K&N FIPK installation question

igbig · August 21, 2004

I just installed a K&N fipk kit on my 2000 Silverado Z71 about two weeks ago. While the the installation is pretty simple, the instructions are ok but not very detailed. Whn ei first installed it i left the bottom steel plate (that the OEM airbox mounts to) in place. I did not remove it. After examining it several times i wondered why the instructions do not tell you to remover the plate,or maybe it does but im not understanding them clearly??? It seems the plate restricts quite a bit of air flow, so I removed it today. I was wondering what everyone else (that has a K&N FIPK or similar cold air kit) did?? did you leave the plate or remove it? and if you did remove it have you had any problem with water getting into it during heavy rain /puddling?? It also seems with the palte gone it would be super easy to fabricate a ram air tube from the hole in the bumper valance to the filter to dump cold air right by it. so should i put the plate back on or leave it off??

ronterry · August 22, 2004

'igbig' I left my plate on. I'm sure there's pletty of air from the holes in the fender from the stock air box. (I just installed mine on Friday btw.)

I personaly am not going to mess with the ram air idea on the bumper cause of the insects where I live, plus ram air using dryer duct and stuff looks a bit getto-ish. I wouldn't mind a ram air hood though

BTW: How do you like that growl!!! NICE isn't it.

I'm on to the next mod roller rockers maybe???? Cat back????

Ron

budhayes3 · August 22, 2004

I left my plate on also. FIPK's been on there for over 3 years now, still as solid as the day I bought it. I too considered the ram air setup, but was concerned about water gettin in when going through deep puddles and such.

tmf6902 · August 22, 2004

I had mine on for about 2 years, then took it off....I can't tell a d**n bit of difference. I thought it would get wet in the rain, but it doesn't. I'd say it's six of one half dozen of the other.

Elwood 2000 · August 22, 2004

I just installed the AEM Brute Force system the other day and the instructions said to remove the plate, so I did. I wondered about water issues, but I will keep an eye on things for a while.