HELP WITH FWI

Help. I'm putting in a FWI and it took much longer than expected to enlarge the hole for the cone filter (7in K&N). Since it is so late, I put it back together as a hot air intake just for tonight. (cone filter plus 90 degree elbow). I don't have the air sensor in the pipe AM I GOING TO SCREW UP ANYTHING IF I DRIVE IT LIKE THAT TOMORROW???

As long as you don't red line at every light you'll be fine.

What hole were you enlarging?

When you pull out the air box there is a square hole, 3X4" I'm guessing. Anyhow, I have to make it about a 6" round hole for the cone filter to drop through it and that is some tough stuff to cut through. I chain drilled part and used a cutting disk for the rest. I need to clean up the hole a little more but it is too late to run the air compressor in the garage. (I'm just trying to be considerate of the neighbors).
I wasn't sure if I would throw a code or something by not having that sensor in there?

If you go in through the fender, you don't have to cut any metal.

You can run with the sensor plugged in outside the intake, HVAC system may not work properly.

Even if I go in through the fender, I'm using 4" PVC. There is no way to fit it through that little square hole...

yea, i think as long as the AIT sensor is pluged in and sends info the the pcm you won't get a code.
and i was going to do the FWI but i ran into some problems, like how the 3" rubber reducer is suposed to fit over the throttle body, it's like a .5" difference. and i didnt have any tools to cut the index card size opening in the fender. maybe the 97+ had a larger hole in the fender. they do have a different part # for the air filter, but i think they are the same dimentions.

This is why Rob chose to use 3.5" tubing. That's the diameter of the TB anyway, so no reducer needed, just a 3.5" coupler. The fit to the TB with mine is perfect.

I didn't have to enlarge the hole that much... I took off the wheel and removed a couple of plastic fastners and put it on through the fender.

After enlarging the hole (I used a 4" grinder), apply a little tremclad rustproof paint to the edges.

Aaron, I don't think there is such a thing as 3.5 inch abs or pvc pipe.

There might not be 3.5" plastic pipe, but I have a 3.5" silicone coupler, so would think there'd be a 4" to 3.5" adaptor available (responding to Matthew's comment re: fitting the tube to TB).

i probably could have cut some of the 3" coupler to make it work but it wouldnt be as strong with only 1/8 or 1/16 inch wall connecting it to the TB.
jason how did you get the 3" side of the coupler over the TB?

Is the TB on the Series I smaller? Because my 4"-3" reducer slid on NO PROB.

Oh BTW, I put the factory filter back on the car this morning. I didn't want to take any chances. I'll finish the project tonight.

I think I like the larger hole idea better. It's easier access to the filter and the boot still covers the hole, so it's all good.

I don't remember having any trouble. Try heating it with a hairdryer and if that doesn't work, use a pocket knif to "skim" a bit of the inside diameter out.
If I were to do it again, I would use a silicone adapter because of the heat of the engine.

Why are we trying to make a 3" hose fit over a 3.5" TB opening? It's only going to slip off, or worse it will weaken if you try to reduce the material. Why not use the correct size? 3.5" to 4" silicone adapter available here: http://www.turbohoses.com/Transition.htm

to be quite honest u arent going to hurt ur engine by running it without a sensor but u will get a CHECK ENGINE light

I ran mine without the sensor and didn't get an SES light. The only way I knew was the AC stopped working.

This is the finished product, but my question is: I noticed some intake pipes are wrapped to protect them from the engine heat, Does that make a significant difference?

Not in my opinion. While it will delay the tube from heating up, insulation will also keep it warm for longer once it's warmed up. The important thing is to locate the filter in a place where it can pull in cooler air than that in the engine bay.

Looks really good, btw!! How does it sound?

OFFF TOPIC BUTTTTTTTT how did u install that Uppper radiator hose LOL its really hard to get at for me ??

travis, did you pull the fiberglass overlay on the radiator?

HMMMMMMMMMMM ahhh thanks MANN

Mr.Riviera wrote:

travis, did you pull the fiberglass overlay on the radiator?

isnt it that huge piece of metal over the top of the radiator???

its not metal, but yea. i think there are 4-6 bolts holding it on

Mr.Riviera wrote:

its not metal, but yea. i think there are 4-6 bolts holding it on

wow thank YOU SOOOOOOO much now i can FINALLY put that on WOOOOOOOOhoooooooooooo.... ALSO how much Coolant leaks out or if any ???