drilled airbox issues :(

[bboyskidz]

i really wanted to make swiss cheese out of my airbox but i ran into some unknowns...

there is a thing (a valve of sorts) in the bottom of the box underneath the filter that doesn't seems to be in any of the pics you guys have posted (keep in mind my car is a '97 1.8L CL)


the tube leading out of the airbox (to the engine) is closed by default, but it looks like it opens when it needs to... i have no idea what is going on, it looks like the engine uses recycled air??



would it still be effective if i drilled it out? Also, does this limit my capacity to get a pod filter on there?

[Soundofav6]

hey there, the air box vary in different mk3 engine.
Just to be save don't drill those pipes.. rememeber only drill bottom front and fender side of box. And nothing above filter.

[peedman]

I know pre late 94 model GL's have that too. Its a hot air piper/flapper that used to control the intake temps, supposed to assist in throttle response and give u better fuel consumption (?). No harm in removing it tho.

[GoLfMan]

I know pre late 94 model GL's have that too. Its a hot air piper/flapper that used to control the intake temps, supposed to assist in throttle response and give u better fuel consumption (?). No harm in removing it tho.

i removed it on my Polo and started getting fuel consumption OF ABOUT 15-17L/100

So in my experience dont remove it!

[h100vw]

It directs warm air into the motor on cold days. There should be a pipe from the outside of the airbox round to a bracket/pick up on the exhaust manifold.

Gavin

[bboyskidz]

yes there is... if i were to put in a pod filter, would it hurt to take this bit out? or would it have to be worked into the line somehow?

i want more kilowatts!!!!

[Soundofav6]

I don't think it would hurt to take that bit out... surely it is only working the air mechanically within the air box, if you fit a pod filter on the bottom half would be useless.

I reckon a pod would be the way to go... the power difference OMG !!!

[bboyskidz]

i removed it on my Polo and started getting fuel consumption OF ABOUT 15-17L/100

So in my experience dont remove it!

that is a big difference, but what about all the models without this bit by default? why don't they have such a difference in fuel consumption?

i'm still uneasy about doing anything to it incase it screws something up... can anyone talk from experience? Mk3vr6? GolfLoon?

I've been offered a pod filter for quite a nice price so i'm thinkin about it... just don't want to jeopardize my ride...

[Bug_racer]

Pods in my experience are a waste of time and money for very little gain . Your all assuming that they will make more power but they will actually make you loose power unless they are constructed so that there is no way that the engine can suck in warm air from the engine bay . That is why the airbox works so well . The Pod will give you more instant throttle responce , but once it reaches a certain rpm it will just suck in the warm air coming from the radiator and engine . If you guys are serious about making power start researching portwork , matchporting and head flow characteristics cause the gain from a properly set up air box is only going to be very minor compared to what you can do with just a simple cold air intake . And a Pod , well , your probably loosing power .

[The_Hawk]

I've been offered a pod filter for quite a nice price so i'm thinkin about it... just don't want to jeopardize my ride...

Define a nice price?

A new K&N Pod is about $90 - $100.

There is also a DRiFT branded cold air intake canister style filter, very similar to the BMC CDA filter. Listed at over $200 but they will let them go for about $180.

This is what I am looking at to replace the decidedly ordinary pod filter that I have.

[bboyskidz]

i have plenty of room in my engine bay for alot of stuff and the current filter is miles away from the engine block. i think i'm going to get this K&N filter and make a cold air box with ducts leading from the front guard. biiiig DIY project for the weekend.

[Golfer]

Links to my Swiss Cheese box thread...

There are some good tips in there I think...

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=7455&page=8

Cheers
JHN

[TazzyVR6]

I found this air intake system on TMTuning http://www.tmtuning.com/vw/ called RSD MaxxFlow Kit.
Might interest some of you

[rayray086]

To me, I think it's just a waste of money going for air intake kits. I believe a modded airbox with a K&N filter is just as good as any intake system. With daily driving and the like, you're hardly going to notice much difference. I think it's a better way to set the money aside for other engine upgrades.

[TazzyVR6]

Well i have a 95 VR6 so you say the best option would be to swiss cheese my airbox and put in a K&N panel filter yeah?