air intake and cai

[angelusnhc]

ok i want to get an intake. i saw some newspeed p-flows around for about 140. and alot of ppl have then but i also read you get 5-7 hp gain from it. thats not alot. and i havent seen any cai. does our cars have them? and the are the intakes on ebay any good? i dont wanna spend alot of money for a min gain of hp. but i want a nice loud sound. any suggestions.

[v-dubed]

to tell u the truth their is really no point... air will get reheated bye the turbo... jsut gut your air box and run a ram air tube

[angelusnhc]

i have a 2.0 auto non turbo. so is it worth getting the neuspeed intake or trying to find a cai or getting one of the ebay ones

[v-dubed]

oOo sorry lol... ehh id still just gut your air box... and run a k&n

[angelusnhc]

oOo sorry lol... ehh id still just gut your air box... and run a k&n


what do you mean gut and do you think k&n will be better than a newspeed?

[juston]

If you want to improve performance(you wont notice it since its such a small increase) remove your snow box. Im runing an intake similar to the Neuspeed, and trust me it doesnt do much. Keep your stock air box.. it blocks out engine heat very well. In fact, when I supercharge my car Im actually re-installing the stock airbox. Our cars get really hot under the hood.

If you do get an intake, get a cheaper one. They are all virtually the same, so go with price. You will notice your car is louder.. from the hood end.

[angelusnhc]

If you want to improve performance(you wont notice it since its such a small increase) remove your snow box. Im runing an intake similar to the Neuspeed, and trust me it doesnt do much. Keep your stock air box.. it blocks out engine heat very well. In fact, when I supercharge my car Im actually re-installing the stock airbox. Our cars get really hot under the hood.

If you do get an intake, get a cheaper one. They are all virtually the same, so go with price. You will notice your car is louder.. from the hood end.


ok what is the snowbox? so it sounds like i should stick with the k&n and remove the snow box. and if i get an intake go with a cheap ebay one and get a good filter like k&n and it will be louder that way. am i correct about this?

[juston]

ok what is the snowbox? so it sounds like i should stick with the k&n and remove the snow box. and if i get an intake go with a cheap ebay one and get a good filter like k&n and it will be louder that way. am i correct about this?

Yeah. Click the link to the old forums and type 'snow box' where you search threads. Its very easy and takes maybe 10 minutes to do.

[angelusnhc]

Yeah. Click the link to the old forums and type 'snow box' where you search threads. Its very easy and takes maybe 10 minutes to do.


one last question. will removing the snowbox and adding a k&n in prove performance any.

[juston]

one last question. will removing the snowbox and adding a k&n in prove performance any.


Yes and no. Technically it will allow your engine to breathe easier.. but its not going to make a huge gain. It is however, one of the first modifications people do to their beetles, and its a good place to start :)

[juston]

I just noticed you wanted a loud sound. If you want it to sound loud (it doesnt sound that much louder, but it does sound lower) you can buy an intake off of ebay for 30-40 dollars.

[juston]

Here is what I did last year.
http://24.131.100.149/b1.jpg
stock airbox

http://24.131.100.149/b2.jpg
supplies

http://24.131.100.149/b3.jpg
stock airbox again

http://24.131.100.149/b4.jpg
new intake/filter.

I ran the dryer ducting down the wheel well (where the stock was)when i had everything apart in case i wanted to install a Cold Air Intake. Here is where the vent scoops the cold air from.
http://24.131.100.149/b5.jpg
Just to the right and under the fog light.

What Im going to do is install the factory airbox to replace the open element filter, and attach it to the ducting i have running to the intake. That seems like it would be more efficiant. Basically what I have is Identical to the P-Flow from Neuspeed, and after running I can touch the filter and its super hot, so I know its just sucking in hot air.

[angelusnhc]

i searched for snow box removal and couldnt find any how to's. all i found was info on if its good or bad.. from what i heard it prob does nothing at all. but im going to try it. can you or any fellow org members give me a link to a nice how to bc i know nothing about cars at all.. i think ill get a k&n and remove the snowbox the later upgrade to the neuspeed intake

[v-dubed]

basickly waht u do is take the box out... and u see this tube and u take that tubr out.. aka the snorkel and u cuz a hole in the air box so u can cram more air in their

[angelusnhc]

basickly waht u do is take the box out... and u see this tube and u take that tubr out.. aka the snorkel and u cuz a hole in the air box so u can cram more air in their

thanks for the info. but how do you get the box out. hahaha. i know nothing at all about cars.

