SLP air boxes
#1
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Car: 92 Firebird
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SLP air boxes
I have been wanting to remake the SLP air boxes out of aluminum for some time. I just learned how to use Sketchup, so I can quickly make the templates for sending to a place to cut out what is needed.
I could get more templates made, and this thread is to gauge interest in making more than one or two for me. I would want my box in aluminum and would increase the cost since I would have to TIG all the parts together and increases the difficulty. Or if I could figure out how to attach the sides to the top/bottom mechanically, most likely rivets, I could cut the time down to make them. I would say a flange, but I don't have a brake or bender so it would have to be something else to attach them together. The straight parts would be easy, just some small angle and put all the holes necessary, but the back side of the box is round. I know there was another SLP box, but I had the dual cold air setup with the rounded boxes. If anyone has any ideas, I am open to hearing them, or if someone has measurements of the other boxes, I would consider making that one too.
Alternatively, I could have them made out of steel instead of aluminum and MIGing them would take little time at all.
If anyone is interested, please let me know. This box could be made LH/RH easily since the area in front of the wheel housings is relatively mirrored, so it could be made for a Firebird or Camaro.
I am planning on making it look as much like the SLP box as possible, but with some minor differences. There was a support bracket at the back and it broke off almost immediately since it was not supported really. I may make the box a little longer so it covers the entire battery tray instead of the way it is currently. I am also planning on using the dzus fasteners like SLP did for the lid. Another change I may consider is the air filter size. It is an odd diameter, 3.25" but a 3.5" or 4" filter may be better for people, especially for people who may be doing engine swaps, like an LSx where the TB is bigger than a TPI
I am going to try to draw it up in a few weeks and then find out about pricing after that.
I could get more templates made, and this thread is to gauge interest in making more than one or two for me. I would want my box in aluminum and would increase the cost since I would have to TIG all the parts together and increases the difficulty. Or if I could figure out how to attach the sides to the top/bottom mechanically, most likely rivets, I could cut the time down to make them. I would say a flange, but I don't have a brake or bender so it would have to be something else to attach them together. The straight parts would be easy, just some small angle and put all the holes necessary, but the back side of the box is round. I know there was another SLP box, but I had the dual cold air setup with the rounded boxes. If anyone has any ideas, I am open to hearing them, or if someone has measurements of the other boxes, I would consider making that one too.
Alternatively, I could have them made out of steel instead of aluminum and MIGing them would take little time at all.
If anyone is interested, please let me know. This box could be made LH/RH easily since the area in front of the wheel housings is relatively mirrored, so it could be made for a Firebird or Camaro.
I am planning on making it look as much like the SLP box as possible, but with some minor differences. There was a support bracket at the back and it broke off almost immediately since it was not supported really. I may make the box a little longer so it covers the entire battery tray instead of the way it is currently. I am also planning on using the dzus fasteners like SLP did for the lid. Another change I may consider is the air filter size. It is an odd diameter, 3.25" but a 3.5" or 4" filter may be better for people, especially for people who may be doing engine swaps, like an LSx where the TB is bigger than a TPI
I am going to try to draw it up in a few weeks and then find out about pricing after that.
Last edited by scooter; 12-28-2016 at 08:54 PM.
#2
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Re: SLP air boxes
The dual cold air uses different boxes than the single. The single box is relatively flat on all sides, but it's not exactly "square". There are a few angles involved to make it fit the available space.
Aluminum would be more durable, but also more expensive. The original SLP boxes are very cheesy plastic. It's not hard to understand why the tabs, etc had a habit of breaking. A slightly heavier plastic, or a composite would be more durable, and once the molds are worked out, production would be relatively unlimited.
The #1 annoyance with the SLP cold airs is how much stuff is in the way. The single requires removing the air cleaner support and the evap can, and on the later cars at least the overflow tank and the AC lines to the condenser have to come out to get the box in place. The side marker light harness has to be rerouted too. The dual setup requires moving the battery, and figuring out a solution for the upper radiator hose. The point being that a person would probably be just as far ahead to run a few pieces of mandrel bent aluminum pipe to a filter in the inner fender. Add a plate to shield the inner fender from engine bay heat and it'd be easier to fab, easier to install, and work just as well.
Aluminum would be more durable, but also more expensive. The original SLP boxes are very cheesy plastic. It's not hard to understand why the tabs, etc had a habit of breaking. A slightly heavier plastic, or a composite would be more durable, and once the molds are worked out, production would be relatively unlimited.
The #1 annoyance with the SLP cold airs is how much stuff is in the way. The single requires removing the air cleaner support and the evap can, and on the later cars at least the overflow tank and the AC lines to the condenser have to come out to get the box in place. The side marker light harness has to be rerouted too. The dual setup requires moving the battery, and figuring out a solution for the upper radiator hose. The point being that a person would probably be just as far ahead to run a few pieces of mandrel bent aluminum pipe to a filter in the inner fender. Add a plate to shield the inner fender from engine bay heat and it'd be easier to fab, easier to install, and work just as well.
#4
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Car: 92 Firebird
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Re: SLP air boxes
The dual cold air uses different boxes than the single. The single box is relatively flat on all sides, but it's not exactly "square". There are a few angles involved to make it fit the available space.
Aluminum would be more durable, but also more expensive. The original SLP boxes are very cheesy plastic. It's not hard to understand why the tabs, etc had a habit of breaking. A slightly heavier plastic, or a composite would be more durable, and once the molds are worked out, production would be relatively unlimited.
