Need Feedback On Saleen 98mm Airbox W/ Hard Plastic Upgrade Tube

[red05bullitgt]

Guys ! I happen to be running a Saleen series VI S/C on my 2006 GT which was installed with a C&L racer inlet tube and pipeline 101mm MAF..

The car was already installed with both the S/C and C&L intake when I purchased it, but since I've owned it, I've noticed a few clearance issues with the intake tube rubbing on both the top of the alternator and inner hood..

I was looking into replacing the C&L intake setup for the JLT series 3 which is supposedly designed to fit with a Saleen S/C and the stock hood, however after speaking with several other 05 and 06 owners, they provided some negative feedback concerning hood clearance issues they encountered with the JLT intake..

So after talking with several local tuners, I was recommended to look into running either the Steeda 90mm cold air intake with the stock Saleen rubber inlet tube or find a stock Saleen airbox lid which has a 98mm MAF housing built in along with their upgraded hard plastic inlet tube..

So my question is this.. If I decide to go with the Saleen airbox setup that I just described, will I notice any substantial power and airflow loss due to running an enclosed airbox which is considered as being restrictive when compared to running a cold air intake such as the Steeda 90mm CAI ?

If I do decide to go with the Saleen setup ? Bear in mind that I will be cutting out the bottom section of the stock airbox in order to increase airflow which hopefully will reduce the restrictions of running an enclosed airbox..

In addition, I'll most definitely be getting my car custom tuned regardless of which setup I decide to go with..

In the meantime, I'd be really grateful for any feedback and support in addressing my concerns..

Thanks in advance

 

[ROMAD]

It has been my experience with CAI's that the enclosed box is not what restricts air, its the diameter of inlet tube combined with the CFM rating of the filter itself. I have even gained from using a modified stock box with the larger maf/inlet to provide good flow with more heat protection which = the Cold part of CAI... just my $.02

 

[kwesty]

Do you already have the hood insulation liner removed? If not, removing that may give you just enough clearance that you won't have to replace it.

 

[red05bullitgt]

It has been my experience with CAI's that the enclosed box is not what restricts air, its the diameter of inlet tube combined with the CFM rating of the filter itself. I have even gained from using a modified stock box with the larger maf/inlet to provide good flow with more heat protection which = the Cold part of CAI... just my $.02

Would you mind sharing as to which steps you took in modifying your stock airbox in order to retrofit a larger MAF/Inlet ?

The only solution I can think of.. Is by cutting the bottom section out of the stock airbox and then replace the stock airbox lid with the larger Saleen 98mm MAF lid along with their larger diameter plastic inlet tube..

If you wouldn't feel comfortable in sharing which steps you took in this thread ? You can always feel free to send a PM instead..

 

[red05bullitgt]

Do you already have the hood insulation liner removed? If not, removing that may give you just enough clearance that you won't have to replace it.

Well to be honest with you, I actually cut a section of the hood liner where it was rubbing and it actually made the problem worse.. After cutting the hood liner section out, it now rubs metal to metal from the center of the hood onto the inlet tube band clamps attached to the throttle body..

I also called team JDM about this and was informed by Jim III that I would have to go with 1/2 inch lowering motor mounts in order to have enough clearance using the C&L racer inlet tube due its shape and size..

However on the other hand, lowering my engine is not an option because my car's suspension has been lowered by 1 and 1/4 inches in the front and would have even more issues with bottoming out more so than I do now as it is..