solo_ryder's How To: Warm air/Short ram intake
Posted: February 22nd, 2009, 10:55 pm
So yall, I have had alot of PM's and ppl MSN'ing me about making/how to get parts for my custom intake setup that I have had on my last 2 MX3's. So I decided to make this How To that explains the parts needed and also how to make this 3" intake. If you want a 2.25" or 2.5" intake then you will need to wait as I will get those part numbers later and update them. Mods please sticky this if appropriate.
Some of the advantages include:
- Much improved throttle response
- More power, better air flow to motor
- Awesome sound
- Better fuel mileage
- No worries of hydro-locking the motor (As opposed to the Integra CAI method)
- 2.25", 2.5" and 3" pipe widths available
- Looks cool :8
Let's start off by saying that I have had the Integra kit on my car and it was okay, but there are a few drawbacks to the CAI route.
- Possible hydro-lock
- Throttle response is not as crisp
- The pipes always get mangled being shoved into the fender
- Can only fit a small/medium sized filter
- 2.5" size as opposed to my 3" design
- Doesn't look as cool (at least to me)
There are advantages to the CAI as well obviously, like having a cooler air charge, but I didn't notice that much of a difference going to the WAI/Short ram.
Here is a part# list of the parts you will need (If you are creating a 3" intake):
Filter:
K&N filter (You can use whatever cone filter you want) - Part# RE-0930
Cost = 43.68 w/tax
Piping:
Vibrant 45deg. 3" pipe - Part# 2175
Vibrant 45deg. 2.5" pipe - Part# 2177
Vibrant 45deg. 2.25" pipe - Part# 2886
Cost = $29.52 w/tax
Couplers: - There are the part numbers for the 3" intake only. I will update when I have more part number. Also, I have recently heard that black will soon be the only color available.
Blue Couplers:
Vibrant Coupler 3" - Part# 2181B
Vibrant Reducer Coupler 3" to 2.5" - Part# 2180B
Red Couplers:
Vibrant Coupler 3" - Part# 2181R
Vibrant Reducer Coupler 3" to 2.5" - Part# 2180R
Yellow Couplers:
Vibrant Coupler 3" - Part# 2181Y
Vibrant Reducer Coupler 3" to 2.5" - Part# 2180Y
Cost= $19.52 w/tax
Clamps:
You can get these at any hardware store:
Three (3) - 3" Hose clamps (2.5" if using a 2.5" pipe etc.)
One (1) - 4" Hose clamp (For VAF)
Cost = 5$ max.
Total Cost = = $97.72 CAD
Now on to the instructions:
First off, you will notice that there is 2 different sized couplers.
- The 3" to 2.5" coupler is for the Throttlebody to the Pipe.
- The 3" coupler is for the pipe to the VAF
These are stretchy couplers, so the 3" coupler will fit over the VAF with some stretching.
1. Relocate the coolant reservoir:
The first thing you need to do is relocate your coolant reservoir, I am not currently running one; but that is up to you. Unbolt it from its place and move it to the left of the headlight, using a bracket attatch it to the car. (copied from hoodzy's CAI How To):
![Image](http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/hoodzy13/IMG_0376.jpg)
My old setup:
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/Coolant.jpg)
2. Cut the pipe to the appropriate length
I have had to wing it twice to get the measurements for you guys. It is best to use a grinder with a thin disk, a sawsall or a manual metal saw. Here are measurements to take off:
Throttlebody side - 1.5":
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100221.jpg)
VAF/Filter side - 2" :
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100219.jpg)
It is somewhat important to cut more off the VAF side or the intake setup may look abit funny and it will not get the proper reach for the filter to sit in the correct spot. These measurements are for a VERY tight fit. It is somewhat difficult to get in, hence why I over exaggerated the intake measurement abit.
*Important note* - Make sure you clean up any aluminum burrs on the intake pipe after cutting so that you don't tear the couplers or cause damage to the motor but intaking aluminum shards.
3. Get the couplers and VAF/Filter mocked up
Should look like this:
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100156.jpg)
The filter is a tight fit onto the VAF, but with the stock hose clamp you can get it on with some force.
4. Test fit the intake on the car
Test fit the intake first to make sure that it all fits. I found it easiest to unbolt the throttle body to get the intake on. Put the coupler over the throttle body area and nudge it in. Should rest on the frame rail.
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100165.jpg)
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100166.jpg)
5. Install plastic or aluminum breather nipple
So there is one thing left to do, and that is install a breather nipple for the stock intake vacuum hose. There are two methods of doing this.
