1985-1991 Ram Air Induction Inquiry

[Genna1]

I have a '91, and was curious about other's opinions on this before I go ahead and actually do it; on a stock 85-91 that has all the original air filter lid and ductwork, etc, I was curious - if you remove the air filter cover/lid, and then the air filter, can you cut a hole the same size as the air filter through the bottom of the air filter holder assembly, down through the fiberglass radiator shroud so that the cold air that comes up under the front spoiler that helps to cool the radiator can also be sucked up into the air cleaner assembly? I have seen other cone-style K&N set-ups that have cut a smaller hole through the shroud to help draw in colder air, as well as the style that draws air in through the front license plate. I have 2 concerns about trying this set-up:

1. Will cutting a hole through the fan shroud affect the efficiency of the cooling system in anyway? I have heard that on the C3's, if the shroud doesn't fit tightly around the radiator/fan assembly, or if some of the insulating foam is missing, the cooling capacity can be affected. I'm wondering if cutting the shroud could have a minor negative effect on the cooling system as a whole?

2. Will the resulting hole draw in heated air as well as cold air, since it would be in such close proximity to the radiator? Also, would I need to worry about it if I was driving in the rain (no major floods, just everyday rain)?

I know that there are many relatively inexpensive cold-air kits that are available out there today, however I was just curious if this would be a viable alternative as well; with the air filter and lid in place, it would nearly be undetectable from stock, since the hole would be cut under the air filter assembly itself, and hidden from view when raising the hood. Any thoughts or opinions are welcomed..........

Thanks, Chris.

 

[Vettelt193]

I have a '91, and was curious about other's opinions on this before I go ahead and actually do it; on a stock 85-91 that has all the original air filter lid and ductwork, etc, I was curious - if you remove the air filter cover/lid, and then the air filter, can you cut a hole the same size as the air filter through the bottom of the air filter holder assembly, down through the fiberglass radiator shroud so that the cold air that comes up under the front spoiler that helps to cool the radiator can also be sucked up into the air cleaner assembly? I have seen other cone-style K&N set-ups that have cut a smaller hole through the shroud to help draw in colder air, as well as the style that draws air in through the front license plate. I have 2 concerns about trying this set-up:

1. Will cutting a hole through the fan shroud affect the efficiency of the cooling system in anyway? I have heard that on the C3's, if the shroud doesn't fit tightly around the radiator/fan assembly, or if some of the insulating foam is missing, the cooling capacity can be affected. I'm wondering if cutting the shroud could have a minor negative effect on the cooling system as a whole?

2. Will the resulting hole draw in heated air as well as cold air, since it would be in such close proximity to the radiator? Also, would I need to worry about it if I was driving in the rain (no major floods, just everyday rain)?

I know that there are many relatively inexpensive cold-air kits that are available out there today, however I was just curious if this would be a viable alternative as well; with the air filter and lid in place, it would nearly be undetectable from stock, since the hole would be cut under the air filter assembly itself, and hidden from view when raising the hood. Any thoughts or opinions are welcomed..........

Thanks, Chris.

is your car a 6-speed?

Regardless of that:
If you cut below the filter you will need to seal off above it, and rotate the whole assembly. You can suck up and pull in from the top at the same time.

It may affect cooling if you do it anyway, unless you seal it properly. it may also suck up some water, but that shouldn't be a problem in that location, it really hasn't been a problem with ram air at all.

You will suck up hot air too, but it can't be worse than the hot air of the engine compartment

 

[Aurora40]

SLP makes a kit that does exactly that. Air in front of the radiator wouldn't be hot. I had it on my '87 and it does impact the cooling system a little. But I never had any cooling problems:

http://www.slponline.com/view_product.asp?P=21050

 

[PLRX]

VORTEX RAM AIR​

Let me know if you are interested. They sell the Vortex Ram Air for yours too. It was not difficult to install.

-Pedro

 

[vetteboy86]

It was a worthwhile mod to my car. I have noticed hardly any difference in cooling. I think you will enjoy it. There are several people that have this done, just let us know, and we can help.

Craig

 

[89ZZ4]

I just bought the SLP unit through New Era Performance for about $144 plus shipping. This is by far the most inexpensive unit out there and it includes the K&N filter. It's mostly OEM style thermo plastic but looks to be the best bang for the buck. On Ebay their Buy It Now price was 150 but was cheaper directly from their web site.

 

[Hrtbeat1]

The one thing I've noticed is most of these systems are for '85-'89 or LT1/4/5 cars. All use a MAF (not sure about the ZR1's) which seems to narrow the path. The '90 and '91 cars are SD (speed density) and don't have the "restriction" of the MAF. A good friend of mine (DaHawaiianPunch) made his own. He used a K&N filter with the "cut lid" treatment. From the TB to the air chamber ... with the accordian "hose" being the obstacle for smooth air flow ... he fabbed a duct out of a piece of busted traffic cone. Seems to work really good.


I cheated. I put a K&N 1000 cfm on the end of the TB. It took a bit of bending ... and with the thermostat housing / radiator hose some of the airflow is resricted. It seems to work alright for my setup.

 

[tigmaned]

i was under there looking around since i crushed my front spoiler on a curb again?? but how is the air directed into the air filter any way? my vettes last owner alreeady had a K&N and i did the cut out of the cover. but with the hood open i can't really tell how air going into the front of the car is directed into the air fliter? what i am i missing??

 

[Hrtbeat1]

i was under there looking around since i crushed my front spoiler on a curb again?? but how is the air directed into the air filter any way? my vettes last owner alreeady had a K&N and i did the cut out of the cover. but with the hood open i can't really tell how air going into the front of the car is directed into the air fliter? what i am i missing??

The front spoiler is one of the integral parts the other is the diffuser (a horizontal bar above the spoiler right at the radiator shroud opening) it acts like an inverted wing pushing the air up. There should be two small metal brackets in the center keeping it in place.