Relocation Of Pod Filter

[Douse]

Hi,

I have been searching the forums for info involving relocation of peoples air filters, and it appears there has not been alot of discussion about this.

I have an R32 RB20DET and have been researching the construction of a cold air box and some cold air intake, when I realised it would be easier and possibly more effective to just relocate the air filter so that it lives in front of the front passenger tyre behind the spoiler.

I just want to see whats peoples opinions and past experiences are with this in regards to implementation, effectiveness, legalities and other potential problems such as water, dirt etc.

From what I can see, I may have to cut a hole in my car if I want to use a 3" pipe, as I think a 2" may be restrictive. Any comments on this? If I can get away with a 2", then there are factory holes which can be used.

I have a dry Apexi filter, so I dont have to worry about water washing off the filters oil, but what about water vapour being sucked in to the engine?

I have seen this done for drift cars, but they are hardly street legal and wouldn't have to worry about going through puddles etc...

If this has been covered before, feel free to send me the linky

Cheers!

[TTT]

Best place to relocate the pod filter to is the Shed.

in it's place put the stock air box.

if you must keep it, people have put in in the stock intercooler spot before.

then you have to put a shield to stop all the stones and water from getting to it, so some sort of shield.

also, people have found that air with that much force on it has caused problems with the afm.

also remember that cutting a bigger whole there in the chassis is Illegal.

[The Dan]

I have run this setup on a few cars of mine.

The upside is you will get a noticeable increase in power.

Downside is you will have to clean the filter regularly. If you mount it really low (level with the base of the front bar) then it will suck up water when you go through a puddle.

If you mount it flush with the metal on the other side of the panel, then you will not have any issues. It also pays to make up a cheap deflector out of Alloy rail. Shaped like a U on it's side, you can mount the deflector around the filter to stop any water from splashing up. It will also help to direct air into the filter. This requires a little bit of thought in it's setup and is not necessary but a good idea.

[The Dan]

also remember that cutting a bigger whole there in the chassis is Illegal.

+1 on the standard air box with a good panel filter.

But as for illegal, this is not so. It's not the chassis and it's not structural. There is already a hole there and it is not illegal to enlarge it.

[Douse]

Indeed there is a hole, and enlarging it would actually work. I would only need a little bit more room to allow both the intercooler and the intake pipe to fit through..

I was planning to mount it as high as possible, and I still have the plastic guard attached to stop any major splashes. If I do go down this path, I would probably make the U guard as well for added protection.

Also, what tubing have you used? Did you use proper piping or the same sort of rubber tubing already used?

[Johnny]

I did this once on my old r33 back in the day with some flex pipe; did in fact make a great difference to response

BUT

Gave the pipe to my friend who had a vl; he relocated his pod to the front and after driving through a puddle, his engine seized

anyways just thought id share cos id say ratio of benefits to risk = not worth it

[femno]

HAHA His engine seized due to water going into the intake? I find that hard to believe. Would maybe bend a rod but not seize.

A nice legal way to do is this if youre that set on a pod filter:

Cut big hole in bottom of airbox - 3"

Cut big hole under airbox into chassis matching airbox - 3"

Get some 80mm or 3 inch flexible rubber tube connect it to the afm using pod adaptor

Run the pipe from the afm through the hole to behind the front bar

Mount pod filter with stone/water guards

Modify the top section of the airbox to suit

Close airbox

You cant see the tube from the afm going under the airbox - its looks standard.

Did this on a mates car and fooled cops every time.

[Douse]

LOL

Thats pretty cool, although don't have the old box filter

Can I get some clarification on wether I can legally expand an existing hole in my engine bay?

[R31Nismoid]

But as for illegal, this is not so. It's not the chassis and it's not structural. There is already a hole there and it is not illegal to enlarge it.

It is in Vic - if you own a Airbag equipped model. Not sure about other states

Non Airbag you can do what you like

Its classed as structure as its 'any material forward of the firewall' or something to that effect.

Hence people here cop Engineers defects for I/C installs not using the factory pipe holes (if they have an airbag)

It's fairly annoying, but then i can see a reason albeit it minimal

[nIsMo86]

Hey,

Heres a link to what i did on my 32. Works well and have had no issues with water going up there or rocks etc. I have a custom airbox over the top of it all.

As for legality, i dont know about perth, but i read awhile back that in nsw its illegal unless you reinforce around the hole you cut to retain structural integrity. Also think it needs to be engineered. Have a look on your local motor registry website.

Link http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/in...t&p=4433034

[Douse]

Cool, looks good!

I dont have the hole though, so I would cut one :\

Edited March 5, 2009 by Douse