[v-dubed]

ok hold on ill find it

[v-dubed]

http://forums.newbeetle.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42448
and how to take it out... u gotta undo 2 screws on the top half of hte box... undo the clame the to maf. and then u can pull the top off.. then the bottom is just a couple of bolts

[juston]

The $150 Neuspeed kit is just a barely there heatshield that doesn't shield much heat and a small breather filter and a large K&N filter. You could just go to your local auto parts store and buy a breather and universal filter and clamp it to your MAF and accomplish the same thing for $30-$40.

exactly

[NYBugman]

I used to have a stock airbox CAI that used a length of 3" hose that went down to the foglight area. I retained my stock filter. It worked fine and it a great DIY option that is easy , affordable, and stealth.

I decided to fab up my own custom CAI with a piece of stainless pipe, more 3" hose and a K&N filter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/Mikes72sb/My%20New%20Beetle/intake_engine.jpg

I did that for sound and as an excuse to do more things on my car ;)

On your 2.0, I'd go with either a modded airbox w. the filter of your choice or, if you felt brave, a CAI like mine. A N/A engine does not want hot air, so an open-element intake would possibly rob your car of power.

[Fowvay]

I have a P-Flo and am very happy with it. I have also removed the rubber engine seal that runs across the back of the engine compartment. This allows a huge amount of cooling air into the engine bay.

When I first installed my P-Flo I too noticed that it would get extermly hot to the touch but now it remains cool all the time... except in severe stop and go traffic (which I almost never encounter).

I like that it only needs a light cleaning every 50,000 miles, I like the intake roar, I like hearing my DV make the Pssssshhh sound, I like the extra hp and I like how it looks. For me it's well worth the money.

[marvins_dad]

The only heat I am worried about is exterior heat!

I got a solution for ya...a real CAI...
http://www.dfwnbclub.org/images/Misc/CAI-3.jpg

Close to Ram Air...
http://www.dfwnbclub.org/images/Misc/CAI-4.jpg

From below...
http://www.dfwnbclub.org/images/Misc/CAI-5.jpg

[juston]

That looks great.. are you using the stock SMIC?

[marvins_dad]

That looks great.. are you using the stock SMIC?

Who were you refering to?


If it was me - yes. 007 (aka Tink) did my CAI and he had one on his previous ride, but after he did his FMIC he realized he wouldn't be able to add the plumbing for a CAI as well...

If you weren't talking to me....pay no attention to the man behind the curtain...:D

[007]

i did marvins. his is one of the best ones i did.

jd

[Anaconda]

Heres a pic of mine.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/Anacondabug/DSCN0309.jpg

Trying to see if I can make a duct somehow to let in some air because I get NO air whatsoever but HOT air. The IC pipe is right next to the filter which is already super hot.

[marvins_dad]

A little late, but here is a great illustration of what the snowbox looks like with the fenders off....

(kcfoxie photos)

[juston]

i did marvins. his is one of the best ones i did.

jd


That is beautiful. I wish I lived closer.

[SMG]

You guys think a P-Flo is worthwhile for me on my 2.0?

SMG

[noR]

I don't. I don't think that's a good source of intake air. Too hot.

[NBTurboFreak]

I have tried several intake systems and so far I am happy with my current one. I am running a ModShack TTDA intake system. It is fully insulated on all sides, wraped in CF and I opted for the thermal hoses which I ran down near the grill. Got mine off e-bay but the guy now has a web site - www.ModShack.info

[angelusnhc]

i did marvins. his is one of the best ones i did.

jd


how much would you charge to make me a cai and ship it to me? and is it something easy to install or do i got to cut anything to put it in?

[Billsbug]

What "rubber engine seal"/"rear engine weather stripping" r u guys referring to? Here in rainy south Florida should I be concerned if I remove it? :confused:

A pic would be great, thx! :-)

[angelusnhc]

What "rubber engine seal"/"rear engine weather stripping" r u guys referring to? Here in rainy south Florida should I be concerned if I remove it? :confused:

A pic would be great, thx! :-)

i would like to know this also

and it seems to me that ModShack TTDA intake system is the best intake we can get for our cars. but its also the most expensive. besides that it seems that we can make our own cai for little money. if anyone has a nice how to on how to make one or if someone can make me one ill be glad to pay for it.

[noR]

No worries about rain. I've gone about 4 yrs and w/o that weather seal in place. No water problems inside, and no rust problem evidenced. There are a few more leaves than normal though.

They're talkin' about the rubber seal at the back of the engine bay.

You can see from above marvins_dad still has the seal in place; hygeine boy does not.

[Billsbug]

No worries about rain. I've gone about 4 yrs and w/o that weather seal in place. No water problems inside, and no rust problem evidenced. There are a few more leaves than normal though.

They're talkin' about the rubber seal at the back of the engine bay.


U mean that rubber stripping that runs across the bay right under the wipers?

