Different take on an air intake

He said its colder air going into the engine. a smooth flow isn't everything you know. And if he's keeping the stock filter at least you know it will work.

 

It will work exactly like the stock set up. He changed the least important part of the intake...as far as any performance gains go.

In this case, a few degrees difference will not change anything if the restrictions on the stock box are still in the way.

Smoother bigger flow is everything

 

That's all fine. I fully understand that the stock box has some undesireable curves in it, but it's a test case, and given what I'm trying to accomplish, the stock box needed to stay. I am actually trying something new and will generate some data and come back. May be worth it, may not. If not, it comes off and will be sold.

My intent is to see if this makes the motor more efficient, and efficiency is not strictly measured in increased noise (growl for you aftermarket guys), or a few hp at the top end. If I get any gains that are worthwhile to me it will be for some mpg improvement without affecting daily drivability (unwanted noise/reverbs, loss of low end, etc.).

Without measuring any mpg and perf numbers it's already generated a samll benefit by removing some of the fender air noise and quieting the cab. That was an unforeseen benefit as I was not even aware that the stock intake generated that.

 

I'll be trying something, but my expectation is pretty low since insulating the pipe will help delay it heat soaking, but once it's heated up, the insulation will delay the cool down. Need to find the right balance, may be that a bare pipe is the best balance.

 

so how does it feel after a few days?

 

About the same as the initial notes from wayyy above. I have not had a chance to make any G-Tech runs to gauge performance. Also just filled up again, was at about 1/2 tank when I installed it, so can't really tell anything about mpg.

Only other thing I noticed was that I had to do some idling in traffic in 95 degree weather this weekend. With the stock intake, the IAT reading would go up to about 125-130 degrees while in that situation. This weekend it was around 110-115 degrees. It appears that from this, and my previous note on highway IAT temp from ambient, that the IAT temp is lower with this setup. Yet to be proven if this temp equates to any measurable gains anywhere though (perf/mpg).

Oh yeah, have not done anything on insulation either. Yard work and family shtuff this weekend.

 

Which Volant air ram scoop did you use? There are several versions to pick from. There is even one for our Tacomas. But from your pics you didnt use the tacoma version.

 

Came off of a Tacoma. Again, bought it used, but fits the Tacoma's push-pin holes on the top rail. I have no reason to believe that it's not the Tacoma version.

 

Alright sounds like no problems with it. I'd love to hear your report in a few weeks or so.

 

Shamelessly stole this pic from a for-sale thread, but thought it was an excellent pic of the stock air path. There is one gentle U-bend in the air path, which is not that bad. Fender intake is facing towards the cab, haven't figured out if this is for protection from the elements, or if the fender air flow goes this direction.

Interesting pic, and makes me remember that any air intake mod needs to take into account the entire airpath, not just the physical components being replaced. I.e., if the fender is not a high pressure area, the stock and the aftermarket CAI can be improved on.

 

There is also something to be said for the lenght of the intake pipe. Many years ago this was tested in many ways. The best was this. Stock car strapped to the dyno. Run and get numbers. Then attach a pvc pipe to the TB with a K&N element on the end. Run the car over and over with differnt lenghts of pipe. They found there was a sweep spot that would generate the best TQ & HP numbers.

 

It looks like its meant for the Taco just that yours looks different than whats on the volant website.

 

I just did a google image search and the picture you posted is the I4. I guess there's a version for each engine.. maybe..

 

nevermind. further investigation looks like their the same and the difference you're seeing is the angle or something. take a look if i post these pics right.

 

This is what I have...

 

thanks

 

Lurkin, we're all drooling for your mpg update?

 

After a couple of tanks, haven't noticed any significant improvement, or de-provement for that matter. If there was any change it would be a small, less than 0.5 mpg, improvement, but with it being that small I cannot equate it to the intake rather than driving habits, weather, or attitude. This is all from daily commuting though, I haven't taken any road trips, nor are any in the works right now.

Also, still have not had a chance to run any G-Tech numbers yet. Too busy so far this summer. Still trying to get to it though.

 

Bringing this thread back from the dead, but it's my thread, so it's OK....

I ran some numbers on my G-Tech this weekend,,, finally.

I didn't see any acceleration improvments from the intake. I ran a few runs on the new intake, then reverted everything back to stock and ran a few on the stock setup.

The 1/4 mile numbers were all within .05 for both setups, around 15.6 sec. Actually the stock average was a bit better than the new intake (stock had lowest time of 15.494), but the number was so small I can't say that it's significant.

I'm going to stick with the new intake though as it still appears that the intake temps are a few degrees less, but unfortunately I can't equate the intake to any mpg or 1/4 mile numbers.

 

Major Kudos for the try!!

anyone else have another idea?