Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: SC
Car: Black 1991 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7L V8
Transmission: Monster Trans 700r4
Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
So I have a 91 GTA and I'm debating on removing the front fog lights and blinkers from the bottom of the bumper. After that I would use some sort of tubing and send the air from both sides through their own air filters and then straight to the throttle body. Is this a decent idea and what, if there are any, problems could this cause, I don't want to do this without opinions incase I'm overlooking any future problems. Im thankful for any feedback
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,928
Likes: 1
From: Georgetown TX
Car: Base 91 'bird
Engine: 3.1 v6
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.27 & PBR
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
Where/how would you relocate the lights? I've been thinking of that but not for a street car.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: SC
Car: Black 1991 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7L V8
Transmission: Monster Trans 700r4
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
Im more worried about getting my blinkers back, im not too worried about my fog lights. I don't want to do anything crazy but maybe get blikers to install into my mirrors and I haven't driven it in a while so I don't remember but if they don't already, id get my fog lights wired as blinkers too. I know its not the best solution but theres no place id want to try to stick any lights. If it became a problem there may be a way to even mount them at the bottom of the bumper while trying not to make it look too bad
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
There's no point in going through all of that for a cold air intake. You'll only get a 2% increase in power.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: SC
Car: Black 1991 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7L V8
Transmission: Monster Trans 700r4
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: SC
Car: Black 1991 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7L V8
Transmission: Monster Trans 700r4
Trending Topics
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
I'm sure the only increase he saw was throttle response. That's not a cold air, and being that close to the radiator isn't going to make it any colder either. All you really get with a ram or cold air intake is more throttle response, so it feels like more power, but in all reality it's about 3 more hp.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: SC
Car: Black 1991 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7L V8
Transmission: Monster Trans 700r4
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
I'm sure the only increase he saw was throttle response. That's not a cold air, and being that close to the radiator isn't going to make it any colder either. All you really get with a ram or cold air intake is more throttle response, so it feels like more power, but in all reality it's about 3 more hp.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
Car: 89 Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
It would be a lot more efective if you mounted a 1" or 2" high by 10" wide scoop just under the front bumper on each side or a wider on one side and directed the air flow up to the airboxes.
I did this a while back (in '97) on my 87 TA. I used some hvac ducting from Home Deeps, some 7" flexible tubing and cut a hole in the side of the air box and mounted hvac ducting to it. Keeps fog lights in position and water intrusion is not a problem because of oil on K&Ns.
Or do what lb9 did and use metal ducting and custom make an air box using the camaro flat filters instead of a round or cone.
Where there's a will there's a way.
I did this a while back (in '97) on my 87 TA. I used some hvac ducting from Home Deeps, some 7" flexible tubing and cut a hole in the side of the air box and mounted hvac ducting to it. Keeps fog lights in position and water intrusion is not a problem because of oil on K&Ns.
Or do what lb9 did and use metal ducting and custom make an air box using the camaro flat filters instead of a round or cone.
Where there's a will there's a way.
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
The stock piping is restrictive. Using bigger pipes allows the engine to actually get to the air it needs. Whether that air is warm or cold doesn't really matter, just as long as you aren't getting your air from a 200* source.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,214
Likes: 1,140
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
SLP used to make CAI kits for your car. They used the stock plastic tube to a nice OEM looking plastic box that bolts to the PASS side of the engine compartment and contained a K&N filter.
They also offered a dual cold air kit that was used on the 92 Hawks. It has 2 plastic air boxes and required the batt 2 b moved to the rear.
Here is my old beater 89 with the SLP cold air box and custom 4" aluminum tubing I'm building.
They also offered a dual cold air kit that was used on the 92 Hawks. It has 2 plastic air boxes and required the batt 2 b moved to the rear.
Here is my old beater 89 with the SLP cold air box and custom 4" aluminum tubing I'm building.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: SC
Car: Black 1991 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 350 5.7L V8
Transmission: Monster Trans 700r4
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
SLP used to make CAI kits for your car. They used the stock plastic tube to a nice OEM looking plastic box that bolts to the PASS side of the engine compartment and contained a K&N filter.
They also offered a dual cold air kit that was used on the 92 Hawks. It has 2 plastic air boxes and required the batt 2 b moved to the rear.
Here is my old beater 89 with the SLP cold air box and custom 4" aluminum tubing I'm building.