[Fowvay]

I borrowed this pic and highlighted the seal. It just pulls off in less then 2 seconds. :bigthumb:

[Billsbug]

I borrowed this pic and highlighted the seal. It just pulls off in less then 2 seconds. :bigthumb:

I guess I know what my next mod is then! :D (if I can ever get it back from VW service ...:rolleyes: )

Anybody seen this little gem yet?

[Billsbug]

Coupla more pics:

[hygieneboy]

What "rubber engine seal"/"rear engine weather stripping" r u guys referring to? Here in rainy south Florida should I be concerned if I remove it? :confused:

A pic would be great, thx! :-)


Open your hood, on top under where the hood seals when closed there is a strip of rubber in front of the wipers. Pull it off or cut it in half and take off the passenger side only ( what I do), it still allows heat to vent out and doesn't let any drops of water have any chance to get onto the filter or battery

[Fowvay]

Even in 6" an hour rain I haven't had more than a stray drop get into the engine bay...

[angelusnhc]

Coupla more pics:


what is that. and how much does it cost. it looks sweet as hell.

[hygieneboy]

A few little mods this morning :)

[Billsbug]

Niiiiiiiiiiiiice! :eek:

[007]

That is beautiful. I wish I lived closer.
thank you. it was my own design.

jd

[juston]

I like the little smiley faces you drew on your pictures :D

[angelusnhc]

ok it seems like i can buy just a k&n air filter and run the oem piping to it and have it work better. like hygene did.

[John Koch]

ok i want to get an intake. i saw some newspeed p-flows around for about 140. and alot of ppl have then but i also read you get 5-7 hp gain from it. thats not alot. and i havent seen any cai. does our cars have them? and the are the intakes on ebay any good? i dont wanna spend alot of money for a min gain of hp. but i want a nice loud sound. any suggestions.The best solution for you and for most everyone is to replace the air filter with a K&N reuseable filter. These flow at a much higher rate and use the stock air intake which starts at the very front and bottom of drivers side, inside the inner wheel well liner. At the very beginning of the air intake system is the snow box. Removing that from the enterance for fresh air improves the air flow some what...I noticed a difference as soon as I installed the K&N filter. I noticed a little bit more performance when the snow box was removed..
Very few CAI systems really function as well as the stock system....I would think twice before investing in any type of CAI and would not expect much improvement in performance..unless some kind of ram air system that required re-locating the air intake on the outside of the body, I would stick with the K&N solution. JK

[manoverboard987]

marvins_dad -

how does your ram air do when wading thru puddles? well, thats an obvious question.

holdon- here's what i meant to ask - is there any problem (assuming you don't ford a river) with sucking water up into the intake? say, during a normal rain storm?

reason i'm askin is becuase im loking to pretty much duplicate your ram air idea, except a lot less stainless steel and a lot more ghetto. i'm talkin dryer ducts and a 20 dollar cone filter. i do however get a lot of rain pretty much at all times of the year, and if water is an issue at all, i'm gonna hafta reevaluate my filter placement.


also, to everyone else-

i'm pretty sure on this one, but the wheel well panel has to be removed to get to the snorkel/snowbox, right? i saw where someone said it was a 10 minute job - if thats true, either the panel doesnt need removed or that person was using a powered drill with a torx bit, cuz i counted 14 screws down there.


i also plan on posting the definitive snorkel/snowbox removal how-to once i actually do it. i've got nothing to do this weekend, so we'll see...

[NBTurboFreak]

i'm pretty sure on this one, but the wheel well panel has to be removed to get to the snorkel/snowbox, right? i saw where someone said it was a 10 minute job - if thats true, either the panel doesnt need removed or that person was using a powered drill with a torx bit, cuz i counted 14 screws down there.


i also plan on posting the definitive snorkel/snowbox removal how-to once i actually do it. i've got nothing to do this weekend, so we'll see...

The fender does not have to come off, but the headlight and fender liner will need to come out.

[w00sh!]

I use my stock airbox, K&N filter, and 3" ram air tube from the airbox that runs down to the driver-side air vent in the TurboS front bumper. I have driven in monsoon-like Florida rainstorms at 70 mph on the highway, without a drop of water in my airbox.

Just imagine the amount of suction necessary to suck water up a 3" diameter tube... not gonna happen... complete immersion in standing water might be another story.

