Cowl induction for cold, ram air for the Si?

[NitrousG35]

Just looking at the metal shelf and the thickness of the metal, it seems it is designed as a support area to cowl shelf. The gauge of the metal is not that thick. I wonder if it provides stability to the plastic shelf while acting as part of a crumple zone in event of a crash? I really can't see a piece like this being load bearing and carrying the stresses of twisting on the chassis. It it were that critical a piece, wouldn't it be welded in rather than bolted in?

[ocspray]

If it were a true strut tower support, it'd be much more heavily constructed, but it wouldn't necessarily be welded in place. I'm not suggesting that it's the equal of one of these. It may do no more than hold up the plastic trim, but I suspect it adds some support to other structures; I may be incorrect. All I'm saying is that it's fairly rigid, and removing as little steel as possible is probably a good idea.

[Sirbelch]

Its more of a heat shield/cowl support. A long piece of plastic right over the header is going to sag from the heat after years of driving. If you put a heat shield there, you don't have to worry about it.

[ocspray]

That makes sense.

Has anyone taken engine bay temp readings near an SRI's filter inlet with the whole cowl section removed? Other than losing the stealthiness of having an unaltered trim piece, opening up that whole section might be a quick way to take some advantage of the cowl induction theory without going through the fabrication process. No pressurization of the inlet, but you'd gain cooler inlet air than with a closed engine bay.

[NitrousG35]

Originally Posted by Sirbelch

Its more of a heat shield/cowl support. A long piece of plastic right over the header is going to sag from the heat after years of driving. If you put a heat shield there, you don't have to worry about it.

Paul, that is exactly what I was thinking. The metal provides a shield from the heat to the passenger cowl area. It is more of a tray to keep rain and water out as well. As you said, plastic would sag.

[Si Speed 317]

BUMP for progress

[NitrousG35]

When my car gets fixed, I'll get to it. Sorry about the turtle's pace here.

[mattsbobo]

Hey guys, check out the little black piece that's in the pics in the OP's post. I wonder if this could be bought seperately?

New AEM design???

[Sirbelch]

That piece kinda makes ya wanna get the CAI.

[Si Speed 317]

^

[ocspray]

Nah, I'm still rooting for an upper level intake. I don't want to see how poorly my engine pumps water.

[mattsbobo]

Oops, I kinda jumped the gun on that AEM piece. I just noticed that the MAF housing isn't connected the the veins

[Sirbelch]

Originally Posted by mattsbobo

Oops, I kinda jumped the gun on that AEM piece. I just noticed that the MAF housing isn't connected the the veins

Yeah, but its still a huge step in the right direction for the filters on a stick.

[mattsbobo]

Originally Posted by Sirbelch

Yeah, but its still a huge step in the right direction for the filters on a stick.

I agree, but I had lofty aspirations about trying to incorporate it into a a cowl induction setup. Assuming of course, that I could have purchased the piece seperately.

[ocspray]

I'm interested in the top radiator hose. My AEM SRI pushes the OE hose down approximately 1/2", and over time that kind of stress could crack the radiator, let alone the heat and chafing problems it introduces.

[ibanez37]

I found an alternative solution! Look what the B16 Spec's are doing!

Originally Posted by MySpecV

Well i decided to customoize my injen intake i used the 350z air duct and this is what i came up with a ram cold air intake LOL

[Si Speed 317]

^ Nice! The back of his hood is spaced open

[firstsi]

Originally Posted by Si Speed 317

^ Nice! The back of his hood is spaced open

ahh the old jdm hood tilt
i dont think our cars are designed for that, it lets air out faster so more can come in the front, thus cooler air
but ours our designed to push air to the back of the engine, not let it out up top


i dont know if i would cut up my fender tho

[mattsbobo]

It sure does look cool though.

[NitrousG35]

I am going to try and attack the CRV airbox cover. As I stated a week ago, the cover needs extensive mods to fit under the metal shelf. Rather than cutting the shelf anymore, I have to cut down the cover instead.

So, I went out and bought ABS sheets and will have to use some body filler to reconfigure the shape of the cover. When done, I'll overlay it with some faux carbon fiber vinyl sheet that is adhesive backed.

One of the guys who posted in the thread that Mike_Si_29 did on his cowl induction, mentioned about using the side of the airbox rather than the top to run the duct.

After examining this, it may be the best way to pull the air into the airbox. I can use the BSR scoop that I bought and mount it sideways. Then, I can run a short section of flex tubing and access the air from the side of the metal shelf rather than directly above.

This would eliminate any water problems as the air would be channeled towards the side of the airbox rather than the top.

I will play with the cover and try to redo it while waiting for my car to be reparied. It should be fixed by next week. Woot, woot. I am excited about finishing up this project once and for all.