Cowl Induction is done, finished, finis, Woot Woot!

[NitrousG35]

Well, after working the last two weekends and putting in over 20 hours, I finally finished my cowl induction. I have been dragging everyone along with me so long, I think everyone pretty much figured I was never going to finish the project.

To review, back in February, I was quite despondent over the fact that I could not get an X-Factor intake. I reviewed all the possibilities for intakes and proposed that cowl induction be considered.

At first, the issue was over finding an airbox suitable to house a cone type filter. I went on a wild goose chase trying to adapt a CRV airbox to the Si. The base fit fine, but the cover required major cutting to the metal shelf. After trying for several weeks, I gave up.

I then took a look at the Si airbox. The base was large enough to house a cone type filter, but the cover was too small. So, I cut away the entire cover save for the base and completely rebuilt the airbox from scratch using sheet ABS plastic. I overlaid the cover with faux cf vinyl sheet to make it look better.

I then tried out the airbox along with a Soxfan143 MAF housing designed for a race header and cat-back. I also purchased an M&M scoop which enhanced breathing. The car pulled really strongly, especially in VTEC. The motor also was much smoother, especially when cold. Throttle response is much better than before as well.

Next, I attacked the metal shelf. I cut out a section, used a rectangular piece from a microwave oven and then put the BSR scoop in, which also had to be cut down.

I used a 4" rubber coupler and attached it to the airbox cover. I made an ovular hole in the airbox cover to accept the coupler. This 4" coupler then fit nicely inside the BSR scoop.

[At this point, I want to especially thank Mike_Si_29 for his great cowl induction system that he made. I used his idea of placing the scoop vertically with a piece of sheet metal covering the scoop to keep water out.]

I reattached the wiper cowl and was good to go. Since it was so hot out and since I was a nervous wreck trying to finish the project, my clothes were soaking wet. I took a deep breath and took the car out for a spin.

Oh man, does this baby ever get it on in VTEC. The car pulls much more strongly than even with the M&M scoop and fabricated airbox cover. The sound is incredible. It makes a deep roar when VTEC is engaged. I am extremely impressed with the results. Car is much faster, pulls stronger and makes a wonderful sound.

This project has taken alot of prayer and diligence. I cannot thank my Lord enough for all the inspiration and ideas that he has given me. Everytime I had a snag, I felt the revelation of God helping to overcome each problem.

This project has been extremely time consuming and wearying to my body. I also cannot thank my wife and son-VQ Power enough for putting up with all the countless weekends working on the airbox and ductwork.

Thanks to all of you who have believed in me and have supported me. You are the greatest. I have made many friends as a result of this project and will be more than happy to help anyone out. God bless each and every person who has stood with me.

Airbox cover:





M&M scoop:



Airbox installed before cowl induction:



Airbox with Amsoil cone filter and Soxfan143 MAF housing in place:





Airbox cover with duct installed:





Here it is, the cowl induction installed:





Original cowl induction thread: Cowl induction for cold, ram air for the Si?

[jrotax101]

awesome man. mad props to you

[CanyonDriver]

very nice

[Ruthless909]

Sweet!

You're making me one too right? lol

[SOLO8thGenSi]

thats pretty g'damn creative right there. looks to be a pretty PRODUCTIVE setup too if i do say so myself.

props & points for uniqueness.

[HTX]

how does the car run now? any vid clips?

[redclown]

How are the gains?

[Slipp]

that really cool

what does it look like with the hood closed from the out side?

i was wondering how you keep the water out.

[NitrousG35]

I'll try and get video clips later. I am so pooped out, I can barely walk or talk. For the time being, I am just going to soak in the moment.

As for gains, I have nothing definitive yet, but the car is a beast in VTEC. The car absolutely roars. I liken the sound to a good SRI, although it is deeper, no doubt because air is being pulled in from the cowl and there is a ram effect.

As for water, I did the same as Mike_Si_29 and used a piece of sheet metal to extend over the scoop area to block off all water.

Thanks everyone for the compliments. I love 8th Gen members!

[FG2MN]

you're gonna have to take me for another ride! great job on the setup bro!

[NitrousG35]

Originally Posted by FG2MN

you're gonna have to take me for another ride! great job on the setup bro!

Bee, anytime man, anytime. You have been one of my best friends in the Minnesota connection. Hopefully, we can take a spin at Rasky's get-together.

[drfters13]

nice job bill!

[BLouIsGod]

looks great and like a lot of work... congrats

[ChinoiSI]

that thing is brilliant, the duct on the top is such an awesome idea. nice job man.

[Monsterbishi]

Very nice, very nice, any plans to make more? You have a great idea there, it would be a shame (and a wicked triumph) if only one were to exist.
Any afr problems? Any bogging? I'm sure your tired, just tell us when you have a few minutes.
Also, you should get a job in some sort of fabrication or something.
-Paul

[NitrousG35]

^ Paul, no bogging whatsoever. If anything, the car drives much more smoothly, no doubt in part to the Soxfan143 modified MAF housing. One of the reasons I went with an enclosed airbox was to enshroud the cone filter with some type of covering to isolate it from heat.

With the air vented from the cowl, the car is getting cooler, denser, rammed air. Also, as Soxfan143 pointed out, with an Si MAF sensor, A/F is kept in check.

Here is what Mike told me via e-mail:
The last time I dynoed I hit 195 uncorrected but he ran it in 3rd gear. So I didn't get a true number. I'm estimating over 200 uncorrected with my design. Which should put me just under 200 corrected. I'm having a difficult time getting the car to lean out. The ECU just keeps compensating and keeping the AFR's perfect no matter what I do. So all these people that are worried about their AFR's getting too lean are worrying about nothing. These cars will keep the AFR's perfect as long as you use the stock MAF housing. You can do whatever you want to the vanes and the car will still keep perfect AFR's.[/

[c130turboprop]

you did a great job bill! Congrats!!!!

[melomood]

nice bill, your the only reason i still go on this forum

[BMRk20]

nice job man!!!

[pkkid]

Bout time!


jk jk, congrats you've worked your ass off for it!