[marvins_dad]

marvins_dad -

how does your ram air do when wading thru puddles? well, thats an obvious question.

holdon- here's what i meant to ask - is there any problem (assuming you don't ford a river) with sucking water up into the intake? say, during a normal rain storm?

reason i'm askin is becuase im loking to pretty much duplicate your ram air idea, except a lot less stainless steel and a lot more ghetto. i'm talkin dryer ducts and a 20 dollar cone filter. i do however get a lot of rain pretty much at all times of the year, and if water is an issue at all, i'm gonna hafta reevaluate my filter placement.


also, to everyone else-

i'm pretty sure on this one, but the wheel well panel has to be removed to get to the snorkel/snowbox, right? i saw where someone said it was a 10 minute job - if thats true, either the panel doesnt need removed or that person was using a powered drill with a torx bit, cuz i counted 14 screws down there.


i also plan on posting the definitive snorkel/snowbox removal how-to once i actually do it. i've got nothing to do this weekend, so we'll see...


Yeah - if you have problems with heavy rains most of the year - not a good design for you.

I've only had one time where it monsooned here in Dallas and I thought the car was going to stall - I kept away from puddles and kept the engine reved while at stop. I the filter got soaked and was just having a hard time getting air through it, but never stalled.
We did have one of the original installs in the club that 007 did that did stall and they had to pull over on the side of the road in the rain to remove the filter so they could get home.
Jason (007)'s first install of this in his 2.0 was pretty smart. He had it set up so that when we have our rainy season he would take the cone from the lower area and place it in the engine bay like some of the earlier installs in this thread. This allowed him to keep the piping in place, but not worry about the cone getting soaked.

I think there was an install earlier tha showed the dryer tube type install.

Good luck!

[Sukhoidave]

As posted before the modshack ttda is a good performer but pricey. I would have posted right away when this thread was started but it was requested that the intake be loud and the ttda is not loud. At least mine is not. No pshh at all. Perhaps a bit of a growl but pretty quiet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/sukhoidave/Wink%20my%20VW%20New%20Beetle/Fullenginebay.jpg

[loseph]

Just make you own cold air intake out of a GTI cold air intake like i did. If you have a 2.0 dont bother just get a filter and take out the air box. But as for all the turbo heating up the cold air stuff, all i know is after i have been driving hard and i pop my hood and feel my cold air intake it is ice cold just like it should be, so i know my turbo air is getting nice cold air unlike the hot engine bay air.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y292/loseph/IMG_0288.jpg


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y292/loseph/IMG_0298.jpg

[NYBugman]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y292/loseph/IMG_0298.jpg

THIS is what I like to see. Ingenuity! :bigthumb:

[GGKauten]

Heres a pic of mine.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/Anacondabug/DSCN0309.jpg

Trying to see if I can make a duct somehow to let in some air because I get NO air whatsoever but HOT air. The IC pipe is right next to the filter which is already super hot.

What is going ON in that picture?!

[GGKauten]

Ok everyone, this is pretty much what I have learned in terms of intakes, and I am sure it is pretty much general knowledge to a lot of you, but it seems like some might find this ammusing.

On a turbo an air intake can make a little difference but it's a drop in a bucket. You can help to deliver colder air to the engine but it's not going to make a whole lot of difference because from what I can tell it still goes to the intercooler and then to the turbo. The factory intercooler is in front of the passenger front tire in that part of the fender. Because of this location it is still succeptable to hot air from the road as well as whatever heat seeps into the piping before it actually gets to the intake manifold. Thus you will not get a whole lot of a performance gain from it.

On an NA car an intake can make a good deal of performance from you but the numbers are still tiny. The biggest advantage is the sound which creates the illusion of a higher performance car. It can also increase performance in cold weather. Cold Air intakes will make a little more power difference but still in single digits here.

With the name brand air intakes you are buying their name, their research, their testing, and their ability to show numbers (typically). When you buy something on eBay you are typically just getting some kit that someone mocked up after a name brand intake and used cheaper pieces to make the same kit. Granted it is all the same "idea" there is still the matter of materials used which can help to alter the amount of heat exposure, and of course the most common feature is the styling benefits.

On any car there is not a whole lot of benefit from JUST doing an intake. If you increase the size of the intake piping or add a filter that allows for a larger amount of air to flow and you still have a factory exhaust then you are allowing more air in, but still trying to push it back out the same tiny piping. An intake is only going to be most beneficial when it is coupled with a high performance exhaust system, increased intercooler performance, larger piping, etc...

It is a great place to start, but if its the only thing you have planned, get used to your numbers because the ponies wont come rushing by adding a cotton/gauze filter element to the exact same OEM setup you had.

This is again a generalization of all that I have picked up since I started modding out cars.

And for all you guys using Home Depot/Lowes parts in your cars.....POWER TO YOU! Haha. That is some of the craziest stuff I have ever seen. I personally would never put that anywhere near my car but I am a brand-name whore. But for those of you who are creative enough and ballsy enough to go with something like that, I applaud you!

If you care to refute, or challenge, or applaud anything I have said please feel free to. These forums are here to learn and I certainly admit my theory above may be falsifiable.