- Use the stock nipple. If you notice, the stock accordion has a plastic nipple where the stock vacuum hose connects. You can pull that out of the stock intake accordion and use that. What I did was cut the lip off one side and then drill a hole the size of the plastic piece (5/8") and inserted the plastic piece into the pipe with some JB-Weld or Epoxy:
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/Plastic.jpg)
- Get a shop (or if you can weld aluminum) to weld a aluminum nipple to the intake so that you can attach the stock hose:
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/weld.jpg)
6. ENJOY!
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1050590.jpg)
Click me!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvkhCkGUj5U
Some of the advantages include:
- Much improved throttle response
- More power, better air flow to motor
- Awesome sound
- Better fuel mileage
- No worries of hydro-locking the motor (As opposed to the Integra CAI method)
- 2.25", 2.5" and 3" pipe widths available
- Looks cool :8
Let's start off by saying that I have had the Integra kit on my car and it was okay, but there are a few drawbacks to the CAI route.
- Possible hydro-lock
- Throttle response is not as crisp
- The pipes always get mangled being shoved into the fender
- Can only fit a small/medium sized filter
- 2.5" size as opposed to my 3" design
- Doesn't look as cool (at least to me)
There are advantages to the CAI as well obviously, like having a cooler air charge, but I didn't notice that much of a difference going to the WAI/Short ram.
Here is a part# list of the parts you will need (If you are creating a 3" intake):
Filter:
K&N filter (You can use whatever cone filter you want) - Part# RE-0930
Cost = 43.68 w/tax
Piping:
Vibrant 45deg. 3" pipe - Part# 2175
Vibrant 45deg. 2.5" pipe - Part# 2177
Vibrant 45deg. 2.25" pipe - Part# 2886
Cost = $29.52 w/tax
Couplers: - There are the part numbers for the 3" intake only. I will update when I have more part number. Also, I have recently heard that black will soon be the only color available.
Blue Couplers:
Vibrant Coupler 3" - Part# 2181B
Vibrant Reducer Coupler 3" to 2.5" - Part# 2180B
Red Couplers:
Vibrant Coupler 3" - Part# 2181R
Vibrant Reducer Coupler 3" to 2.5" - Part# 2180R
Yellow Couplers:
Vibrant Coupler 3" - Part# 2181Y
Vibrant Reducer Coupler 3" to 2.5" - Part# 2180Y
Cost= $19.52 w/tax
Clamps:
You can get these at any hardware store:
Three (3) - 3" Hose clamps (2.5" if using a 2.5" pipe etc.)
One (1) - 4" Hose clamp (For VAF)
Cost = 5$ max.
Total Cost = = $97.72 CAD
Now on to the instructions:
First off, you will notice that there is 2 different sized couplers.
- The 3" to 2.5" coupler is for the Throttlebody to the Pipe.
- The 3" coupler is for the pipe to the VAF
These are stretchy couplers, so the 3" coupler will fit over the VAF with some stretching.
1. Relocate the coolant reservoir:
The first thing you need to do is relocate your coolant reservoir, I am not currently running one; but that is up to you. Unbolt it from its place and move it to the left of the headlight, using a bracket attatch it to the car. (copied from hoodzy's CAI How To):
![Image](http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/hoodzy13/IMG_0376.jpg)
My old setup:
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/Coolant.jpg)
2. Cut the pipe to the appropriate length
I have had to wing it twice to get the measurements for you guys. It is best to use a grinder with a thin disk, a sawsall or a manual metal saw. Here are measurements to take off:
Throttlebody side - 1.5":
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100221.jpg)
VAF/Filter side - 2" :
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100219.jpg)
It is somewhat important to cut more off the VAF side or the intake setup may look abit funny and it will not get the proper reach for the filter to sit in the correct spot. These measurements are for a VERY tight fit. It is somewhat difficult to get in, hence why I over exaggerated the intake measurement abit.
*Important note* - Make sure you clean up any aluminum burrs on the intake pipe after cutting so that you don't tear the couplers or cause damage to the motor but intaking aluminum shards.
3. Get the couplers and VAF/Filter mocked up
Should look like this:
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100156.jpg)
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100157.jpg)
The filter is a tight fit onto the VAF, but with the stock hose clamp you can get it on with some force.
4. Test fit the intake on the car
Test fit the intake first to make sure that it all fits. I found it easiest to unbolt the throttle body to get the intake on. Put the coupler over the throttle body area and nudge it in. Should rest on the frame rail.
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100165.jpg)
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1100166.jpg)
5. Install plastic or aluminum breather nipple
So there is one thing left to do, and that is install a breather nipple for the stock intake vacuum hose. There are two methods of doing this.
- Use the stock nipple. If you notice, the stock accordion has a plastic nipple where the stock vacuum hose connects. You can pull that out of the stock intake accordion and use that. What I did was cut the lip off one side and then drill a hole the size of the plastic piece (5/8") and inserted the plastic piece into the pipe with some JB-Weld or Epoxy:
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/Plastic.jpg)
- Get a shop (or if you can weld aluminum) to weld a aluminum nipple to the intake so that you can attach the stock hose:
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/weld.jpg)
6. ENJOY!
![Image](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/solo_ryder/Intake/P1050590.jpg)
Click me!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvkhCkGUj5U