so it seems more and more at the local car shows and third gen meets owners are putting the air filter right on the throttle body. WHY. where is this air coming from. I see no benefit from it. Does anyone know is this for looks or does it do something good for your engine. i have seen a dozen TPI engine with this on it. here is a pic of what type of filter im talking about. where talking about engines that are speed density.

 

Most people whove used them in the past, have used them because of space limitations (like an S10 TPI V8 swap). The stock TPI intake doesnt flow quite as well due to the lack of air filter area, so on a high output engine it can help free up some horsepower, but you loose the benefit of cold air. Although the one you posted there looks restrictive at best.

I guess others just run them for bling effect.

 

Lots of stuff is only put on for a car show, usually to get junk out of the way so you can see more of the engine.

 

because it's pretty. Here, let's look at the true CAI system I have on my 4th gen. I've since added a chrome elbow (long tubes too) but a small filter right on the TB is so much prettier

 

that looks good.

 

Hi
Sorry I realise that this is an old post but I have be searching everywhere for a replacement filter element for this filter. Do you know who in the US stocks these
Many Thanks

John Sperry
New Zealand

 

Try searching for KNN-5000.

 

Thanks for replying The K&N 5000 is too long I Have only 2 3/4 " between the throttle body and A/C belt

Cheers

John

 

those goofy air filters go back to the late 80's when people were first starting to swap TPI motors into other cars. they didn't care about getting cool air to the engine, they just cared about getting some sort of an air cleaner on it and making it look pretty.

 

When space is at a premium any filter is better than none

 

But doesn't that affect the throttle body air flow without the MAF in place on a TPI motor?

 

Most of those are speed density swaps.

I actually have one on my formula right now because my blower is off the car.

-- Joe