[marvins_dad]

What is going ON in that picture?!
Intercooler pipe is passing by the air inlet with a cone filter on it.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

CAI systems on daily driver that place the air filter down near the ground run the risk of ingesting water into the turbo intake.

If you are really serious about dropping engine bay temps. and keeping cooler air available for an under hood CAI then put an air induction hood on your car, this will allow ambient air to displace the warmer air in the engine bay and allow heat an escape route when the engine is shut off.

This way you can accomplish the goal without mangling or removing seals, you also remove the filter service issues and risk of water intake when using a CAI that places the filter near the ground.

[BlackBug]

I did a CAI on my 2.0 ill post pics tomarrow.
I used header wrap and a heat sheld to deal with the sonna effect going on under the hood.

[angelusnhc]

does anyone else got pictures of there intakes. im not sure if i want to get a drop in and remove the snow box or just get a k&n filter and make my own intake. i want it to be loud but i alos want a heat shield so any ideas on how to make one or where to buy one.

[SMG]

I ordered my Neuspeed intake today :D

[NBTurboFreak]

does anyone else got pictures of there intakes. im not sure if i want to get a drop in and remove the snow box or just get a k&n filter and make my own intake. i want it to be loud but i alos want a heat shield so any ideas on how to make one or where to buy one.


Easiest way - buy an intake with a heat shield then take your DV and flip it over.

[angelusnhc]

Easiest way - buy an intake with a heat shield then take your DV and flip it over.



whats a dv?

[hygieneboy]

Diverter valve: it recirculates turbo boost back into the intake tract and reduces turbo lag when shifting. If this pressure was not released it would put too much stress on the turbo compressor fan blades and they would fail in a short amount of time. Many other turbo cars use blow off valves instead of a diverter valve to relieve pressure between shifts that blow air into the atmosphere in the engine bay . Do a search for " Diverter valve" and see what you come up with.

[noR]

2.0's don't have a DV; that won't help angelusnhc anyway. :)

Flipping the DV makes the spring and diaphram go perpendicular to the air pressure, it doesn't SEEM to hurt it much, and it produces a whistley sound as the air slices through the thin inlet.

[hygieneboy]

She just asked what a DV is. I never said she had one.;) I have something else she doesn't have.

[angelusnhc]

nope i dont got a dv valve. ;-). my idea so far is to buy k&n cone intake and just attach it straight to the maf. how does that sound?

[hygieneboy]

Sounds good to me.

[angelusnhc]

do i need to run that pipping in the middle of the filter like what you did hygieneboy? and mine has a lil sensor thing on it. will this be affected in any way?

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

You can run a cone style air filter but it won't have any substantial effect in terms of performance gains on the 2.0L, however if you're after looks and sound then this might lend a nice improvement.

[GGKauten]

do i need to run that pipping in the middle of the filter like what you did hygieneboy? and mine has a lil sensor thing on it. will this be affected in any way?

If you have a sensor that is attached to the air box, then attaching a cone filter straight to the MAF will eliminate the space needed for the sensor. I dont suggest doing that because I remember on my Protege 5 2.0L if that sensor wasnt in place between the filter and the MAF the car would go into protection and shut back off. So get a two or three inch piece of piping and attach the pipe to the MAF then drill a hole for the sensor in the pipe, then attach the filter to the pipe. That way you still have the sensor in place.

[GGKauten]

You can run a cone style air filter but it won't have any substantial effect in terms of performance gains on the 2.0L, however if you're after looks and sound then this might lend a nice improvement.

I agree, the best gains to be had on a 2.0 are from doing a Cold Air Intake (CAI). Doing a cone filter would mock a Short Ram Intake (SRI) in which the main benefits are a less restrictive filter allowing more air without losing much of the filtering capability, and you will also get a more aggressive sound out of it. The ponies however will not come flowing in just doing a cone.

Another advantage to using a full SRI or full CAI is the metal resonates sound where as the factory plastic dulls sound, so you would get a much more aggressive sound out of doing a full intake setup rather than just adding a filter.

[angelusnhc]

thanks ill keep that in mind.

[angelusnhc]

ok i got an neuspeed p-flow intake super cheap off ebay and i have no idea at all how to install this thing. can someone plz help me here.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

It's very easy and I'll be happy to tell you but it might be easier to have Neuspeed fax or e-mail to you the instruction sheet that normally comes with the P-Flo kit, I'm sure they would be willing.

[angelusnhc]

i already asked for it and im just waiting for them to reply. but i just figured someone might the instructions somewhere or a how to. but if you can tell me i would really be greatfull

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Remove the stock air box and MAF sensor while noting the MAF sensor position, retain the origional air box mounting hardware for reuse.

