I'm working on building a 1987 Firebird for the GRM $2010 Challenge, so doing things on a budget is critical. The heater/AC hardware has all been removed from the engine compartment and underdash area. I was originally going to seal up the 5"-ish diameter hole, but had a thought. Rather than fab up a ram air system from the front fascia, or cut a hole in the hood, I could use the stock cowl duct for a source of cold air. Anyone else tried this?

There appears to be somewher in the range of 60-70 square inches of area in the vents right below the windshield, and the cross section area looks considerably bigger than the usual duct that an LG4 engine got from the factory. Add in the screens to keep larger junk from getting in, there's already a drain hole to let water get out, and, IIRC, at speed the base of the windsheild is a high pressure area, and it seems like an excellent plan. I was originally going to be using it as a way to get outside air into the car while its being driven on the street, but if this idea works, I can live with it.

I'm not entirely sure I wouln't pull rain water in, but could just disconnect the piping to the air cleaner assembly and pull in hot air from the engine compartment when its raining.

 

if you are able to seal it all up and get a aircleaner attached somehow, i dont see why it wouldn't work.