The #1 annoyance with the SLP cold airs is how much stuff is in the way. The single requires removing the air cleaner support and the evap can, and on the later cars at least the overflow tank and the AC lines to the condenser have to come out to get the box in place. The side marker light harness has to be rerouted too. The dual setup requires moving the battery, and figuring out a solution for the upper radiator hose. The point being that a person would probably be just as far ahead to run a few pieces of mandrel bent aluminum pipe to a filter in the inner fender. Add a plate to shield the inner fender from engine bay heat and it'd be easier to fab, easier to install, and work just as well.
Aluminum would be more durable, but also more expensive. The original SLP boxes are very cheesy plastic. It's not hard to understand why the tabs, etc had a habit of breaking. A slightly heavier plastic, or a composite would be more durable, and once the molds are worked out, production would be relatively unlimited.
The #1 annoyance with the SLP cold airs is how much stuff is in the way. The single requires removing the air cleaner support and the evap can, and on the later cars at least the overflow tank and the AC lines to the condenser have to come out to get the box in place. The side marker light harness has to be rerouted too. The dual setup requires moving the battery, and figuring out a solution for the upper radiator hose. The point being that a person would probably be just as far ahead to run a few pieces of mandrel bent aluminum pipe to a filter in the inner fender. Add a plate to shield the inner fender from engine bay heat and it'd be easier to fab, easier to install, and work just as well.
I would just need to know whether you need a RH or LH
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Car: 1989 Pontiac Formula 350
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Re: SLP air boxes
My airbox is on the passenger side.
To me, it wouldn't have to be an exact replica of the SLP, just functional.. and better than cheesy early 90s plastic.
If you managed to make the install suck less that's a bonus.
Note that the SLP box came with relocation stuff for the charcoal filter. Pretty sure it's just vacuum line. Not sure where they had you relocate it /shrug
To me, it wouldn't have to be an exact replica of the SLP, just functional.. and better than cheesy early 90s plastic.
If you managed to make the install suck less that's a bonus.
Note that the SLP box came with relocation stuff for the charcoal filter. Pretty sure it's just vacuum line. Not sure where they had you relocate it /shrug
#6
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Car: 92 Firebird
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Axle/Gears: 3.45 9 Bolt
Re: SLP air boxes
My airbox is on the passenger side.
To me, it wouldn't have to be an exact replica of the SLP, just functional.. and better than cheesy early 90s plastic.
If you managed to make the install suck less that's a bonus.
Note that the SLP box came with relocation stuff for the charcoal filter. Pretty sure it's just vacuum line. Not sure where they had you relocate it /shrug
To me, it wouldn't have to be an exact replica of the SLP, just functional.. and better than cheesy early 90s plastic.
If you managed to make the install suck less that's a bonus.
Note that the SLP box came with relocation stuff for the charcoal filter. Pretty sure it's just vacuum line. Not sure where they had you relocate it /shrug
A quick look at filters with a 3.5" ID and open, may be a problem, like the original filter. I'll have to find the original filter part number, I have them, and see if that one is even available. I'll contact K&N and see if they have something and I'm just not seeing it on their site
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Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
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Re: SLP air boxes
The point being that a person would probably be just as far ahead to run a few pieces of mandrel bent aluminum pipe to a filter in the inner fender. Add a plate to shield the inner fender from engine bay heat and it'd be easier to fab, easier to install, and work just as well.
I could draw more icy cold air than a Canadian jet stream in January
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#9
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Re: SLP air boxes
If anyone has any ideas, I am open to hearing them
I've had a SLP dual setup in my stash for at least 15 years, picked up the single a few years ago (like 10?) and have never installed it because I didn't feel like messing with the car enough to make the thing fit. They look neat, but I don't feel the hassle is worth the minimal improvement. So they're in the future project pile.
#11
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
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Re: SLP air boxes
I have several pictures of the aluminum boxes in cars someplace and a few other pictures of another Hawk with unpainted aluminum air boxes and a plastic crossover tube. Those crazy SLP kids
#12
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Car: 92 Firebird
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Re: SLP air boxes
I asked for ideas on how to connect the top/bottom to the sides without welding and without bending flanges since welding it out of aluminum would be cost prohibitive to most people and I am not sure how to connect the rounded part easily without welding. I am not going to get into composites since I am making them out of aluminum for myself.
I COULD potentially make the dual crossover tube, but it would be quite an endeavor and it would take a large brake/bender to make the tube out of one piece of material. I would have to get the crossover tube back from the person I sold it to to model one though.
I COULD potentially make the dual crossover tube, but it would be quite an endeavor and it would take a large brake/bender to make the tube out of one piece of material. I would have to get the crossover tube back from the person I sold it to to model one though.
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Re: SLP air boxes
I'd be interested in a set (L & R side) of the dual CAI boxes as long as they are pretty much identical in measurements and appearance.
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Re: SLP air boxes
why not find a prefab'd collar from a dryer hook up or HVAC stuff? Perhaps a walk through the duct isle at home depot/ace hardware?
#18
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Re: SLP air boxes
OK, looks like there is interest for 4 extra boxes to make. I still have to finish the drawing and get some pricing, will be a little while, I am still putting my car back together, I don't want to drive my Suburban all winter if I can help it. I will try to get something up in a week or two, just to look at, lol