Transfer the MAF sensor to the P-Flo heat shield positioning it the way it was on the factory air box (you will use the hardware supplied by Neuspeed for this.

Install the billet breather piece in the heat shield so that the breather nipple portion faces the same direction that the air filter will, tighten the nipple very firmly but don't over do it becuase it is aluminum.

install the breather filter with clamp, install the air filter with clamp then fit the P-Flo assembly to the car, the P-Flo mounting holes should line up just like the factory air box (use the original hardware to mount it).

Make sure the intake hose is connected to the MAF sensor, be sure you plug the MAF sensor back in and that the secondary air injection pump hose is connected to the oppostie end where the breather filter is attachedthat all clamps.

[angelusnhc]

Remove the stock air box and MAF sensor while noting the MAF sensor position, retain the origional air box mounting hardware for reuse.

Transfer the MAF sensor to the P-Flo heat shield positioning it the way it was on the factory air box (you will use the hardware supplied by Neuspeed for this.

Install the billet breather piece in the heat shield so that the breather nipple portion faces the same direction that the air filter will, tighten the nipple very firmly but don't over do it becuase it is aluminum.

install the breather filter with clamp, install the air filter with clamp then fit the P-Flo assembly to the car, the P-Flo mounting holes should line up just like the factory air box (use the original hardware to mount it).

Make sure the intake hose is connected to the MAF sensor, be sure you plug the MAF sensor back in and that the secondary air injection pump hose is connected to the oppostie end where the breather filter is attachedthat all clamps.


wow that sounds complicated. ill try and see if i can figure it out. i dont think i can mess anything up if i do it wrong.

[hygieneboy]

I think you should get someone mechanically inclined to help you.:D

[angelusnhc]

i agree i should. does anyone got pictures they can show me. hahaha.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

wow that sounds complicated. ill try and see if i can figure it out. i dont think i can mess anything up if i do it wrong.

It's very easy, just take some time and carefully view your stock intake system as it sits in the car with the instructions I've written in hand.

Do the same with the P-flo system, there is only one electrical plug and that is on the MAF sensor, there are only two places where the stock air box/P-Flo bolt to the vehicle, there are only two directions that you can position the MAF sensor, just be sure to match the existing direction or the plug won't reach.

There is a black plastic hose connecting to your stock air box and you will disconnect it when you remove the stock air box, you will reconnect it to the billet collar that I mentioned in my last post.

The P-Flo kit can be completely assembled off the car on a work bench and there is no drilling or cutting involved, it;s plug and play.

A shop will probably charge you $80 to $100 or so to perform this task but you should do what's most comfortable for you.

Have fun.

[heyou]

I took out my snowbox today, and I was wondering if running some tubing down to the grill would help any performance wise. I have a stock airbox, so basically I'll be drawing air from the grill right into the airbox.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

See the black air intake vent to the left in the picture that use to connect to the stock box?

That now brings air in from the outside to my K&N Extreme air filter and helps to displace "hot air" around the air intake area, works very very well on my setup, far better than the stock box or any variation of.

[heyou]

So you have the stock tubing runngin from under the headlight up to where the air box was. Instead of the airbox, you've got a cone filter on there, but the stock turbing does not connect up to the filter? I've got a 2.0 if that helps. So instead of running new tubing from the airbox to the grill, just replace the airbox with a cone, and leave the stock tubing? I thought our airboxes we're good, and replacing them only hurt, not helped.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

The original fresh air intake duct that normally brings fresh air from the outside into the stock air box is what you see to the right in the picture (1.8t), when the stock air box was removed this duct remained in tact and functional.

The proximity of the exhaust opening of the duct and the front of the Extreme filter is very close and they line up, the K&N Extreme filter also intakes air at it's nose (the portion facing the air duct exhaust opening) which makes it even more efficient.

The air duct doesn't have to be connected to the filter in order to be effective, aside from the fact that it is pointed right at the intake area of the filter and in close proximity, due to the fact that cooler air is rushing through it from the outside and directly into the air filter compartment, it is also displacing any existing engine bay hot air around the filter and replacing it with cooler air as a result.

When you get into a car that has been sitting in the sun half the day the enternal air temps. are usually pretty high, what happens to the hot air in the car when you crack two or more windows as the car starts to move? Well, the effect is the same for my air intake system.

I'm not really familiar with the 2.0L setup but I believe that the air box arrangement is very similar to that of the 1.8t, so it's very likely that this type of air intake system would work.

You don't want to just replace the stock air box with a cone filter, I believe it is still wise to purchase a quality CAI with a good heat shield,
and filter etc.

