Added K&N Filter to Stock Air Box

[TedHam]

The problem is that the stock air box appears to have a VERY restrictive opening where it attaches to the inner fender wall. It actually has one large opening and a smaller opening below it.

 

My question: Why doesn't Chevy just 'hog out' the opening to the fender? There is a considerable flat surface and I would think it isn't terribly difficult to cut the air box opening a bit larger (as well as part of that inner fender if necessary or possible) to allow greater, unrestricted air flow.

 

So, what gives?

[todddd41]

You aren't the first to notice this, and several folks (myself included) have modified their stock box to allow more flow. some just drill holes in the box, some have made custom ducting to bring up more air from down near the air dam. Did I gain anything from the work I did, hard to know for sure, but at least I know performance won't suffer due to lack of air.

[Shaners]

"Swiss Cheesing" the airbox has been popular... It may allow more air in, but it is most likely warmer and denser.

[SilveradoWV]

but it is most likely warmer and denser.

I'd agree!

[Ben]

Have posted before and here again my less than $20 buck cold, ram air mods on OBS. Note that left OEM routing in case the new scoop gets underwater. Pictures and hot link to whole article.

 

[edit]...forgot to mention that most of the after market pull engine bay air, which is 40*F-50*F or higher, so less dense and prone to pinging, so engine managment system backs off advance.

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Article HOW2 DIY in less than 4 hours and less than $20 bucks

 

From the wheel well. Plenty of room and those alloys are 16x10 with LT265/75R16

 

 

Stock filter box modified. You can see the hose sticking up through enlarged holes (now a slot).

 

This is the second scoop. Original was messed in accident. Like this one better, as open area larger and better shaped. 1/2 ton trucks with air dam can have this cut into it for neater look.

[Ben]

PS to last message

 

You can use any filter that fits OEM filter box.

 

K&N

 

or the OEM filters. There are two sizes. Standard is about $20 bucks. There is a heavy duty for about $28 bucks at GM parts counter. It's about 2 inches larger in dia.

[lrymal]

Interesting idea but would be a killer during the summer with heat from the road, at least here in Texas.

 

Actually, a better idea would be a high-water snorkle kit that can be found in any of the 4 wheeler catalogs. A bit cooler where its intake is, by the windshield.

[TedHam]

I am going to take a good look at how the base section of my air box mounts at the bottom and sides where it meets the fender. If I can gain access via the base, I will drill some of that out. Will advise if I proceed and take some pictures. Won't be running any extra ducting.

[Ben]

I am going to take a good look at how the base section of my air box mounts at the bottom and sides where it meets the fender. If I can gain access via the base, I will drill some of that out. Will advise if I proceed and take some pictures. Won't be running any extra ducting.

Thought of that and decided not to.

 

Take a look at the picture of my air box. Notice water puddled from the mist that got drawn in. Surprised me, as thought took measures...

 

The placement of the scoop gets positive pressure. Not huge, but positive. Know because OEM routing left alone, which has it draw from in front of the battery. Already a high pressure area because of the ram affect from the grill, so for the amounts of bugs, paper, pebbles/rocks, sand, etc that get in there that never did before tells...

 

Left the hose (actually drainage hose) and fitting loosy goosy so that if get under water, both OEM routing and not air tight should help avoid hydrolock.

 

Back on the puddle. Also notice that the hose goes directly into the top of the bottom half. Has to turn 90*, well a little less, as the hose points a bit toward the filter. Then it has to clear that slotted hole (was two OEM holes and cut out the webbing between them).

 

Shows that the scoop picks up water mist and deposits it on the filter and it puddles during the winter. Can you imagine how much more directly in line with a tires spray?

 

Thought about cutting a hole on the passenger side fender where the filter box pokes into. Direct and could make a scoop running along that side to front. Would look only as good as your metal working or fiberglass working talents...

[Ben]

Interesting idea but would be a killer during the summer with heat from the road, at least here in Texas.

 

Actually, a better idea would be a high-water snorkle kit that can be found in any of the 4 wheeler catalogs. A bit cooler where its intake is, by the windshield.

Believe your NBS already has the filter box near the bottom area by the front bumper. At least Suburbans with your body style does. Have seen folks do similar to what I did, but different because the filter is already up there.

 

They all poked hole in bottom of filter box and routed hose to bumper/air dam. Some bumpers already have a cooling scoop hole, others poked hole in the under bumper air dam.

 

Sorry, didn't keep copies of those posting from another forum.

[Red2500HD]

This is a very interesting mod. In Minnesota, I need not worry so much about the road heat as I do about the snow. It would seem that a great deal of snow would get sucked up into the filter, or at least, plug up the tube. The plan, however, is a good one. Maybe some modifications are needed for our problem up here.

[TedHam]

If I open up the box, I'll be focusing only on the side of the box that faces the right fender (not the base). I realized from others' posts that opening up the base of the box will expose to direct water/snow 'throw off' from the right front tire; not a good thing

 

I also noted that where the box meets the fender it is not snug; just some thick gasketting material to keep direct spray away from the air box opening. So, if I open up that side of the air box, I'll be using a large, adhesive seal similar to the one currently surrounding the two openings.

 

Will keep y'all posted as I refine my plans for this project. If I go forward, I'll be taking step-by-step pics and will make them avail (expect in mid-Jan '04 timeframe).

[Mule]

I am not nearly the do-it-yourselfer as you guys, but I have the Banks intake on my Yukon. It opens up the intake path from the fender, puts a new scoop in the fender and gets rid of some weight. There probably is a kit for most GM trucks. Disadvantage - costs more.

[TedHam]

I am not nearly the do-it-yourselfer as you guys, but I have the Banks intake on my Yukon. It opens up the intake path from the fender, puts a new scoop in the fender and gets rid of some weight. There probably is a kit for most GM trucks. Disadvantage - costs more.

Got a website link or pictures of your setup?

[Mule]

I am not nearly the do-it-yourselfer as you guys, but I have the Banks intake on my Yukon.  It opens up the intake path from the fender, puts a new scoop in the fender and gets rid of some weight.  There probably is a kit for most GM trucks.  Disadvantage - costs more.

Got a website link or pictures of your setup?

This is what I have:

 

http://www.bankspower.com/System.cfm?appid...C04&sysid=SC06#

 

In addition, I removed the entire airbox (not where the filter is, but the box near the fenderwell (mine is a non-vortec) and replaced it with a straight tube. So the setup is a new Banks scoop in the fender to a 6 inch diameter straight tube, to the round air filter box with a Banks lid (allows for 6 inch tall filter).

 

Again, mine is a 1995 non-Vortec, so it has a little different setup (more conventional round air cleaner right above the TBI).

 

I am sorry, but I don't have any engine pictures right now.