Happy New Year!

I have a 92 RS with a stock TBI 305, and I'm looking for modest power improvements on the cheap. I've already run some searches and read through https://www.thirdgen.org/tbiramair.

I know this has been gone over over and over, but I have a few specific questions that I can't find answered anywhere else:

1. Because of air velocity or momentum, can a smaller "ram air" CAI be better than a big one, just like a huge exhaust pipe loses velocity? (IOW, a good-sized scoop, but not a huge tube diameter.)

2. For the same reason, is there any significant advantage to routing the CAI with smooth curves instead of sharp ones, also like the exhaust? I might think any gains would dissipate as soon as it hits the air filter.

3. If the snorkel was cut off the air cleaner, but I screwed an original one back on with the Thermac and everything reconnected, will California emissions accept that as part of a stock intake?

Thanks!

 

i would say trying to run a smaller cai to pick up velocity wouldnt gain anything up there and would basically just be a restriction. curves in the piping are essentially restrictions also. you want zero restriction ahead of the throttle body. not sure about cali emissions junk, but your only looking to possibly gain a couple hp at best messing with the inlet piping.

 

Happy new year to you as well! This question really should be posted in the TBI section, not here, but I'll bite.

The stock TBI air cleaner system is terrible and certainly holds these engines back. Since you are in California, you should keep all the stock stuff on a shelf and not mess with it at all, and just avoid that potential headache altogether. Put it back on the car when it's time for an inspection.

Ram air is a marketing term Pontiac used to sell cars. You will see no benefits from trying to do any kind of ram air setup. Cool air is always a good thing.

So this leaves you with 2 options. Get an open element setup, or fabricate something from a stock air cleaner you can likely find cheap at a pick and pull type wrecking yard. A good option may be an air cleaner base from an lo3/lo5 truck to modify. I am unsure if the Camaro air cleaner lid will fit it perfectly, but they are close. The trucks have 2 studs for the lid, and with that lid it may not clear your hood.

 

Thanks for the advice!