Drivetrain Operation Hot Air Intake
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,179
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From: San Francisco Ca.
as far as water and HAI goes, it does not seem to be an issue for anyone yet. About the Alta CAI though, you don't have to cut anything when installing the system, you just remove the piece. It can be returned to stock if you wanted. take care.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 112
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From: Kona Hawaii
If you want to return to stock, nothing could be easier. I did ask this thread if there was anything to be gained / lost from removing the lower part of the stock airbox, and I have just left it in place. No cuts or damage done to the original system, just taking up garage shelf space!
As for the water issue, my experience was like Andy's , dry until I opened the hood to check, and even then it didn't drip onto the filter.
As for the water issue, my experience was like Andy's , dry until I opened the hood to check, and even then it didn't drip onto the filter.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Rockland, Maine
no H2O issues at all. DO THIS MOD you will not regret it. all the benefits of a CAI without the cost. not quite the same sucking sound from the louvers under the wipers, but you can hear the SC whine like no man's business!!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Highland Village, TX
HAI is Awsome!
I have had the RU-1520 on since just after this thread started and I LOVE IT. I have drivein in hard Texas thunderstorms and no water on the filter. I am begining to think that the best intake on the market is also the least expensive. I also have a pulley and zip tie mod. The car runs pefect and more smoothly than when it was new.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 112
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From: Kona Hawaii
zip-tie?
RLMini - Sorry, but what's the zip-tie mod?
I used the 1550. Previously, I have had some choppyness in the throttle, which seems to be subsiding as the ECU is 'learning' that there is more air available. Very pleased.
I used the 1550. Previously, I have had some choppyness in the throttle, which seems to be subsiding as the ECU is 'learning' that there is more air available. Very pleased.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Highland Village, TX
The zip tie mod gets rid of any YoYo you might experience under light acceration at around 3,000 rpm. There is a huge thread about this with pictures called: The YOYO chronicles. Threre are a couple of ways to deal with this but the zip tie mod is considered the performance oriented fix. This fix keeps the bypass valve shut all the time so you are not bypassing the super charger under light throttle. Response is instant and smooth!
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Kona Hawaii
Many Thanks RLmini! I will look up that thread. That could be the choppy throttle I referred to in my post. I had one dealer software upgrade, but haven't gone back for more. (I have to ship the car to the dealer). It wasn't so pronounced until I got the 19% pulley, but was annoying. I thought the better airflow would help, and I think it has. The zip-tie (I love this thread!) sounds like another cost effective solution! Thanks!
Jim
Jim
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 112
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From: Kona Hawaii
Midnight ride!
Just got home from a beautiful midnight ride under the full moon (blue moon, second this month). Fantastic response from my 19% pullied + HAI Mini S. No hesitation / Yo-yo. Just the delectiable sweetness of fast cruising, punctuated by the quick blasts to pass the occassional back-marker. No drama, just pure performance!
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 112
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From: Des Moines, IA
Originally Posted by Snappermini
I made this intake back in 2002 right after buying my first MCS. 
Makes me want to take the BMP intake off and put this one back on.
Makes me want to take the BMP intake off and put this one back on.Hmmmmm...that chrome piece looks remarkably similar to the uptube from the intercooler to the throttle body on a Grand National....
T.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Originally Posted by JCIP
I installed the KN 1550 last night. What is everyones opinion on leaving the bottom of the original airbox in place? It looks like Andy has left his in place, and it would seem that it might shield some heat from the exhaust by being left in place. Any thoughts?My initial feeling is that this set-up works just fine. I drove through some rain on my initial test drive, and, just like Andy, had no water under the hood until I opened it up to look! I need to fit a better breather, the wal-mart $2.17 one was the wrong size, and it popped off.
Intstall was pretty straight forward, I refered to Randy Webb's how to on the Alta intake to take things apart - many thanks. Having someone's prior experience to go by saves time and angst when pulling on plastic bits. The K&N almost went on by itself, and fit right down over the throttle body. Just need to be sure that the clamp (supplied with the filter) is positioned to grip the mouth of the throttle body. With the snorkel scoop removed, tightening the clamp is easy.
I was losing traction in the rain, so a little hard to tell, but response seemed improved ( I had the stock airbox, no CAI), it felt very strong. More testing today.
Intstall was pretty straight forward, I refered to Randy Webb's how to on the Alta intake to take things apart - many thanks. Having someone's prior experience to go by saves time and angst when pulling on plastic bits. The K&N almost went on by itself, and fit right down over the throttle body. Just need to be sure that the clamp (supplied with the filter) is positioned to grip the mouth of the throttle body. With the snorkel scoop removed, tightening the clamp is easy.
I was losing traction in the rain, so a little hard to tell, but response seemed improved ( I had the stock airbox, no CAI), it felt very strong. More testing today.
Edit - I found it...thanks anyway!
Last edited by Revolver; Aug 6, 2004 at 12:56 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Revolver
Could someone peovide a brand name and part number for an oil breather that fits well? I am not sure if they are all the same size or whatever...Thanks!
They look like this blue one:
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 1
From: the great country of california
joining the club
Just ordered a ru-1550..gonna give it a shot. Tim, your former CAI might be removed soon and be on sale at e-bay.
Question: The battery cable hanging unattached, any problems with that?
Question: The battery cable hanging unattached, any problems with that?
Last edited by meanboy; Aug 9, 2004 at 10:48 PM. Reason: typo!!!
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, FL
With the possibility of rubbing on the hood liner, has anyone tried using the ru-1540 instead of the ru-1550? It has the same dimensions except that it's 6 inches tall instead of 7. It'll probably reduce the airlfow slightly 
but you won't have to worry about it making skuff marks in your liner.
but you won't have to worry about it making skuff marks in your liner.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Rockland, Maine
i almost went that route myself, but.... 1. -slightly less airflow -maybe, but still a TON better compared to stock 2. the 1550 touching the liner actually helps hold the filter onto my throttle body and keeps it from wiggling too much.
i think a little scuff on the headliner is worth that!!!
when you put one of these on and tighten down the hose clamp you'll see what i mean. - it can be a little precarious there on the TB-the flange needs to be about 3/4" longer all around to make it down all the way on the TB. i think you'll be happy you went with the longer filter.
wait till you take the stock parts off and see how convoluted the air pathway was!! it's a wonder these things breathe at all
as a side bonus you save about 7 lbs.! and you'll have a nice pile of tubing and parts.
BTW--like Bisch said, go to autozone's Big Pimpin' section and get a breather. it's a ***** to fit onto the connector tubing, but sure isn't going anywhere once you do.
i think a little scuff on the headliner is worth that!!!
when you put one of these on and tighten down the hose clamp you'll see what i mean. - it can be a little precarious there on the TB-the flange needs to be about 3/4" longer all around to make it down all the way on the TB. i think you'll be happy you went with the longer filter.
wait till you take the stock parts off and see how convoluted the air pathway was!! it's a wonder these things breathe at all
as a side bonus you save about 7 lbs.! and you'll have a nice pile of tubing and parts.
BTW--like Bisch said, go to autozone's Big Pimpin' section and get a breather. it's a ***** to fit onto the connector tubing, but sure isn't going anywhere once you do.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,432
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FYI, I'll have something really cool to show everyone with this mod by the end of next week. I just need to work a couple kinks out....Andy, I may need you to test this thing to "get the numbers". I'll PM you soon.