Cheap Ram Air
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Cheap Ram Air
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Author Topic: Cheap Ram Air
Twisted99
Member
Posts: 114
Registered: 07-21-1999
From: Dixie
posted 02-19-2000 12:38 PM
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I'm sitting at worked sorta bored so I noticed how nice the fog light openings in the bumper are. What do Ya'll think about the old flex hose with a T prior to the conical filter. Maybe a cold air box. the older Lightnings were fitted with one from the power stroke, the box that is. Just a thought I really haven't looked for specific routing of the hoses.
Jeff
------------------
Red 99 Lightning #812 4/30/99 (Totaled)
Black 99 Lightning #1542
5/25/99
White 88 SVO Merkur Xr4ti
Sand Gold 88 Xr4ti
Silver 95 SHO
Red 99 Prelude SH adopted
IP: Logged
Steve Bopp
Member
Posts: 86
Registered: 09-14-1999
From: Torrance, CA
posted 02-19-2000 02:35 PM
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Nice idea, just don't want to give up the lights.
------------------
99.5 White Lightning.
#3299, Built 8/5;
Snuglid, Bedrug, PSP filter, window tint (limo back, 70% sides).
IP: Logged
Burninout101
Member
Posts: 164
Registered: 12-28-1999
From: Beaumont,Tx
posted 02-20-2000 12:38 AM
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Was thinking the same thing but not had the time to try anything as of yet. Heres an idea off the top of my head- run a flex tube from lower grill and to the hole in the finder wall, maybe more trouble then helpful know that i think about it but, what the he!! its a idea. Ideas are made to be broken and replaced with a better one.
------------------
Justen Franklin
Burninout101@aol.com
Beaumont,TX
99 Red Lightning #3987
IP: Logged
Nathan
Member
Posts: 368
Registered: 09-24-1999
From: San Antonio, Texas
posted 02-20-2000 05:10 PM
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Since the intercooler radiator doesnt take up the entire lower grille that might not be a bad idea...
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Bill Murray
Member
Posts: 597
Registered: 05-14-99
From: Kennesaw, Ga. USA
posted 02-20-2000 05:59 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I too have pondered these same possible routings (I do not use the fog lights for example).
But.......and a serious but, Ford pays guys $50K per year to do serious computer simulations on air flow/temperature/density and all of that to come to the stock layout.
Half a dozen good companies do the same research that results in what we can buy over the net or in a speed shop that do a better job than the stock setup.
I honestly would not have a clue as to how a ducting arrangement to, for example, the fog light openings would help or hinder our performance.
Maybe we have some engineers on the board, maybe Sal knows something, I'm not sure, but I would like to get a "professional" opinion.
Bill
'
IP: Logged
LightningTuner
Member
Posts: 328
Registered: 08-05-1999
From: Centereach, NY, US
posted 02-20-2000 06:57 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think most "ram air" systems are used based on the theroy that they should help. Take the Ford diesel "ram air" tube used on the first gen trucks. Almost everyone with a first gen truck has used it, but you won't see a spec of power from it, it just "makes sense". My opinion on the posted ram air set up is that I don't think it would be a good idea. When you're driving on a blacktop surface, the hottest air is what is coming off the road (or track). So having a low pick up for the ram air, scoops the hot air coming off the road. Just my thoughts...
------------------
SAL (E-mail- PowerSurgePerf@aol.com)
13.35@103mph
All stock with PSP 99 Lightning Chip and Filter Kit
Power Surge Performance--- Your SOURCE for SVT Lightning EFI Tuning and Performance!! http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
IP: Logged
BABolt
Member
Posts: 299
Registered: 08-04-1999
From: Dearborn Heights Mi.
posted 02-20-2000 06:58 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.02 Worth
I don't think you will find a cheap ram air setup that you can live with everyday and in all conditions. The auto engineers spend a lot of time designing an air induction system and there are many constraints that they have to deal with: packaging, noise attenuation, water ingestion / snow packing and lets not forget performance. Plus I may have left some items out too. Ducting air from the fog lamp location is fine for your brakes but could spell trouble for your intake system, warm /hot air at the pavement plus the potential of hydro-lock if you ingest water from a sudden down pour. Maybe the best way is to spend the time reworking a fibreglass aftermarket hood or wait for one to become available.
