1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Fiberglass Intake

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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 07:11 PM
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Fiberglass Intake

So I've decided to play around and see how a fiberglass Intake would do. Few concerns that maybe someone can help with.

1) I'm concerned with the heat from the exhaust since that would mess with the fiberglass structure. Any Ideas?

2) What is the benefit, if there is any, between intakes that expose the filter entirely or an enclosed one with forced induction (tube hooked to intake grabbing air from the front bumper)

Any advice, concerns, personal attacks? Thanks
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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 08:17 PM
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Cold air is better. A proper-dimensioned airbox still "exposes the filter entirely", just to cold rather than hot air.

You're likely high enough above the exhaust to not have to worry about the heat, especially if you still have the stock carb spacer installed. The carb wiring and hoses survive fine, after all. A good test would be to strap a slab of fiberglass to the bottom of your existing air cleaner and go for a long ride.

If you're using cold air induction, the air cleaner is getting actively cooled by the airflow, too.

Vibrational cracking might be a bigger worry, so you'd want it strong.
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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 08:23 PM
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Why type of tubbing/hose would you use to feed to the front and how big?
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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 08:32 PM
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Just a random thought, what if I were to fabricate a piece that allows me to just run a straight tube from the carburetor to the front and then place an air filter on the end of the hose. It would be sucking air vs. being forced, but would it make that much difference?
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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 09:09 PM
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I don't believe it will be sucking much. I think over the distance the vacuum effect will be diminished.

there is an example of a fiberglass air box on the mazda competition manual.
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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 09:51 PM
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Thanks for the input
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Old Apr 30, 2009 | 11:13 PM
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From an efficiency standpoint, it doesn't really matter where in the stream the filter is (so long as it's not disrupting smooth flow to the venturis).

It's still "sucking" air as the engine vacuum accounts for the vast majority of the airflow; even with a sizeable ram scoop you're not making a lot of difference until you get up to highway speeds at minimum.
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Old May 1, 2009 | 02:58 AM
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Gotcha, I started the intake tonight and will keep you updated.
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