In THIS ALTA CAI HOW-TO, the author details how to remove the rear partition prior to installing the Alta metal box. Other How-to's however (Outmotoring's for one) show the Alta installed with this partition still in place.

As I have some custom wiring in my engine bay, some of which runs under the rubber stripping atop that partition, I'd PREFER to keep that partition in place, if I can. The question is: will leaving the partition installed affect the CAI's performance? In other words, I CAN relocate the wiring and remove the partition if doing so will improve/affect the CAI's perfomance, but if leaving the partition in place won't affect the CAI's performance, I'd rather leave it.

Any input is appreciated - thanks!

 

Most of the gains of an aftermarket CAI are probably to be had by removing the rear partition, as the filter then can draw in a lot of cooler air directly from the cowl vent above.

 

my suggestion in your case then would be to simply cut a hole in the partition to get some fresh air in there...

This would allow you to keep your wiring locations yet still get 90% of the improved performance of the cai...

I've had the alta cai on my car for about 12k miles... I've only cleaned my filter once. Most of the dirt was near the cowl part of the filter so yes i do think that it's important to have at least some sort of breathing hole in that hunk of plastic. However, i have a feeling that while moving... MOST of the cool air is comming in through that front tube thingy. Stationary the air defintely comes from the cowl and id bet about 25% while moving.

hope this helps.

 

I can remove the partition - it will just be a tad more work. Seeing as how there ARE performance boosts in doing so, that makes the extra work worthwhile. Thanks!

 

One other question...

I was reading THIS THREAD about MODding the rear partition (just in case, right?) and the author mentioned that if you remove the gasket clamp for the forced-air "snorkle" that you'll have to replace it with another one. I haven't seen that mentioned in other How-tos, even the ones that say to remove the snorkle in the process of installing the Alta unit. Does opening the clamp somehow ruin it?



Will I need to buy some new clamps prior to wrenching off the stock air box? Obviously the Alta came with replacement clamps for the silicone tube (leading to the throttle body) but what about the induction hose?

Thanks again!

 

Hey Matt, when I put my JCW intake in I for the life of me couldn't get that darn bastard clamp back on. Used all my best cuss words too. I went to my friends at International auto parts & got a hose clamp that worked like a charm.

IIRC the Bentley manual says to replace those clamps after removing. Although I know some folks have reused them.

Edit.... I replaced all 3 of them. The one on the airbox, the one you show a picture of & the one at the throttle body. Gone & good riddance I say.

 

Any idea what size I need, Chuck? I can stop by and get one on the way home. Is there just the one I'll need to replace do you recall? I'm not "at the car" ATM so I only have the pics to go by.

 

Well you know us old farts, can't remember anything. What I did was carry in the old clamp with a sad look on my face & Dave fixed me up.

You want to make sure that the clamp you use is the same width. If it's too wide it won't sit in the hose right. I think that would cause a problem with seating the hose.

If you want I could run over there, pick up three clamps & bring them over this evening. I believe it would be a good trade.

 

I reused. To get the one pictured clamped, I used some pliers. It doesn't break or anything taking off (at least mine didn't).

 

Yesiree, that would work FINE by me. I have to drive my daughter out to her Mom's after work, but I'll be back later in the evening. I'll PM you with my cell. I have your grille sitting on my bench - was looking forward to giving it to you last weekend.

Maybe you can share some tricks and tips with me - nothing beats talking to someone that's actually done a MOD to help with the little details.

 

OK I'm off to International.... Send me your cell & I'll see ya later.

 

I re-used mine although it took some fixing... they haven't fallen off yet as of 13k miles... I think you can re-use them in a pinch otherwise it's best if you can replace them.

 

I just bought new 3" inch stainless steel clamps and they work like a champ, plus they add some extra bling. You can reuse the originals, but after a couple of open/close they seem to like to pop open.

 

Seems like the way to go. Thanks a million, guys! I'm going to try to get this done this weekend!

 

Did you buy the box top for your Alta? From the pictures that I have seen (I am installing my this weekend), the box top would work better if the partition wall is left in place. Maybe?

 

As others have done, you can reuse but you will be cursing as you try to get them back on.

Best to get a few 3 inch screw type clamps as mentioned as be done with it.

 

Just a note on this. I installed my Alta CAI and really like it. However, I would like to have the rear bulkhead installed too. So, after looking further into it, I cam across one of the other vendors that had a cutout in a bulkheard that could be ordered. The cutout allows cool air from the window area, but also replaces much of the bulkhead that was removed. Just received the replacement bulkhead with cutout yesterday and I will try to get it installed this weekend. Believe it will provide what I am looking for. You may wish to check it out too.

 

I just drilled a bunch of 1 inch holes in the bulkhead. Works just fine, as far as I can tell. If you go this route, just be aware that there are a bunch of brake lines hiding back there. I slipped an old license plate in there to act as drill stop.

 

Great idea, cross drill rotors look cool. Cross drilled brake lines just leak.

 

 

i was told the Alta Air box replaced that partition, which is what i did to allow the most air to come in, and as for the clamps i replaced all of them with the normal ones you find from an auto parts store. I also noticed that the stock elbow that goes to the TB didnt fit that well and kept sliding off cause of a lip on the inside, but replaced it with a Red Alta Elbow and its great now.