I use the Neuspeed P-Flo but not the filter that was supplied in it, I'm using the largest K&N Extreme filter that I could fit, increasing surface area and intake capability is always a plus.

There are some people out there that say the CAI systems are only bringing in hot air and that the stock air box is best, well I have a difference of opinion based on factual results on my car, the CAI system that I have in place made a substantial improvement over even a K&N equipped stock air box, the stock air box felt as though it were choking the engine, I would NEVER put that thing back in my car.

[heyou]

Thanks for clearing that up! I might just try a combination of your idea and what SMG is running. He's got a Neuspeed P-flo, but has removed all the stock intake tubing, and cut away some of the engine bay weather stripping, so he sucks air from the back of the bay. Perhaps I could do both? Air gets rammed from the stock tubing, AND from the rear of the engine bay.

[SMG]

Keep in mind that modern airboxes are designed to be quiet first, and flow second.

Most people don't like mega engine noise, but there's almost no way to do an intake and get no gains from it, as it will flow better, regardless of air temperature.

SMG

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

I find it interesting how people love a louder exhaust system but have a problem with a little toneful sound coming from the engine bay due to a CAI, strange.

[heyou]

Well a new exhaust system is next on the docket for me, I just hope that's not too loud. Anyone know how to tell if my car has an airpump or not? Neuspeed sells two different P-flos, one for airpumps, one for cars without them.

[paultakeda]

There are some people out there that say the CAI systems are only bringing in hot air and that the stock air box is best

This is true if fresh air isn't brought in the way you have the stock intake duct still in place and directly feeding your CAI. If you remove that duct, it's possible that the air coming in the hole where the duct used to be is too turbulent to be effective.

In general, a CAI without a source of fresh air will bring in hot air, so there's nothing wrong with a CAI so long as you know you can direct air from the outside towards it.

I've been considering the P-Flow for a few years now. The only reason I haven't done it is that I prefer dry-paper filters versus oil-based ones like the P-Flow's stock or the K&N. I like how you set that up, though, using a bigger K&N on the nice Neuspeed part.

Have you tried to see if a larger piece of tubing gives you less restriction than using the stock intake duct? Or is the intake duct design, though small in diameter, sufficient in supplyng air to the CAI?

This may be a complete loser question, but is there such a thing as a dry-paper cone filter?

No, really, I'm lazy enough to sacrifice a few percent restriction to avoid oil-based filters, but if even if they don't exist, I'll probably just take the plunge and resign myself to oiling the filter whenever I change the oil.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

I don't know for sure whether or not there is a standard paper cone filter on the market but most likely there is, with the exception of off road vehicles and people who travel dirt roads a lot or live in desert type areas, the K&N or oil type filters don't often need cleaning and re-oiling.

When they do require servicing, it takes very little time and it's extremely easy once you get use to the process.

[oneighturbo]

This may be a complete loser question, but is there such a thing as a dry-paper cone filter?

AEM just came out with their new DRYFLOW Synthetic Air Filter
http://www.aempower.com/press_events_detail.asp?aid=58

http://www.aempower.com/articles/bodyImages/184.jpg

i also just added a 3" neoprene tube to my stock OEM box. This option would bring a huge amount of RAM air dumping onto a p-flow type CAI
pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneighturbo/sets/72057594122259129/

[paultakeda]

AEM just came out with their new DRYFLOW Synthetic Air Filter
http://www.aempower.com/press_events_detail.asp?aid=58

http://www.aempower.com/articles/bodyImages/184.jpg

i also just added a 3" neoprene tube to my stock OEM box. This option would bring a huge amount of RAM air dumping onto a p-flow type CAI
pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneighturbo/sets/72057594122259129/

I was just on their site reading about that. :) Thanks!

[paultakeda]

Here's something possibly even better than AEM's DryFlow:

Amsoil EA air filters (https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaa.aspx), including universal-fit cone filters (https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaau.aspx)

Nanofiber construction, reusable.

Cleaning done by vacuuming the dirty side or using a low pressure (15psi) air can applied at a 45 degree angle on the dirty side to knock off particles.

These are cones, but they also sell panel filters... unfortunately, I can't seem to find the one that fits the stock airbox. I've sent them a note asking about this to see if one is or will be available. This would mean anyone keeping the stock airbox or using an aftermarket CAI/SRI can make use of this new tech.

[heyou]

Perhaps I'll try one out, and replace the filter on the Neuspeed P-flo with one.

[heyou]

P-flo will be here the 16th! Can't wait.

[oneighturbo]

I've sent them a note asking about this to see if one is or will be available. This would mean anyone keeping the stock airbox or using an aftermarket CAI/SRI can make use of this new tech.

i got a note back from them when these came out.. they said that unless theres a demand for them they wont be made (panel filter).

supply vs. demand. :rolleyes:

[heyou]

But wouldn't the same panel filter fit an airbox for any MKIV car? I'm su re that would be a HUGE demand.

