Did I cause a problem?

[loverboy]

Hey guy's just have a quick question on something, hopefully you guy's could answer my question. I purchased a K&N twin flow air intake and installed it myself. After installed it looked to me that the filters had no place to get air from, so what i did was cut to holes on the radiator shroud (i think it's called that), one under each air filter. I was wondering if that was a smart or stupid thing too do. Did I a create more air flow or more problems. Is there both positive and negative things too doing this.
I hope for good news from all of u, but if bad feel free to call me a Dumb Ass. And hopefully that shroud is not an expensive part if i screwed up.
Thanx guy's!

 

[02 C-5]

I can not find any pictures of the twin flow system . I think you do not have to cut the shroud . The single system you do not .
Joe

 

[atmmac]

i dont know i dont think anyones cut theres lol!

 

[cavettefan]

You should not have had to cut your radiator shroud. Potentially, if you cut the shroud such that hot air from the radiator is entering the airflow into the filter assemblies, you could be experiencing a loss of performance rather than an increase.

 

[loverboy]

I do know that i didn't have too cut it, i just thought i would get more performance because of more air entering it. I guess i was thinking it would somewhat work like the vortex intake. The shroud is cut on that, shouldn't hot air enter that also? Maybe i should just buy a new shroud.
Anyway's thanks too the guy's who are trying to help me and hopefully i could get some more feed back.

 

[CSDMagred01]

Where you cut it, at the top near the filters; the air shroud channels air TO the radiator, so the air is cool. However, the air can now bypass the radiator and flow directly into the engine compartment and out without going through the radiator. If the holes are big enough it will do that rather than cool the engine. All fluids take the path of least resistance. That is why the other bottom breather air intakes like Vortex cover the hole around the filter sealing it. The filter only takes what the engine needs to be diverted from the radiator. You may find the engine doesn't run any hotter but your fans are on more often. Just a guess.

A better mod for the twin K&N would be to cut the front fog light surrounds like a Z06 or Vararam. This would give you cool air directly to each filter, but not lose any flow to the radiator. However, since you already cut the holes you could build covers around the filters and holes and get a vortex type affect, maybe better with 2 filters. If doesn't have to be perfect seal. Good luck.

Carmen

 

[loverboy]

Well thanx CSDmagred i was thinking of the same thing and now that you think I should do that I feel more confident in doing it. I am a perfectionist especially with my baby so I hope I could seal it the best i can and also make it look good. I was thinking of puting some transparent plastic or some sort of material so you can still see the 2 filters. If im not happy with the final result i will do it properly with the vararam or vortex. Of course that's when i come across some extra cash. Just spent $1000.00 on 2 rear michilen pilot sport tires, and the car is stored. Can you believe that well i guess no pay, no play. I got a good deal on them now so i thought i will get them and put them on when i take it out of storage. Tough to be a Canadian "A". Anyway's thanx for the help csdmagred you eised my mind, it will be the first thing i do when i get the car back in my hands.

 

[CSDMagred01]

If you've ever worked with clear plastic like Lucite or Lexan, about $20 worth of it and some window foam from Home Depot could make 2 covers and seal them. Good luck and post some pictures if you decide to do it.