|
What does F.I.P.K. mean? What is a Cold air Induction
System?
Which is better, SLP or
K&N?
Why replace the stock air filter with a
K&N Filtercharger?
How about those super
tubes and that G2 system?
Is it possible to make
a homemade induction system?
How do I make a
functional RAM Air Setup?
Where can I find a
K&N Conical Filter?
Is removing the MAF
Screen worth the trouble?
What is the Tornado and
Turbo Zet and what will it do for my engine?
What does F.I.P.K. mean? What is a
Cold air Induction System?
It stands for Filter Injection
Performance Kit. It is an aftermarket intake system made by K&N that
improves performance by using a high flow conical air filter that 'sucks' cold
air into the engine. The Air is drawn from a 'cavity' underneath the OEM filter
box, just above the lower air deflector. A setup like this is often referred to
as a 'Cold air system/Package'. This technique has proven to give optimal
results on all 4th Generation engines. It works on 3rd Gens as well, some
modification might be needed though.
Which is
better, SLP or K&N?
With so many different systems on the
market you probably can't see the forest for the trees. Now, which system to
choose? SLP, K&N, or some other ... They are all on par as far as
performance gain is concerned, since they all do the exact same job (flowing
Cold air with the least amount of resistance), but there are differences in
pricing, appearance, and availability. You can't go wrong with any of these 3,
it's just a matter of personal taste and looking for a good deal!
The
K&N F.I.P.K system is extremely popular, it's made for the 3.4 & LT1
V-8 engine, but can be fitted to the 3800 as well, this does require an
additional 'adaptor' making the F.I.P.K pretty steep at about $260! I do
believe that this adaptor can be made at home for about $10.
The SLP system
fits both the 3.4 & the 3800, the appearance appeals too most people, and
the price is right. (Around $190)
The R&D system is a F.I.P.K replica
from what I understand made by R&D and works the same way, but it's a lot
cheaper.
Note: The Morosso system can be compared to the F.I.P.K as they
are almost identical, but cheaper.
Why replace
the stock air filter with a K&N Filtercharger?
Replacing the
OEM square 'wonder bread' air filter with a high flowing version (For instance
K&N) will improve performance, however the gains will NOT be like any of
the above Cold air systems. The intake tube is just too restrictive, the filter
box doesn't collect the 'coldest' air possible and it's proven that Conical
filters simply flow better than the square versions.
How about
those super tubes and that G2 system?
Again, these will improve
performance, but not to the full extend ! The super tube takes care of the
restrictive OEM tube, but you will still be using the filter box and square air
filter. The G2 system is a bit better as it replaces the tube and an improved
filter box, but it still can't achieve the same results like the Cold air
system can. Besides, these products are far from cheap so investing some extra
cash and getting a real cold air system is a wise thing to do!
Is it
possible to make a homemade induction system?
Sure you can!
There are several ways to make your own high flowing Cold air system for way
under $100! They all come down to the same thing: replacing the plastic intake
duct, replacing the OEM square filter by a Conical filter, and relocating the
filter into the 'cavity' (underneath where the OEM filter box used to sit).
How do I make
a functional RAM Air Setup?
Sure, there are plenty of ways in
creating one that isn't expensive yet giving noticeable gain !
Where can I
find a K&N Conical Filter?
Any good performance shop has
these in stock, or they can order them. The filter used in the F.I.P.K kit has
the following part # RF 1015 (K&N replacement F.I.P.K filter)
Is removing
the MAF Screen worth the trouble?
Well for starters, this
applies to the 3800 engine ONLY as the 3.4 does NOT have one. The MAF screen is
supposed to prevent small debris from entering the Throttle Body and protects
the MAF sensor and engine in a way. In theory it's kind of hard to imagine
debris getting past the air filter ! So removing it isn't going to harm the
engine in any way ! Some people claim power gains, while others disagree and
even complain about engines that run roughly at idle. Well, it doesn't cost
much to remove the MAF screen so it's always worth the try just to see if you
like it or or not.
What is the
Tornado and Turbo Zet and what will it do for my engine?
In
short: The Tornado is a small non mechanical, no maintenance device which is
placed in the intake tube before the throttle body. It ‘swirls’ the
incoming air which then will create a better mixture (together with the fuel),
and this will then result in better combustion, emissions and more power. The
Turbo Zet is a small electrical supercharger that will improve the airflow and
builds low air pressure to increase engine performance. It costs $300, but the
company that sells it (SSE) is located in Singapore and is extremely hard to
contact ! Why ?
Update: I removed my homemade intake system in favor of a
SLP system, I left the TZ off to re-experience the TZ again after driving some
time without it. I will need an adaptor to make it work anyway so I guess it
will be around spring before I do the TZ re-test in combo with the SLP and
re-post my experiences when it's finished.
|