I have done the "cold" air intake using PVC pipe and everything but it's getting summer time and I want it to be a "true" cold air setup. So what I plan to do is cut a hole there under the filter and use some more pvc pipe and extend it down into the fender. Then go have an exhaust shop or something fab me up a 3" pipe just like the shape of the pvc. But im not sure about the issue of water and stuff. First of all, I am missing the front of that wheel well. Would that shield it from water, etc. or will I not have to worry about it even driving in heavy rain? Or could I just buy an AEM bypass valve and not have to worry about it? Or would I need a bypass valve...

Let me know what you think...

 

even with a fenderwell i was getting watter in there after i cut out the tray. to solve the problem i drilled a few holes and used some mud flap rubber and those door pannel retainer pins and made a blockoff plate. during the winter i run open element and during the summer i run open fender . it seems to work ok.

 

i have a 92 3.1 and i just got a front air box off a 88 2.8 and put in some k&n filters and it works just fine

 

In TN I wouldn't think its as big of an issue as say... Florida (where I live) that regularly gets 20 inches of rain a month, usually all in a 15 minute time period.

I routed mine into the area where the headlight normally closes (headlights stopped closing years ago.) (oh yeah and its a firebird). Its just an open element cone style K&N that sticks in there. I think it was from a mitsubishi, I wasn't paying attention, I just opened all the boxes until I found one that fit the PVC I was using. NO trouble yet, but then again I don't drive into 2 feet of water either. I tend to avoid the rain and not drive during the predictable 4-4:15pm thunderstorm in the summertime here.

Normal 2.8 airbox is way too restrictive for my taste.