------------------
BABolt
SVT#290
[This message has been edited by BABolt (edited 02-20-2000).]
IP: Logged
Bill Murray
Member
Posts: 597
Registered: 05-14-99
From: Kennesaw, Ga. USA
posted 02-20-2000 07:16 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BaBolt:
Yup, darn it, I forgot the hood. But then the question is from the front, from the middle (bulge) or from the rear.
Again, bazzillions of bucks have been spent on this question and we have a fairly unique vehicle here. But...let's keep the thread going and see if we can come up with a workable solution.
Bill
IP: Logged
mswaim
Member
Posts: 51
Registered: 10-06-1999
From: Fresno CA USA
posted 02-20-2000 07:16 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I like the theory also of the fog light openings for air intakes, but the danger of water induction would probably be pretty high. I know I always worried about the low mounting point used by Vortech for the air cleaner on my 97 Cobra. Vortech will tell you that they have never heard of an instance of water induction causing problems with their setup, but I still worried enough to make the car a fair weather machine.
------------------
Mark Swaim
1999 Lightning (sold)
1997 Cobra (deceased)
1993 Cadillac Allante
IP: Logged
Twisted99
Member
Posts: 114
Registered: 07-21-1999
From: Dixie
posted 02-20-2000 07:42 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I understand the hot pavement point and the hydrolock possibilities. Just brainstormin'
about what if... I carried it a bit further
thinking maybe forming a pipe\hose of sorts that could be used at specific times for a pressurized intake. A hose\fitting arrangement could be quick changed. Maybe a
T prior to the filter, cool air box\cylinder with a flapper type valve that could be closed in inclimate weather....I know Sal loooked at underhood temps and said that at speed there was insignificant variation. Yes I know the Eaton presssurizes the intake but cooler air must help.Realizing that cold weather application might be the make or break condition. If the ram air hoods produce horsepower why would this theory be fallible for a "CHEAP" ram air..I know Cervanni and others make the hooods for normal aspirated engines..But that they are about to market the ram air for the Supercharged Lightnin'. Just some thoughts....
Thanks for any and all commments.
Jeff
Author Topic: Cheap Ram Air
Twisted99
Member
Posts: 114
Registered: 07-21-1999
From: Dixie
posted 02-19-2000 12:38 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm sitting at worked sorta bored so I noticed how nice the fog light openings in the bumper are. What do Ya'll think about the old flex hose with a T prior to the conical filter. Maybe a cold air box. the older Lightnings were fitted with one from the power stroke, the box that is. Just a thought I really haven't looked for specific routing of the hoses.
Jeff
------------------
Red 99 Lightning #812 4/30/99 (Totaled)
Black 99 Lightning #1542
5/25/99
White 88 SVO Merkur Xr4ti
Sand Gold 88 Xr4ti
Silver 95 SHO
Red 99 Prelude SH adopted
IP: Logged
Steve Bopp
Member
Posts: 86
Registered: 09-14-1999
From: Torrance, CA
posted 02-19-2000 02:35 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nice idea, just don't want to give up the lights.
------------------
99.5 White Lightning.
#3299, Built 8/5;
Snuglid, Bedrug, PSP filter, window tint (limo back, 70% sides).
IP: Logged
Burninout101
Member
Posts: 164
Registered: 12-28-1999
From: Beaumont,Tx
posted 02-20-2000 12:38 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Was thinking the same thing but not had the time to try anything as of yet. Heres an idea off the top of my head- run a flex tube from lower grill and to the hole in the finder wall, maybe more trouble then helpful know that i think about it but, what the he!! its a idea. Ideas are made to be broken and replaced with a better one.
------------------
Justen Franklin
Burninout101@aol.com
Beaumont,TX
99 Red Lightning #3987
IP: Logged
Nathan
Member
Posts: 368
Registered: 09-24-1999
From: San Antonio, Texas
posted 02-20-2000 05:10 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since the intercooler radiator doesnt take up the entire lower grille that might not be a bad idea...
IP: Logged
Bill Murray
Member
Posts: 597
Registered: 05-14-99
From: Kennesaw, Ga. USA
posted 02-20-2000 05:59 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I too have pondered these same possible routings (I do not use the fog lights for example).
