I bought a 968 airbox to test out the airbox modification on my car based on the good reviews. However, I'm going to stick with the stock filter as I just don't want to have to clean and oil a K&N filter. Plus with my luck I'll over oil the damn thing and screw up my MAF sensor.

Anyway, are the trim rings for the mod really necessary and what are they and where can I get them? IIRC someone told me they were speaker parts.

 

They are speaker parts- Dave Grieman used to sell them but not sure where to get them now. They clean up the look and possibly smooth the air flow but no big deal not to have them.

 

I have the box mod with no trim rings. Big deal if they smooth air flow, whats that equal? 1/16HP?

Run the K&N, just be light on the filter oil and only oil the far side of the filter.

 

The trim rings are subwoofer parts...not sure about the HP ramifications on running without them, but it evidently has an effect on the sound...more "ratty" sounding without them.

Also, if I'm interpreting all of the various discussions and testing correctly, you DON'T realize the extra performance gains unless you use the K&N...in other words, the drilling of the holes is an added bonus when running the K&N filter.

Cleaning and oiling the filter is easy...come by my office one evening or weekend and I can show you/help you if you're hesitant.

- Darryl

 

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Darryl, now I remember it was you that told me about the subwoofer parts when I was at your shop. I guess I should man-up and put in the K&N. I'll get in touch if I run into any problems.

I'll go without the trim rings as I have the plastic trim and it won't show anyway.

 

Richard,

You do get some improvement when using the stock air filter, but only approx half as much as compared to using the K&N.

- Darryl

 

Running K&N filter is not worth messing up the wires in the MAF...my opinion and that of a lot of others. But many run K&N and swear by them. I've just seen MAF wired coated with solidified oil. That has to affect performance, wouldn't you think?

H2

 

I have a new in box K&N filter if you want it, some how I ended up with an extra. Just don't over oil it and the MAF should stay clean. Even without the K&N I would imagine it would improve the sound.

 

You can get the subwoofer ports at Crutchfield they are the 2 inch ports

 

In the original airbox mod dyno testing done by Flash and Dave Greimann the measurable difference between the stock and K&N filter was small. I did the mod over the weekend (with great help from Paul Johnson). I kept the oem filter for now.

I felt an immediate difference, particularly in initial throttle response. No question about it. The car also sounds better. A bit more throaty on acceleration. Did I get 10 more horsepower and 6lbs or torque? Who knows - but it was easy to do and clearly made a difference. The big challenge now is to stay out of the throttle as the response and sound is so much fun. Damned gas prices.

 

I just picked up my 2" hole saw. I can't wait till after work today.

 

A small file was also handy to smooth the cut edges and clean up the residue from the saw. I did not install the trim rings. As the box is hidden by the front vanity trim piece in my '93 I am not concerned about how it looks - you can't see it. As for the minute advantage of smoother air flow... well, I don't think I live in the world of that sort of distinction.

I am, however, keeping an eye on my temp gauge. All reports are that there is no problem, particularly with the vanity cover in place. But you never know.

I forgot to mention that my wife noticed the difference riding with me. That spoke volumes!

 

I have the holes with vanity cover in one and not in the other, no temperature problems with either now that I replaced the radiator in my problem child.

 

SpeedBump:

I sent you a PM about the K&N filter.

I'll try both to see if there is a difference. I'll be using the seat-of-my-pants dyno.

 

I put the holes in my extra air box and ran it in the car with both a new stock filter and a new K&N filter. The car definitely felt stronger with the holes but I couldn't feel a difference between the filters. The car seemed a bid louder as well. I will keep the K&N in the car for now.