Picked up a Pilo on eBay at a good price and printed out Randy's instruction for moding (swiss-cheese style) the cowel panel. The job went fine but I decided to not go the complete swiss cheese route in case I wanted to put back the stock airbox for dealer visits. Used a Dremel to only open up the portion of the panel that surrounds the stock panel port (slightly larger than a quarter) and the corresponding portion of the lower airbox. This increased the opening at least 10 times the stock opening. It's not an airtight fit between the airbox and the panel, but I can always go back and install a little moulding to seal around the openings. This also would work with the stock or an aftermarket panel filter and look stock. Sorry, no pictures--I'm too focused when involved in a wrench project.

The sound is not too intrusive--I was going with the Alta but backed off due to reports of excessive WOT noise. Seems to have a little better thottle response and pulls slightly harder at the top. All-in-all, very satisfied.

Pulley is next! Randy, I'll be calling you for an install at your shop in CO.

Mike

 

Hehe, I've got the Pilo and did the baffle mod too. Only I cut out a rectangular portion about 3" by 2" with a plain old box cutter in about 5 minutes. The sound increase is really enjoyable, but definitely not inrusive.

_________________
2004 MCS with Pilo intake.
Premium, Sport, Cold pkgs, 3 spoke MFSW, factory alarm.

 

I was first thinking about doing that, but since there is a large opening
from the factory airduct under the cone filter, I didn't think it would make
much more improvement other than being able to suck more cooler
air from the top vents...

But then again, this is a sc motor with a ic, so that drop in temp is
probably not going to do much benefit.

 

Yes, I did the Alta exhaust install first. In fact, the exhaust arrived before the car.

 

Just be aware that loudness does not equal power.
If a dyno is done on an MCS with and without the air box mod I think you will find no difference.
Nor will you see any measurable difference in lap times on the track or at autocross (not a legal mod for stock class!)

I'd consider the holes a fun mod that allows you to hear the supercharger noise a bit more and adds to the total driving experience. I have seen some owners do swiss cheese mods and others a very conservative few holes. Just be careful not to damage anything vital behind that lower portion of the cowl.

Have fun.

 

>>I'd consider the holes a fun mod that allows you to hear the supercharger noise a bit more and adds to the total driving experience. I have seen some owners do swiss cheese mods and others a very conservative few holes. Just be careful not to damage anything vital behind that lower portion of the cowl.
>>
>>Have fun.

Exactly. I'd be pretty sure that a hole like that has no perfirmance value. I did it strictly to hear the S/C better!

 

Okay, then that is good you know what is happening.
I have the air box mod and like it.
Listening to the engine and the noises such as the exhaust, intake noise and tires is all part of enjoying the ride
and the process of driving. Pure fun.

 

Sounds like a good set up. Any photos of your intake? I have to Minimania/K&N installed on my MCS. Here is a picture....

 

Here's my Pilo. :smile: