Quick help needed: Drill S2 airbox?
07-23-2006, 08:06 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Quick help needed: Drill S2 airbox?
I know and agree that the S2's airbox is sweetly positioned in the cool fresh air. But I have it apart to replace the filter and discovered there is only an inlet at one end. There are some internal structures too - and I wonder if the intake isn't "tuned" or aerodynamically engineered in some way.
Any reason to NOT drill holes all along the front of the housing to get air going straight into the filter?
Thanks in advance.
RK
Any reason to NOT drill holes all along the front of the housing to get air going straight into the filter?
Thanks in advance.
RK
07-23-2006, 08:13 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
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Since it is under the header panel, it is designed to maximize the lifespan of the filter. Starts on one side and will slowly draw air/ clog from one side to the other. This saves you from pulling the header panel off everytime you want to check it. Replace it at the specified intervals....
Want to pull your panel more often, drill it. That's all the it will do for you...
~Clint
Want to pull your panel more often, drill it. That's all the it will do for you...
~Clint
07-23-2006, 08:18 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Ah - clever - those german engineers!
But - I WOULD trade shorter replacement intervals for more airflow - crisper response - more power, etc - IF those are the benefit to drilling.
This is a garage queen, never sees rain, winters, etc. I have a daily driver.
So - WOULD I see performance benefits at the expense of shorter lifespan of the filter? Seems worth it to me.
RK
But - I WOULD trade shorter replacement intervals for more airflow - crisper response - more power, etc - IF those are the benefit to drilling.
This is a garage queen, never sees rain, winters, etc. I have a daily driver.
So - WOULD I see performance benefits at the expense of shorter lifespan of the filter? Seems worth it to me.
RK
07-23-2006, 08:23 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
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I can't imagine better airflow into the motor unless the filter was partially clogged.
As far as a benefit, I highly doubt it would be anything you would feel. I would go with a chip before drilling into the airbox.
As far as a benefit, I highly doubt it would be anything you would feel. I would go with a chip before drilling into the airbox.
07-23-2006, 08:30 PM
#7
Addict
Rennlist Member
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I think the only reason to drill the airbox is to make it sound different. You'll get a louder and more intense sound but I don't believe you'll realize any horsepower gains.
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07-23-2006, 08:46 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
Theres a kid at my work who recently got a nissan sentra spec-v, so of course he asks we what mods to buy...
"So, how about a cold air intake, will I get more power?"
"Most likely not - you might even lose some. But it might sound better."
"It will sound better? Really? Because...I'd be willing to give up 5hp for better sound."
"So, how about a cold air intake, will I get more power?"
"Most likely not - you might even lose some. But it might sound better."
"It will sound better? Really? Because...I'd be willing to give up 5hp for better sound."
07-23-2006, 09:20 PM
#9
Instructor
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The car is noisier if you drill it. Unlike the 2.5, I've never heard of anyone claiming (and proving) an actual power/response difference. Also, a good rainstorm will cause the paper filter to become a soggy (clogged) torn filter. If you do it, get a K&N S2 filter (not that I like them, but they aren't paper). If you want to try it to hear the noise (many people like the intake roar), just remove the whole front (top) and zip tie the filter in place (and don't drive in the rain). It is also fairly easy to fit a complete cone filter, again, if you like the noise ...
The stock front (top) is designed to even out the airflow to the filter over time and keep debris (i.e., leaves and/or snow) from clogging the whole assembly. (I've tested the latter extensively :-) )
The rear-engined cars benefit from drilling because all the noise-making parts of the car are at one end (and air-cooling adds even more noise); thus, the air filter has to be muffled, i.e., restricted, to meet noise regulations.
The Swiss have the most strict noise regs, and the Swiss version of the S2 has an intake muffler to reduce intake noise. The rest of us don't have one.
BTW, if you want better throttle response, the flywheel/clutch/pressure plate assembly is where to look. However, the car may feel a lot less refined without a rubber-centered clutch.
YMMV
The stock front (top) is designed to even out the airflow to the filter over time and keep debris (i.e., leaves and/or snow) from clogging the whole assembly. (I've tested the latter extensively :-) )
The rear-engined cars benefit from drilling because all the noise-making parts of the car are at one end (and air-cooling adds even more noise); thus, the air filter has to be muffled, i.e., restricted, to meet noise regulations.
The Swiss have the most strict noise regs, and the Swiss version of the S2 has an intake muffler to reduce intake noise. The rest of us don't have one.
BTW, if you want better throttle response, the flywheel/clutch/pressure plate assembly is where to look. However, the car may feel a lot less refined without a rubber-centered clutch.
YMMV
