Low Budget Intake

[Carlarm]

Could someone explain how replacing the tube that (if I understand correctly) connects the air filter box to the fuel-injection thingy (in older cars was a carburetor) would improve the performance of the engine? If so, does that mean it was not designed correctly by smart? Please enlighten me.

[IH8OPEC]

Originally Posted by Carlarm

Could someone explain how replacing the tube that (if I understand correctly) connects the air filter box to the fuel-injection thingy (in older cars was a carburetor) would improve the performance of the engine? If so, does that mean it was not designed correctly by smart? Please enlighten me.

It was designed to meet emissions rules and is correct according to some govt. scientists (who BTW have never worked on a car) but the way they're hooked up to make a closed system makes the PCV fight over the available vacuum in the intake manifold causing it to go neutral at times, building up crankcase pressure which in turn affects the bottom side of the piston!

Unhooking the tube from the air filter housing and giving it its own filter stops it from the vacuum competition letting it work more efficiently, but and open system will leak oil from the filter and also lets vapors out when the engine is shut down.

[BARNEY O]

I have logged over 5000 miles on my low budget intake design.
decided to take it apart and examine all the components.
The large hose bone dry inside
Top side of air filter(Paper) clean, no oil droplets or residue
Vent hose (small hose) dry

Granted my car has a little over 8000 total miles and engine is still prime condition I'am totally satisfied with my design as it parallels what GM and others had back in 70's.
As the engine ages and crankcase pressures come up somewhat I still would prefer venting my crankcase directly to top side of air cleaner box vs dumping into the big hose(intake) just ahead of the throttle body unit.
My configuration will allow the engine crankcase to breathe either under part throttle conditions (most driving) to WOT where if crankcase pressure comes up it can exhaust to air cleaner box and best of all not disturbing inlet air ahead of throttle body as current aftermarket hoses do.
Remember the whole concept of this hose idea was for performance even though gains will be minimal at best.

BARNEY O..... no disturbed air in my hose

[fastturb]

you can still buy those small filters that were clipped on the inside of the air cleaners (metal clip and plastic filter holder) - but it sounds like you don't need. I've never seen engine oil leak from a PCV outlet - just oily condensation.

[BARNEY O]

Originally Posted by fastturb

you can still buy those small filters that were clipped on the inside of the air cleaners (metal clip and plastic filter holder) - but it sounds like you don't need. I've never seen engine oil leak from a PCV outlet - just oily condensation.

I miss my muscle cars, they were so easy to figure out!!

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by BARNEY O

I miss my muscle cars, they were so easy to figure out!!

Are talking about Old Muscle

Or new


Somehow the new Looks Simpler

[BARNEY O]

For me the early picture is my cup of tea. With a small toolbox in trunk I could probably get myself home barring major destruction.
On the other hand I truly love the new look. Problem for me is simple.
When I gave up Drag racing and my dyno shop side, electronics was just coming into play. Remember the HEI GM distributor?
The basic principles are still pretty much the same but I have not been able to keep up with the electronic side of the equation.
My focus has been towards my machine shop side instead.
You can't imagine the number of cool parts you can make on these CNC machines!!

Barney O.... hijacking my own thread with bio....

[Bad-Tat]

Nothing simple on that new one! Just all covered up!

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by Bad-Tat

Nothing simple on that new one! Just all covered up!

...not only not simple but this are the kind of set up that you need eye balls on your finger tips to work on...

jetfuel...

[SmartChip]

It's 1:50 am, I just found and finished reading this entire discusion about a little tube that sucks a little bit of air sometimes. My eyes are burning, my head aches and I still don't understand the exact problem. Mabye I'm just dumb or really tired. Please do me a favor, each one of you that is qualified by schooling,technical expertise and experience,please re-state in terms that a non-technical/non-experienced person like me can understand where is the best location for the end of this little tube to be located,and WHY. Please keep your explanations to 5000 words or less. I would REALLY like to know so that I can modify my Smart to optimize this system and make my car run better and do what is best for the enviroment. Thank you for all of your help. Looking for help in all the right places. cheerz, SmartChip