Yet another CAI Q- NEED HELP :(

[Timnkoo]

Hi guys and gals,

First off I would like to commend the moderators on running such a fantastic forum. WELL DOWN !

Aside from that I have been looking through the mass of posts based around CAIs and filters etc and would like to build a complete system by myself (with some help though lol), and I just need some things straigtened out. Firstly I own a COMPLETELY stock 97 GR, obviously one of the most important/significant mods is a CAI. Now I have read previous DIY guides including the PVC piping one's etc but I am getting confused between a few simple things which I'm sure you guys can help me with. This is what I'm assuming I currently understand- require cool air taken from a "pvc pipe" setup as posted in the DIY section(http://ftoaustralia.com/modules.php?nam ... pic&t=4117) which is fed into the new POD filter which then continues on. Now going by the pics at the bottom of the previous link the induced air just flows randomly into the filter- is this correct or is there/should there be some sort of cover (is it called an air box?) over the filter to a) directly air flow more efficiently and b) insulate from engine temp? If this is correct, would it be ok if I just ran a setup similar to the pics, obviously air temp would be greater but just wonder if this would be an advancement on "stock"?

Now to my next issue- The GR as most would know has a MAS (Mass Air-flow Sensor) at the end of the intake tube. What does this actually mean and would the system I was speaking about before still work? I really have no idea on this part- I found this info from http://www.derestricted.net/fto/mods/in ... intake.htm and now I'm really confused.

Finally could I get an opinion on the best value for money pod filter. I am a uni student therefore on a bread-water budget, so I wouldn't like to spend more than $100-150.

Many many thanks in advance to those who take the time to offer their knowledge and opinions.

Tim

[Bennoz]

Hi Tim - and welcome to the club

GR's are my specialty! First things first - the pipe from the throttle body to the mass sensor - because of that sensor, its a bit difficult to be doing the PVC route. The easist way is using 75 mm black flexible piping. Available from any hardware store, and you can utilise the exisiting hose clamps to secure it. There is also a small breather pipe running from the motor into the existing air pipe - you'll need to either join that up to your new pipe, or filter it (see it in pic below)

Your next hurdle is making an adaptor that bolts onto the mass sensor to attach the filter to. Mxsxy did a great DIY on a similar arrangement:
http://www.ftoaustralia.com/modules.php ... pic&t=3453
Difference there is he was bolting to an Apexi filter - you need to be bolting that the other way round to the mass sensor. You can then slide something like a K&N filter onto it.

The air box can really be made out of anything. Some guys here have even used things like big chrome car sunvisors.... Alternatively UAS (www.uniqueautosports.com.au) see the air box for $75.

You then have to make a small mounting bracket that goes from the mass sensor to the engine bay. A small flat peice of steel will do the trick. This is to stop the intake bouncing around - as you loose all rigidity when you pull the old air box out.

Lastly, if you want to get the max out if it - run more flexible pipe from under the air box, to just behind your front bumber. You notice Mitsubishi have already done this for you, but it aint real good. Other members can fill you in on how they went about doing theirs.

Alternatively - you can buy the whole kit (without the pipe to from air box to front bumper bit) from UAS

You should end up with something like this at the end of the day: