxes.

 

From my experience on my 89 rs 305 TBI, When I first got it, it had stock air box and exhaust, the car was totally restricted and strained when on the gas. I put in a K&N and it seemed to improve but very slightly. So I went to an open element and I definitly felt a difference but still restricted at higher rpm. I took off the cat and BAM! I have a new ride, what a difference, Then I also disconnected the A.I.R. stuff and not much more improvement. I also get about 3 to 7 mpg better depending on driving condition. I guess in my case the car was so restricted that the warmer air is better than no air. I am glad I made the change.

 

Because of the sharp bends of the pipe from the box to the TB, it costs HP. I did a back to back run on the dyno and found that there was a 20HP difference when I hooked up the SLP unit and when I ran it open without a filter. Have to get a unit that is a little mroe radiused for better flow.

 

Aklim, Did you have this SLP unit on your car?


I think that is the coolest looking CAI setup. Had I known that I would eventually go with a 93 LT1 ECM, I would have kept it.

 

I had the single tube one. Maybe I might try the double tube ond and see where it goes. That or get a custom made one,

 

The Double one requires the battery to be relocated, btw.