But.......and a serious but, Ford pays guys $50K per year to do serious computer simulations on air flow/temperature/density and all of that to come to the stock layout.
Half a dozen good companies do the same research that results in what we can buy over the net or in a speed shop that do a better job than the stock setup.
I honestly would not have a clue as to how a ducting arrangement to, for example, the fog light openings would help or hinder our performance.
Maybe we have some engineers on the board, maybe Sal knows something, I'm not sure, but I would like to get a "professional" opinion.
Bill
'
IP: Logged
LightningTuner
Member
Posts: 328
Registered: 08-05-1999
From: Centereach, NY, US
posted 02-20-2000 06:57 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think most "ram air" systems are used based on the theroy that they should help. Take the Ford diesel "ram air" tube used on the first gen trucks. Almost everyone with a first gen truck has used it, but you won't see a spec of power from it, it just "makes sense". My opinion on the posted ram air set up is that I don't think it would be a good idea. When you're driving on a blacktop surface, the hottest air is what is coming off the road (or track). So having a low pick up for the ram air, scoops the hot air coming off the road. Just my thoughts...
------------------
SAL (E-mail- PowerSurgePerf@aol.com)
13.35@103mph
All stock with PSP 99 Lightning Chip and Filter Kit
Power Surge Performance--- Your SOURCE for SVT Lightning EFI Tuning and Performance!! http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
IP: Logged
BABolt
Member
Posts: 299
Registered: 08-04-1999
From: Dearborn Heights Mi.
posted 02-20-2000 06:58 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.02 Worth
I don't think you will find a cheap ram air setup that you can live with everyday and in all conditions. The auto engineers spend a lot of time designing an air induction system and there are many constraints that they have to deal with: packaging, noise attenuation, water ingestion / snow packing and lets not forget performance. Plus I may have left some items out too. Ducting air from the fog lamp location is fine for your brakes but could spell trouble for your intake system, warm /hot air at the pavement plus the potential of hydro-lock if you ingest water from a sudden down pour. Maybe the best way is to spend the time reworking a fibreglass aftermarket hood or wait for one to become available.
------------------
BABolt
SVT#290
[This message has been edited by BABolt (edited 02-20-2000).]
IP: Logged
Bill Murray
Member
Posts: 597
Registered: 05-14-99
From: Kennesaw, Ga. USA
posted 02-20-2000 07:16 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BaBolt:
Yup, darn it, I forgot the hood. But then the question is from the front, from the middle (bulge) or from the rear.
Again, bazzillions of bucks have been spent on this question and we have a fairly unique vehicle here. But...let's keep the thread going and see if we can come up with a workable solution.
Bill
IP: Logged
mswaim
Member
Posts: 51
Registered: 10-06-1999
From: Fresno CA USA
posted 02-20-2000 07:16 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I like the theory also of the fog light openings for air intakes, but the danger of water induction would probably be pretty high. I know I always worried about the low mounting point used by Vortech for the air cleaner on my 97 Cobra. Vortech will tell you that they have never heard of an instance of water induction causing problems with their setup, but I still worried enough to make the car a fair weather machine.
------------------
Mark Swaim
1999 Lightning (sold)
1997 Cobra (deceased)
1993 Cadillac Allante
IP: Logged
Twisted99
Member
Posts: 114
Registered: 07-21-1999
From: Dixie
posted 02-20-2000 07:42 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I understand the hot pavement point and the hydrolock possibilities. Just brainstormin'
about what if... I carried it a bit further
thinking maybe forming a pipe\hose of sorts that could be used at specific times for a pressurized intake. A hose\fitting arrangement could be quick changed. Maybe a
T prior to the filter, cool air box\cylinder with a flapper type valve that could be closed in inclimate weather....I know Sal loooked at underhood temps and said that at speed there was insignificant variation. Yes I know the Eaton presssurizes the intake but cooler air must help.Realizing that cold weather application might be the make or break condition. If the ram air hoods produce horsepower why would this theory be fallible for a "CHEAP" ram air..I know Cervanni and others make the hooods for normal aspirated engines..But that they are about to market the ram air for the Supercharged Lightnin'. Just some thoughts....
Thanks for any and all commments.
Jeff