They also offered a dual cold air kit that was used on the 92 Hawks. It has 2 plastic air boxes and required the batt 2 b moved to the rear.
Here is my old beater 89 with the SLP cold air box and custom 4" aluminum tubing I'm building.

Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,214
Likes: 1,140
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
They come up for sale used from time to time. I'll keep my eyes open for ya.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville, NC
Car: 86 Camaro
Engine: 350 LT1
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Id try to fab one up yourself Anthony. Its hard to see in that picture but all it looks like is a simple box.
Posted from Thirdgen.org App for Android
Posted from Thirdgen.org App for Android
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Bremen KY
Car: 1985 firebird
Engine: 360"sbc NA pump gas
Transmission: Th350 manual valve body
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 bolt 4.11:1
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
If you cut a hole big enough for the intake tube to pass through the battery tray and put a filter on the other side/bottom of the tray, you wouldn't need any box. And I can guarantee you that box setup will still absorb some heat from the engine bay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,214
Likes: 1,140
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
The SLP box is a OEM type plastic/vinyl/abs or whatever.
My under hood temps are very low compared to a stockish 3rdgen, 160 t-stat, aluminum heads, no A/C, and Jet hot coated headers..
The very 1st SLP box setups were aluminum.
The only problem I see with the filter on the bottom side of the battery tray, is when it rains. It could have a better chance of sucking water up.
My under hood temps are very low compared to a stockish 3rdgen, 160 t-stat, aluminum heads, no A/C, and Jet hot coated headers..
The very 1st SLP box setups were aluminum.
The only problem I see with the filter on the bottom side of the battery tray, is when it rains. It could have a better chance of sucking water up.
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
The SLP box is a OEM type plastic/vinyl/abs or whatever.
My under hood temps are very low compared to a stockish 3rdgen, 160 t-stat, aluminum heads, no A/C, and Jet hot coated headers..
The very 1st SLP box setups were aluminum.
The only problem I see with the filter on the bottom side of the battery tray, is when it rains. It could have a better chance of sucking water up.
My under hood temps are very low compared to a stockish 3rdgen, 160 t-stat, aluminum heads, no A/C, and Jet hot coated headers..
The very 1st SLP box setups were aluminum.
The only problem I see with the filter on the bottom side of the battery tray, is when it rains. It could have a better chance of sucking water up.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 12,214
Likes: 1,140
From: Il
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
And outer filter covers but since I'm old,
I don't like:
laying under my car for basic filter maintenance
and drilling huge holes in my car.
I do like:
a semi OEM could have built it look,
filter in a easy spot to get to,
I'll stick w the SLP setups.
I don't like:
laying under my car for basic filter maintenance
and drilling huge holes in my car.
I do like:
a semi OEM could have built it look,
filter in a easy spot to get to,
I'll stick w the SLP setups.
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 865
Likes: 15
From: simi valley, southern cali
Car: 92 Camaro Rs.R
Transmission: wc t-5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
make a aluminum tube that runs over to the driver or pasenger side, cut a hole in the tray where the stock filter canister use to be and run it under the car in the wheel well... that cold air also. i did one like that for mine..
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Janesville WI
Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI 5.0L
Transmission: Automatic with shift kit
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
For the open air intakes does it really make much of a difference? Its just sucking in the hot air from the engine bay isn't it? I'm trying to find a way to make a air filter for my 86 trans am and I'm trying to get the best result from it as I can. I do like the setup of the two air filters going right into the throttle body. It looks pretty sweet but how effective is it?
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
If both flow the same amount there is a 2% gain with colder, more dense air. That's all.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Bremen KY
Car: 1985 firebird
Engine: 360"sbc NA pump gas
Transmission: Th350 manual valve body
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 bolt 4.11:1
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
2% of 350hp.....that's 7hp. If I'm going through the trouble of fabbing a cai I'd get that too.
Plus if your spraying or running boost that cooler air will be worth a lot more before detonation.
Plus if your spraying or running boost that cooler air will be worth a lot more before detonation.
