Performance Intake testing is done** real data is here

[BreathlessPerformance]

As far as the paper filter we will be doing a CFM test on our flowbench machine to get the #s. I do think it is good enough for the amount of hp that engine is producing.

If you like you can send me the PDF of the 450 system and I would be glad to look at it and even test it.

Ernie
Ernie@BreathlessPerformance.com

[Dunerunner]

Just took a look at my smart and was wondering how much room there is above the left rear wheel well and if an air box coould be mounted there. It would have to house the filter and may extend into the engine compartment some. Maybe a hinge and snap clamp closure like my new beetle would work, but we are talking an injection molded ABS box that would enclose a performance filter thats what 4 1/2 inches in diameter? I was just thinking that if the space in the well is 3 - 4", It might provide enough extra space for the setup and remain isolated from the engine compartment. Lots of cutting to do and not a weekend 6 pack DIY project for the hammer to fit mechanic. Glad you at Breathless are working this!!!

[pabille]

Would an external scoop work to create a ram-air effect? Something similar to what Smartcar Universe or S-Mann offer. I noticed the intake slot that draws in air is actually angled to the rear. Most likely this is to reduce the possibility of moisture (precipitation, splashing ground water) getting into the system. This setup means the cool airflow created from forward motion isn't taken full advantage of.

[Fredvon4]

I doubt the scoops give any Ram Air effect that is noticeable

BUT I keep thinking I would like to see a smoke stream in a wind tunnel on this car...I suspect the location of the inlet is in a negative pressure zone and the scoop may help the motor fight high speed suction at the current inlet

BTW Thanks Ernie...In my craft the proof is always in the data...and it bothers me greatly when folks hype up or embellish any factor in a sales pitch...

I have argued endless hours about soem of the various cold air kits for Ford trucks that actually raise air inlet temps...and I am glad you noted the effect an increase in air temp has on performance..... not just because it is hot less dense air, but because the computers react to the hot air in a negative way...

Great post thanks!

[Old smart]

Maybe an area to concentrate on is the ducting and the left hip intake scoop leading to the stock air box. It is possible that the smart got a less than optimum intake scoop for exterior design considerations. If there is room enough, maybe a flush intake scoop of the aviation/road racing type would have some low drag, high capacity benefit.

[Evilution]

Originally Posted by pabille

Would an external scoop work to create a ram-air effect?

Forget ram air. for normal driving speeds, to get ram air the scoop would have to be the size of a dumpster.

[Fredvon4]

Kane .....I do some interesting instrumented data collection...while I agree that at freeway speeds the flow will have real low ram effect... a dumpster is a gross exageration...but true the size needed would be one ugly appendage...

In this case, about a 2 foot tall by 13 inch wide side scoop with a 1:3 reduction ratio and no 90degree bends into the micro throttle body...with some escapement for water..... this is the real kicker on ram air, the water trap dramatically reduces laminar air flow

What I am suggesting above, is that the current inlet is probably a negative pressure area...thus the motor has to over come the suction to ingest the volume of air it needs it needs.... I wonder if a simple 6 inch tall, 3 inch chord, reverse wing out board 3 or 4 inches would make the inlet a high(ER) pressure area and allow a better NA air charge

[xcrew229x]

Just give me a Delorean with Mr Fusion sticking out of the hatch........

[BreathlessPerformance]

The testing that we did anybody can do. Just leave it in drive and floor it. Monitor with a stop watch and you can use a scan gauge and watch the IAT temps rise.

Ernie

[artificial]

smart