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I've done a K&N mod to 1 1996 4Runner. The kit was about $180 at the time. I had to remove the stock air box (which has baffles that reduce noise - and air flow) and other intake bits. Not only was I able to get more HP (especially from a stop with a nice low rumbling sound) and MPG, but my emissions test produced about 1/3 the emissions despite the vehicle being two years older. This modification was not just a filter, but the entire intake system. My MPG on went up by about 2. Naturally I lost some of that with my new found power from a stop on occasion.
I think some of the above results could be realized with the High Flow Intake ($80) sold at GenuineSaab. The front intake snorkle ($14) would become a moot point in that configuration. Maybe I'll give it a whack, and post some hard numbers. Maybe I can get a dyno before and after.
The strangest part of my intake experience, would be that my old intake faced forward (toward the grill). That could explain some of the crap I used to find lodged in my air filter. I did the $14 swap, and the new intake faced rearward (towards the radiator). I have not "felt" any improvement. As I never dyno'd the car prior to, nor after this modification, I can only go by what I feel. I am definately not getting better gas mileage, nor any HP that I can feel. Changing my tire pressure has more of an affect (tested on highway trips - with driving conditions taken into consideration).
Without the use of a wind tunnel, I can only assume that the flow of air in the vicinity of the intake is less effective (to make it simple). Even the modification performed by SG has me scratching my huge heed. (Simplified again) Air flow across the top of an opening as his pictures show, may be even less effective than the rearward configuration. Depending upon actual air flow direction, it could even create a vacuum effect as it passes over the relatively level opening.
With that in mind, one has to wonder about the effects of the turbo "sucking" air into the system. The car is programmed for an air/fuel mixture of 14.7:1 for optimum performance. My first conclusion is that the less restrictive flow should contribute to an initial enhancement from idle/stop and any other driver inputs to "go faster". At higher speeds, the air intake direction would definately play a part; otherwise, the scoop on a supercharger would be merely decorative. :-)
To sum it up, with all other parts of the system created equally (the ECU, sensors and external environment), air restriction at the point of intake will play a role in engine performance. This can be quickly confirmed by plugging up most of your intake and clogging up your filter. You will notice a degradation no matter how much the electronics attempt to correct it. so... by opening it up, we should be able to see increased performance.
, Wed, 2 Aug 2006 11:23:12, Wed, 2 Aug 2006 12:27:30, Wed, 2 Aug 2006 23:06:15
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