[Scarab 1]

Just installed Neuspeed P-flow on Saturday(10th) and I must say that I am very impressed with it's fit and finish. Everything is bolted down to something and nothing is left to chance. all harware was included...Good stuff....THAT being said....
:fro:
I highly suggest that the first thing you do with the filter is pull it out of the wrapping and be sure that there is not alot of oil on it. Mine came almost dry but for good measure I put a few paper towels in the filter as well as around it and spun it in a plastic bag for a minute or two. No access, no problems for ME. Love the sound and feels like better response in the butt dyno....

No oil = no cell :D

:firedevil WHAT NOT TO DO :firedevil - I had gone a different direction all together prior to this as I completely took out the bottom of the whole air box and just zip tied a K&N filter to the top part with a dozen ties and THIS thing was sucking everthing that would rise up into it! Don't suggest this one but it worked alright for a while. filter gets way to dirty way to quick and there is nothing to mount it to but sounded good........

[paultakeda]

I'm using the AEM Dryflow with a Neuspeed-style heat shield. Works just fine.

[Scarab 1]

I think ANYTHING with a heat shield is better than what I did prior! :D

[NYBugman]

I've been experimenting with intakes recently and here are my findings thanks to the ol' butt dyno...

My old CAI was nice for noise and bragging rights, but the short-ram (cone filter in the engine bay) allowed for better throttle response and spool-up. I am running the stock airbox right now and it is quiet, but is the best for low-end torque among all 3, hands down. The CAI had more low-end than the short ram, but the CAI choked the turbo in the upper RPMs. Throttle response has gone down with the stock airbox, but the return of low-end torque has offset that.

All in all, the stock airbox is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. The CAI is fun for sound and turning heads, the short-ram was best for throttle response and quick reactions, and the airbox IMO, is best for the street.

So I say do what you want when it comes to the intake. You're not going to win any races by changing anything there.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Well, every car and setup is different, not to mention the individual needs of each driver.

Fortunately for me my CAI setup yields substantial and noticable performance improvements on my engine throughout it's entire power band with no ill effects, the CAI's positive effects have become more and more evident with every power/tuning modification.

On my engine, the stock box with or without a K&N drop in filter did seem to work alright, that is until I installed my CAI, I A/B'd the setup's many times before concluding that without a doubt, I would never, ever, put the stock air box back on my car in any way, shape or form.

You gotta go with what feels right for you and your car.

[r0nd3L]

Too Cold, by CAI do you mean tube going down to lower bumper area or short-ram intake? CAI (Ex. AEM), as in cold air intake, draws air outside engine compartment as opposed to short-ram which draws air inside engine compartment (ex. P-Flow).

[angelusnhc]

i love my neuspeed to death.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Any air flowing through the intake will be cooler than the air the turbo is compressing, I use the under hood CAI, not the CAI design that pipes air in from ground level.

[r0nd3L]

Any air flowing through the intake will be cooler than the air the turbo is compressing, I use the under hood CAI, not the CAI design that pipes air in from ground level.



Don't call it CAI then, dude! CAI is CAI and short ram is short ram in my opinion, doesn't matter if it's NA or FI engine. Confused me like no other, hehe :p

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Sorry for your confusion but, it is what it is.

[r0nd3L]

Short Ram
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_ram_air_intake

Cold Air Intake
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_air_intake

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Nice links but it seems like there is a need to convince, as I said, "it is what it is".

I think it might be time to move on now.

[FineExampl]

my god man you take things way to seriously. :rolleyes:

[r0nd3L]

my god man you take things way to seriously. :rolleyes:

Ohhhh shut up :p

Ok, fine, I'll stop now. lol

[missingman]

With The P-flow do you get a really loud swooshing sound or is quiet?

[noR]

They're all loud.

[juston]

Its a little louder, when you get up on higher rpms like on the highway you can hear kinda like a sucking sound of the engine. As for p-flow.. get something cheap on ebay. They all do the same thing

[juston]

Also I sold my Beetle, then bought it back. The dealership installed the factory air box and got rid of my open element filter, Id have to say it doesnt perform well at faster speeds.. I guess the factory chokes the engine. I used to get up to 120mph on my 2.0 but now after just switching back to the stock air system Im having a hard time hitting 110mph. It also doesnt sound as good.

[r0nd3L]

Short ram definately performs better than stock airbox. I have Eurosport heatshield and AEM Dryflow filter and decided to install stock airbox back in to see how it performed. The car seemed much slower, but it was pleasantly quite inside. In the end, I'd rather have higher performance than quitness.