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I’m just curious and I never saw a post about these two together but, could i open up the hood scoop on my 89 formula and flip the air cleaner lid? I know there has been discussion about how it is useless to flip the lid because there would just be hot air from the engine bay, but if the hood scoop is opened up, would that not make it better? I don’t know what I’m missing / not thinking about and I’m really just interested to see what anybody else is thinking. Also if it is okay to do, where do I find the mesh to put in place of the plastic cover for the scoop? (Or could i just make my own?)
I’m just curious and I never saw a post about these two together but, could i open up the hood scoop on my 89 formula and flip the air cleaner lid? I know there has been discussion about how it is useless to flip the lid because there would just be hot air from the engine bay, but if the hood scoop is opened up, would that not make it better? I don’t know what I’m missing / not thinking about and I’m really just interested to see what anybody else is thinking. Also if it is okay to do, where do I find the mesh to put in place of the plastic cover for the scoop? (Or could i just make my own?)
I don't think opening the scoop will have a measurable affect even with a flipped air cleaner. Without some sort of ducting between the two, the opening in the scoop will likely only flow air out from under the hood instead of drawing air in. The only way I see the no-duct solution helping could be from (very minor) improved heat extraction under the hood.
I think you'll get a more aggressive sound if you do that. Not sure of any power increase, though.
I see the mesh being sold on eBay.
I recently put an '84 TA cowl induction, with mesh and drip tray, on my '87 Formula. I modified the flapper so it's always open. You can hear it, especially when the secondaries open up on the carb. I'm not sure about power, but I'm a sucker for that sort of thing.
Why don't you flip the air cleaner cover and remove the scoop block off plate and take it for a spin and report back to us.
I think you'll get a more aggressive sound if you do that. Not sure of any power increase, though.
I see the mesh being sold on eBay.
I recently put an '84 TA cowl induction, with mesh and drip tray, on my '87 Formula. I modified the flapper so it's always open. You can hear it, especially when the secondaries open up on the carb. I'm not sure about power, but I'm a sucker for that sort of thing.
Why don't you flip the air cleaner cover and remove the scoop block off plate and take it for a spin and report back to us.
Okay I’ll let you know this weekend, just fixing some brake lines 🥶
I don't think opening the scoop will have a measurable affect even with a flipped air cleaner. Without some sort of ducting between the two, the opening in the scoop will likely only flow air out from under the hood instead of drawing air in. The only way I see the no-duct solution helping could be from (very minor) improved heat extraction under the hood.
Even then, I’m good with that, as I’m not really looking for any crazy improved performance. Just wanted to know if it’s a bad idea like with rain or anything.
Years ago, when I had my '83 LG4 TA, I had that intake arrangement shown in post #3. I wired the valve open, and I plugged the snorkel so it was always pulling outside air. THEN, I started to wonder if the "cowl induction" actually did anything? I got a piece of 5/8" hose and stuffed it onto one of the drain nipples that's on the left side, then plugged the other one. I then ran this hose between the cowl and the hood in a way that it wouldn't get pinched and then into the car through the driver's side window....then went for a drive. At 40 mph, there was "cold"/outside air, blowing out of that hose. For me, firebird cowl induction confirmed. Is it "super charging" anything? No, but it is positively feeding the air filter housing and doing so w/outside air.
I ended up plugging both drains, and the standard intake snorkel, and running the car all the time drawing all air through the cowl/hood.
Things I learned from this:
1. Rain didn't harm anything. I lived in New England, it rains there....didn't ever bother the car.
2. Rain dripping on the engine? We wash our engines. It's O.K. for the engine to get wet.
3. Power gains? No idea. I'm sure it depended on conditions. My LG4/auto went 15.2@85mph with no muffs, free 'mods' and a mild cam, FWIW (not much!)
4. Later, I did the same mod to an '83 LU5/CFI TA, with headers, free mods, and a T5 swap, that car went 14.5@95 FWIW.
Upshot? I think it's a zero risk, free mod, that can't hurt to try it.
Years ago, when I had my '83 LG4 TA, I had that intake arrangement shown in post #3. I wired the valve open, and I plugged the snorkel so it was always pulling outside air. THEN, I started to wonder if the "cowl induction" actually did anything? I got a piece of 5/8" hose and stuffed it onto one of the drain nipples that's on the left side, then plugged the other one. I then ran this hose between the cowl and the hood in a way that it wouldn't get pinched and then into the car through the driver's side window....then went for a drive. At 40 mph, there was "cold"/outside air, blowing out of that hose. For me, firebird cowl induction confirmed. Is it "super charging" anything? No, but it is positively feeding the air filter housing and doing so w/outside air.
I ended up plugging both drains, and the standard intake snorkel, and running the car all the time drawing all air through the cowl/hood.
Things I learned from this:
1. Rain didn't harm anything. I lived in New England, it rains there....didn't ever bother the car.
2. Rain dripping on the engine? We wash our engines. It's O.K. for the engine to get wet.
3. Power gains? No idea. I'm sure it depended on conditions. My LG4/auto went 15.2@85mph with no muffs, free 'mods' and a mild cam, FWIW (not much!)
4. Later, I did the same mod to an '83 LU5/CFI TA, with headers, free mods, and a T5 swap, that car went 14.5@95 FWIW.
Upshot? I think it's a zero risk, free mod, that can't hurt to try it.
As I mentioned, I've left my scoop flap in the opened position. I got caught in a surprise, hard, driving rain last year and I thought, oh $h!t this probably isn't good.The car didn't even care.
If you open the scoop and don't have the drain tray and duct work (even with sometimes) water can get on intake and into engine. Happened to a friend a couple yrs ago. He has the drain tray but no cold air parts.
Ive had mine open for years. Lets some cool air in as well as lets some hot air out. I dont drive it in the rain but have got caught a few times and didnt notice any water under the hood.
