the bigger the better?

coolgrinder33 · 03-28-2009, 11:33 PM

Does filter size matter? Will a smaller air filter on a CAI diliver the same amount of air flow as a larger filter?

cherrington17 · 03-28-2009, 11:35 PM

your airflow will be restricted by the size of the TB and air duct... as well as internals of the UIM/LIM.

bigger filter just takes up more room

coolgrinder33 · 03-28-2009, 11:46 PM

thats really what i thought

[ion] C2 · 03-28-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherrington17

your airflow will be restricted by the size of the TB and air duct... as well as internals of the UIM/LIM.

bigger filter just takes up more room

filter flow capability is important too... if two filters have the same size "air hole" we'll call it, and one filter has more surface area, that filter can flow more air.

coolgrinder33 · 03-28-2009, 11:56 PM

does more surface area in realistic terms really make that much of a difference?
I kind of think its just for looks

knuckleballer32 · 03-29-2009, 12:14 AM

I feel that a filter can be small enough to restrict the capability but any bigger and it will depend on the throttle body's capability. I personally have to look for a k&n that is shorter so it doesn't hit the wheel well like my stock cosmo racing one. I don't think it will affect the flow any even though it will be smaller.

heineck · 03-29-2009, 12:23 AM

ur cosmo hits the wheel well? mine sits about 2 inches away from the well?

Redog · 03-29-2009, 12:25 AM

Yes, air flow is restricted by the smallest opening, however, the bigger the filter, the more surface that air can get in

knuckleballer32 · 03-29-2009, 12:32 AM

Yea. I don't know what it is Heineck. It doesn't cause any problems so its not a problem. Im gonna get a k&n for my bday though, just a shorter one so it doesn't hit.

heineck · 03-29-2009, 12:46 AM

cool what do you have the l61 or ld9?

knuckleballer32 · 03-29-2009, 12:48 AM

I have an LD9

heineck · 03-29-2009, 12:49 AM

oh ok i have the 161 thats y

knuckleballer32 · 03-29-2009, 12:51 AM

That explains it. How do you like the ecotec? my bro has one in his alero but i have never driven it.

heineck · 03-29-2009, 12:59 AM

its cool nice on gas, itll haul ass even though its not really the meanest lookin engine. i woulda prefered an LD9 tho but the ecotecs cool, once i start boostin well see what the eco can handle

Bad99Olds · 03-29-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heineck

its cool nice on gas, itll haul ass even though its not really the meanest lookin engine. i woulda prefered an LD9 tho but the ecotecs cool, once i start boostin well see what the eco can handle

alot.

heineck · 03-29-2009, 01:12 AM

im hopin, i gotta a pretty big build in mind, maybe after ASS ill go pick up a spare at the yard and start my build

AleroB888 · 03-29-2009, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolgrinder33

Does filter size matter? Will a smaller air filter on a CAI diliver the same amount of air flow as a larger filter?

If the engine build-up demands it, or you turbo or supercharge it, you will most likely benefit by using a larger filter. With nitrous, maybe not as much.

The way to test if you need a larger filter (or MAF sensor, or throttle body), is measure vacuum after (downstream of) the device in question at wide open throttle. If you measure 0.5 in. of vacuum or less, you don't need a bigger filter. If you measure something like 3-6 in.vacuum or so, you definitely can get more power by upgrading, provided your fuel delivery is also up to par.