Topic: Cheap homebrew intake for under $10

[MYSTANGT]

Just thought I'd share...

24" Length X 3" ID pvc pipe + 90* rubber elbow from HD cost me less than $10 together and I had the K&N laying around







I clamped it onto the TB really snug and the pipe sits on top of the oil cap. My filter fit snug right under that brace that goes forward to the grill and i added a piece of foam around it as it would make noise if it tapped it occasionally on large bumps or if you rev it abruptly

Can't be cheaper & it works GREAT. It has NO bends so the air doenst tumble (aka more power) plus its away from all heat and all water/dust  

PS - sorry for such small pics but they were taken with my phone...if anyone is interested in bigger ones let me know I'll snap some

[neale_rs]

Looks good.  How did you attach the side hose?

[MYSTANGT]

I drilled a hole in it and screwed in a nipple for the hose. VACUUMED all the dust and then siliconed around it. And then just clamped the hose onto it.

[Jeffy]

I think I would have used ABS as it comes in black.  Not to mention, it's not as brittle as PVC.  The heat and dust will case the PVC to dry-rot over time.  The other problem I see is that you put the air filter right into a dead air zone.  Not to mention the tube is still sitting over the engine.  In which case, you'll be getting hotter air then with the stock air box.

If you want more performance then you might consider going forward then down so the filter is in the open air under the Jeep.  This will mean that you'll need to move it for things like mud and water but it should give you a real cold air intake.  An open element filter in the engine compartment is a real compromise.

[MYSTANGT]

The PVC i am using is 1/4" thick so its not brittle by any means.
Also, PVC is heat resistant therefore even if it does sit over the engine it doesnt affect it. Besides, the valve cover doesnt give off much heat..and our stock air box goes over the valve cover, or engine if you will, same way that mine does.

Just as a side note: The most reputable cold air intakes in the Ford community and some others (cant recall) use PVC specifically to gain a cooler charge over competing brands. Check out JLT Cold Air Intakes. they have LOTS of research done proving so.

Lastly, i really dont see the filter being in a dead air zone at all. After driving an hour, and i open the hood the filter is cool to touch as the hood on the TJ doesnt have any weather striping around it therefore air is constantly flowing in, in between the hood and fender. I had the filter seated where the stock air box was for a week and after driving in snow it was all white from the salt and water seeping through the gaps by the lights and the grill. Mounted where it is now, it is still very cool to touch and away from the header and all other engine heat.

Test it out. Just leave a filter on top of the battery for an hour and take a drive with it. (dont actually install it, just place it on the battery and secure it there somehow and after some driving when the temps are up, open the hood and see if its hot. I bet you'll be surprised to see the results....  

And i am not comfortable leaving the filter out in the open because of the rain, excessive debris and such just to gain 1-2 hp. Not worth it IMO, although yes it would certainly be better and more effective.