stock air box - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

chumly · 10-23-2009, 08:24 PM

Would it make any difference if the rubber flaps in the bottom of the factory air box were reversed when using an air scoop? Would there be a "ram air effect" or would it draw air from the bottom? Would it cause any problems with water infiltration in a hard rain ?

BARNEY O · 10-26-2009, 05:50 PM

Looks like your the test goat on this one!

**jwight** · 11-10-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chumly

Would it make any difference if the rubber flaps in the bottom of the factory air box were reversed when using an air scoop? Would there be a "ram air effect" or would it draw air from the bottom? Would it cause any problems with water infiltration in a hard rain ?

Any more on this one? Photos, etc?

chumly · 11-10-2009, 08:49 AM

I don't have access to a decent camera for pictures, but I am referring to the the one way rubber "valves" in the bottom half of the air box (at least on the 2008 models, I don't know about the 2009 models).It would seem that if there was pressure from an air scoop(ram air) it would close the valves but if the engine needed more air (full throttle) they might open up to supply the extra air.

fredbrentjr · 11-11-2009, 05:55 AM

The valves are there to expell water sucked in at the side intake. If you reverse them you'd end up with an aquarium on wheels.

chumly · 11-11-2009, 03:37 PM

What about in dry weather?

TMACK · 11-11-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chumly

What about in dry weather?

Ok, ok. There are two purge valves, so turn one in and the other out: got full coverage then.
Or, point both reverse during dry weather for your breathing gain(?) and run out, dig around the engine bay and point normal whenever ran comes.

Old smart · 11-11-2009, 04:52 PM

J'a 'spose that Daimler AG/M-B Cars group/smart GmbH might have actually known what they were doing when they designed (and undoubtedly tested for effiency) the air box?

TMACK · 11-11-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old smart

J'a 'spose that Daimler AG/M-B Cars group/smart GmbH might have actually known what they were doing when they designed (and undoubtedly tested for effiency) the air box?

Naaah.
It's a nefarious plot to drive us nuts.

chumly · 11-11-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMACK

Naaah.
It's a nefarious plot to drive us nuts.

I think it might be working!