[Nadir Point]

Originally Posted by iaknown

What if the filter has more surface area than oem and/or is more efficient?

That's exactly what I'm talking about. The stock box/filter is designed the way it is to provide the maximum surface area possible in the very limited space available.

Have you spec'd or chosen a filter?

[iaknown]

Originally Posted by UberArchetype

That's exactly what I'm talking about. The stock box/filter is designed the way it is to provide the maximum surface area possible in the very limited space available.

Have you spec'd or chosen a filter?

It may be the maximum surface area, but in a flat configuration....not always ideal in a tight space. A cone filter can often do the same thing in a tighter compartment.

Haven't looked for filters yet but that is probably the next step....

[DWR]

Any OEM component is a compromise amongst many factors not the least of which is cost. There is certainly sufficient space to accomodate more filter area. Not saying it would not be more complicated.

IMO, the process of design should start with the objective(s) in mind. For the air filter box they would seem to be:
1) good filtration of the air prior to the MAF, using readily available filters
2) a maximum limit on pressure drop across the air filter (sets the filter area)
3) sufficient supply of cool air to meet the peak air flow (duct size and location)
4) packaged to fit within available space

[Nadir Point]

I've never heard of a small cone filter that is any good in terms of efficiency.

[HeatherM35d]

Can't wait to get one of these set ups on my car.. I've got a nice sized K&n filter that I've used for bigger HP and displacement.. It might just squeak in there

[BEWWWM]

What if you angled the inlet tubing towards the strut tower? seems like you could possibly add a couple inches for the filter.

[Chief Orman]

Jesus Christ you guys it looks like IA is building a bird house under his hood. As the king of stupid questions on this board, I assume the goal is to increase air flow. How much improvement is realistic to expect? Do I need to read my son's Boy Scout manual on bird house construction?

[BB_cuda]

Originally Posted by BB_cuda

Way long time ago, we had a forum member who got an enclosure custom made. I have forgotten that username. He sold his car and gave the enclosure over to Greek. I will go dig up those pictures. I thought Iaknown might want to compare to his prototype. It is so long ago that it might be over on the other diesel forum.

EDIT: no go on the pictures. I must have lost them on my old computer. Greek, can you please add those to this thread?

I found the thread. All the way from August of 2011.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=579511

He mentions some similar things as TDI in regards to turbulent flow through the MAF. Hope this helps. Like I say, Greek now owns this enclosure as the other guy sold his car and passed this on to Greek. I'm still next :-]

[iaknown]

Originally Posted by BEWWWM

What if you angled the inlet tubing towards the strut tower? seems like you could possibly add a couple inches for the filter.

The pictures are deceiving but towards the strut tower is actually worse because of the fender liner. Straight out towards the front airbox mount looks like the best bet so far.

Originally Posted by Chief Orman

Jesus Christ you guys it looks like IA is building a bird house under his hood. As the king of stupid questions on this board, I assume the goal is to increase air flow. How much improvement is realistic to expect? Do I need to read my son's Boy Scout manual on bird house construction?

HAHAHA....well the stock airbox has been proven to be a restriction on modified cars. Not sure what gains would be expected but I'm sure we can get some dyno results later on. To be honest, the motivating factor for starting this even before flow tests were done was more intake sound Hopefully this endeavor accomplishes 2 things....

Originally Posted by BB_cuda

I found the thread. All the way from August of 2011.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=579511

He mentions some similar things as TDI in regards to turbulent flow through the MAF. Hope this helps. Like I say, Greek now owns this enclosure as the other guy sold his car and passed this on to Greek. I'm still next :-]

I remember this now.....Wow, he totally blocked off the stock fresh air inlet and is relying on gaps under the hood and in the front bumper for air. This is cutting major corners in my opinion.....

This did give me an idea though.....I started to look underneath the floor I have in this setup for places to get more air. My car has the oil cooler (not sure if all D's have this) so I have nothing to work with as far as ducting in more air from that side of the car. But I do see plenty of gaps where air can come in. If I utilize the stock cold air inlet and "louver" or perforate the floor I think that will solve the air restriction issue from the stock inlet

[Bob@BPC]

Looks good, nice job

[iaknown]

Originally Posted by Bob@BPC

Looks good, nice job

Thanks!

Maybe I'll send one your way soon for some dyno testing

[Bob@BPC]

Originally Posted by iaknown

Thanks!

Maybe I'll send one your way soon for some dyno testing

Sounds like a plan

[BEWWWM]

Makes sense, your box looks good.(phrasing)

[WreckerX5d]

Originally Posted by iaknown

The pictures are deceiving but towards the strut tower is actually worse because of the fender liner. Straight out towards the front airbox mount looks like the best bet so far.

HAHAHA....well the stock airbox has been proven to be a restriction on modified cars. Not sure what gains would be expected but I'm sure we can get some dyno results later on. To be honest, the motivating factor for starting this even before flow tests were done was more intake sound Hopefully this endeavor accomplishes 2 things....

I remember this now.....Wow, he totally blocked off the stock fresh air inlet and is relying on gaps under the hood and in the front bumper for air. This is cutting major corners in my opinion.....

This did give me an idea though.....I started to look underneath the floor I have in this setup for places to get more air. My car has the oil cooler (not sure if all D's have this) so I have nothing to work with as far as ducting in more air from that side of the car. But I do see plenty of gaps where air can come in. If I utilize the stock cold air inlet and "louver" or perforate the floor I think that will solve the air restriction issue from the stock inlet

Seems like a job for....red scoops.

[Chief Orman]

Is there anything the red scoops can't do?

[iaknown]

Think I finally got the lid debacle figured out. The latest and last revision until we go to production I'll be making a batch of these soon and they will be available from the forum vendors here that are interested.

I'm planning on doing these in raw stainless with the option of black powdercoat for those that want it

[BB_cuda]

Can you perhaps show a picture or two of how the snorkel flows into the enclosure, please?

[iaknown]

Originally Posted by BB_cuda

Can you perhaps show a picture or two of how the snorkel flows into the enclosure, please?

Sure can, need to remove it and snap a few pics though. From the top you can't see jack.....

[daenosx]

Originally Posted by iaknown

Think I finally got the lid debacle figured out. The latest and last revision until we go to production I'll be making a batch of these soon and they will be available from the forum vendors here that are interested.

I'm planning on doing these in raw stainless with the option of black powdercoat for those that want it

DIBS on the Black Powder Coat!!!! lol

[iaknown]

Originally Posted by BB_cuda

Can you perhaps show a picture or two of how the snorkel flows into the enclosure, please?

Your requested pics sir.

Obviously the production pieces won't have ugly welds and sheet metal screws

[335dsleeper]

Looking great!

[RollingCoal]

+1, nice work.

Once you have this completely mocked up, it wouldn't be too hard to lay one up in carbon fiber with the plexiglass top.