Custom Air Intake Idea Using an OEM Paper Filter

[AssBurns]

Let me start off by explaining what my goals are for this. The end goal is to make more room in my engine bay to tub the wheel wells for more up travel and possibly larger tires down the line. The stock air box is too big to leave since my tire already rubs the bottom corner of the air box with 35's and stock up travel. So an option would be to get a cold air intake since it takes up significantly less room in that corner of the engine bay. Now, I'm not a huge fan of oiled filters. Mainly because I'm lazy and don't want to have to clean it after every trip. Also there are issues with oil getting on the MAF sensor, and less filtration compared to paper filters. I really love the ability of stopping at any auto parts store at any time and dropping in a fresh filter for around $10.

With that said, my idea was to find a filter that is a stock paper filter for another vehicle and be used in a way that will work for me. After some research, I found that the 1989-1991 Honda Prelude filter is a good candidate. It is a cylindrical shape with a tube coming out of it that is 3" outside diameter, which would be perfect for an intake hose to slide over and clamp onto. The tube that our MAF sensor is mounted to also has a OD of just under 3". I would just have to cut the air box off the tube. So if I used a 3" ID silicone intake hose coupler and a couple hose clamps, I could essentially have an intake that takes up far less room than the stock air box and I would still have the ability to stop by any auto parts store and pick up an air filter for a few bucks.


Air Filter

Silicone Hose Coupler


What do you guys think? Does it sound like it will be a decent idea, or am I missing something? Opinions are appreciated.

 

[yella]

I am by no means an expert, but it seems to be the same result as a KN Cold Air Intake really. The KN is just specifically an oiled filter, the Honda one is not. Although I personally dont think the CAI will add any hp, I like that your reasons for doing so are not hp related.

I say giv'er and take pictures.


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[averyislost]

I don't see any reason why that wouldn't work, but I'd possibly be a little worried about having that filter open to the elements.

I'm sure a K&N or comparable dry filter would have thicker pleating to protect against dusty/dirty environments better vs a stock filter like that designed to be protected inside of an airbox.

 

[99problems]

You might want to run an air filter wrap over the filter for extra protection, but this seems like it should work just fine.

 

[AssBurns]

Thanks for the responses guys! Yeah definitely not doing it for HP but it would be cool if there was any sort of gain (highly doubtful though!). I could probably make a box for the filter like K&N does on theirs. That could help a little with the engine heat as well as dust. I’d have to ditch the stock snorkel that goes under the fender well since I’m hoping for a tire to eventually go there. Good idea on the a pre-filter wrap. I’ll have to pick one of those up when I do this.

I’m gonna have to go to a pick-a-part soon to look for an air box to cut up rather than cut up my existing one if it doesn’t work.