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
That's nice that you have 350hp. The OP doesn't. I doubt the OP is spraying or boosting either. That 2% is mostly torque, not hp.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 64
From: Wittman,Az
Car: 86 IROC-Z, '71 RS
Engine: 305 TPI/ 350
Transmission: 700R4/TH350
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
I think you would be best off trying to fab up something from a Camaro TPI car using the stock airbox. You are gong to have to do some cutting, ut the parts are out there an you can use all IROC parts.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Bremen KY
Car: 1985 firebird
Engine: 360"sbc NA pump gas
Transmission: Th350 manual valve body
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 bolt 4.11:1
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
Lol, I run 6's in the 1/8, 10's in the 1/4....I passed the 350hp threshold in high school.
You gotta build hp somewhere so why not get all you can since you are going though all the trouble of fabbing it up yourself. My pervious post was not just directed to the op but all who are contemplating building their own. That kind of "oh well it's just 2%" is the main reason the fox body mustangs are "generally faster" than third gens.
Don't get me going on a rant here!!!
You gotta build hp somewhere so why not get all you can since you are going though all the trouble of fabbing it up yourself. My pervious post was not just directed to the op but all who are contemplating building their own. That kind of "oh well it's just 2%" is the main reason the fox body mustangs are "generally faster" than third gens.
Don't get me going on a rant here!!!
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 64
From: Wittman,Az
Car: 86 IROC-Z, '71 RS
Engine: 305 TPI/ 350
Transmission: 700R4/TH350
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
Lol, I run 6's in the 1/8, 10's in the 1/4....I passed the 350hp threshold in high school.
You gotta build hp somewhere so why not get all you can since you are going though all the trouble of fabbing it up yourself. My pervious post was not just directed to the op but all who are contemplating building their own. That kind of "oh well it's just 2%" is the main reason the fox body mustangs are "generally faster" than third gens.
Don't get me going on a rant here!!!
You gotta build hp somewhere so why not get all you can since you are going though all the trouble of fabbing it up yourself. My pervious post was not just directed to the op but all who are contemplating building their own. That kind of "oh well it's just 2%" is the main reason the fox body mustangs are "generally faster" than third gens.
Don't get me going on a rant here!!!
LOL,He HAS a good point there! 2% here, 2% there, and pretty soon you are talking about some pretty big numbers!
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
2% of nothing is still nothing though. Yes, you have to start from somewhere, so do stuff that will actually make more power.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Bremen KY
Car: 1985 firebird
Engine: 360"sbc NA pump gas
Transmission: Th350 manual valve body
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 bolt 4.11:1
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
I guess man, just how much more would you expect?
Here's my cowl cold air scoop.
Here's my cowl cold air scoop.
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
Cowls are a different story. Cowls actually do make a difference.
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Bremen KY
Car: 1985 firebird
Engine: 360"sbc NA pump gas
Transmission: Th350 manual valve body
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 bolt 4.11:1
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
It better be more than 2% or its going in the trash!! Lol
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: long island ny
Car: 1987 camaro sc
Engine: lg4 305
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
with tpi caai really wont make a difference since you have to route the tubing next to the radiator. simple as that you mainly feel the less restrictive air filter
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
a cowl wont do much for a TPI, in theory, cold air injection (if its actually cold out) would theoretically expand inside the motor to increase the power....i did a "cool air intake" which is like LB9GTA's.
i would never do a cold air intake, the power is just theoretical for it. I'd rather keep my fog lights and do a cam than cold air. IMO
i would never do a cold air intake, the power is just theoretical for it. I'd rather keep my fog lights and do a cam than cold air. IMO
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 50
From: Manitoba
Car: '91 GTA
Engine: 421sbc
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9" with 3.89
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
I could make mine into a cold air intake but the practicality goes down the toilet with it.
Once that extra pipe is added closer to the ground(also closer to more dirt, stones and water) the bigger the chance to suck up something.
Once that extra pipe is added closer to the ground(also closer to more dirt, stones and water) the bigger the chance to suck up something.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
Car: 89 Formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Custom cold air intake idea. need opinions please
The rocks/debris issue is resolved with hot gluing or bolting a screen from an old window or some tight mesh "chicken wire" to ducting from a household HVAC (central air) system. Or hit the bone yards for an ABS piece from another car that might work. I did a bunch for friends of mine back in the dya on F cars, a couple fox bodies, and a Supra.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1992 Trans Am
History / Originality
27
May 10, 2023 07:19 PM
Brinkkl2000
Tech / General Engine
5
Aug 4, 2018 08:29 AM
kyle5647
Tech / General Engine
1
Aug 15, 2015 11:56 PM












