Okay, I wanna get my hands dirty today, and I was going to tackle a makeshift intake until I get an open element. Theres that little snorkel that is funneled from a 4x1.5 inch elipse, to a 2x1 inch tiny pipe... Well what if I cut that little POS off at the top of it so it stuck out just enough to tape it or clamp it to the tube? It would almost double the max air flow :P

Well one problem. Theres that little sensor thingy, and tube thingy on it... Could you tell me what they are and what they do? Do I need them for my car to run good? Tell me what I should do with them! They're just sitting there doing nothing and probably reducing my power! Ive got a PICTURE if you dont understand what I'm saying.

THANKS

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1992 Pontiac Firebird (stock)
- 5.0L V8 TBI / Automatic Trans / Every option, excluding leather
- Killer car audio system:

• Aiwa CDC-MP3 head unit
• Rockford Fosgate 360a2 amp
• pair of 12" MTX Thunder 5000s in a custom box
• Pioneer 3-way 6x9s, soon to add more more more!

 

1 I Jack,

The thingy is a Thermac diverter valve.

When the engine and air temperature are below a specified point, the Thermac valve draws intake air through the hose on the underside of the snorkel. The opposite end of this hose should be connected to a shroud covering the exhaust manifold. This "stove" preheats teh incoming air to warm the engine more quickly and helps vaporize the fuel more effectively in cold temperatures.

The end of your snorkel is a definite restriction. The more appropriate "fix" for this is to install a used-but-nice dual snorkel air cleaner assembly in place of your single. Check the Tech Articles at the front of the site for details. Lots of people have had very good success with this modification.

If you don't have a recycler yard open today from which to acquire the air cleaner, you can cut a window in the side of th eair cleaner opposite the intake snorkel, or try to remove the air filter cover and install it upside-down. The resulting gap around the perimeter of the negine will allow more intake air, but unfortunately it will be heated underhood air. The best solution is the dual-snorkel unit with all the ductwork to draw cool air from the front of the vehicle. These can be adapted well to a ram-air system as well.

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Later,
Vader
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"Let the bodies hit the floor!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

Just tryin' your photo...

Here's the dual snorkel article - Dual Snorkel

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Later,
Vader
------------------
"Let the bodies hit the floor!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader

[This message has been edited by Vader (edited June 17, 2001).]

 

I live in Michigan. This is my daily driver car. Should I leave it alone or should I take it off? Im in the mood for tinkering, and I have a nice Dremel rotary tool here just itching to cut something!

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1992 Pontiac Firebird (stock)
- 305ci V8 TBI / Automatic Trans / Every option, excluding leather
- Killer car audio system:

• Aiwa CDC-MP3 head unit
• Rockford Fosgate 360a2 amp
• pair of 12" MTX Thunder 5000s in a custom box
• Pioneer 3-way 6x9s, soon to add more more more!

 

Will it make my engine bad if i removed it? I mean, I could just cut that baby off right now and tack & tape it together if i ever needed it again. OOOOH i wanna cut stuff

------------------
1992 Pontiac Firebird (stock)
- 305ci V8 TBI / Automatic Trans / Every option, excluding leather
- Killer car audio system:

• Aiwa CDC-MP3 head unit
• Rockford Fosgate 360a2 amp
• pair of 12" MTX Thunder 5000s in a custom box
• Pioneer 3-way 6x9s, soon to add more more more!

 

1 I Jack,

I didn't have any trouble posting your photo (as you can see). Specify the *.jpg extension instead of the *.html extension in the image link. Of course, the photo will have to be posted to an HTML page or web directory first.

If you cut a window in the opposite side from the existing snorkel opening, cut the opening just the same size and shape as the current opening on the left side. Use a paper template if necessary. In case you can't find a dual unit in the bone yard, you could install a second snorkel donated from a car just like yours. A little welding or brazing would seecure it nicely, and you can cap the bottom opening of the second Thermac unit since you don't need more than one. Connect the vacuum lines to the second unit the same as the first, and the capped unit will close when cold so all the warm air will be drawn from the current snorkel. You'll appreciate having it in the winter (only six months away).

At worst, your could tack a section of sheet metal back in place to close the opening.

------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Let the bodies hit the floor!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

I don't know where ANY junkyards are. AT ALL

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Sorry, I'll stop posting my signature habit


[This message has been edited by One Eyed Jack (edited June 17, 2001).]

 

1 I Jack,

I thought Hell was in Illinois, not Michigan.

Anyway, I'm not sure where you are located, but there is a HUGE junk yard in eastern Michigan. If I remember correctly, it's called "DEARBORN". The junk yard has a sign with a big blue oval and the acronym for the place - "F*cked Over Recycle Depot" or something like that...

------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Let the bodies hit the floor!"
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

Why don't you want to go with open element? Weren't you asking questions about that a couple of weeks ago?

 

Yes I want an open element but I don't want to pay for anything! SHEESH!

Dearborn is like an hour away

------------------
1992 Pontiac Firebird (stock)
- 305ci V8 TBI / Automatic Trans / Every option, excluding leather
- Killer car audio system:

• Aiwa CDC-MP3 head unit
• Rockford Fosgate 360a2 amp
• pair of 12" MTX Thunder 5000s in a custom box
• Pioneer 3-way 6x9s, soon to add more more more!