Air Box Modification

Author: Chiketkd
This mod will work for both stock SVXs as well as ones in which owners have modified the intake resonator by removing the bottom section. It serves two main purposes:
  1. Almost completely seals the air box from the hot engine air (there's a tiny ball-point sized hole that sits in the lower section of the air box to allow any water that gets into your air box to drain out. I did NOT plug this hole)
  2. If you've fabricated a ram-air system, it will operate much more efficiently (less pressure drop when forced air enters air box - as it cannot escape into the engine bay but is forced through the air filter into the engine!)
  3. This mod takes about 1/2 hour to do and on a difficulty scale of 1-10 (10 is most difficult), I'd rate this as a 1. If you can change your air filter and turn a socket wrench, you can do this mod!
  4. The intake resonator, shown below, sits inside the passenger-side fender of the SVX. It runs in a U-shape from a point directly behind the turn signal, to a point just inside of the air box:

The portion that terminates at the air box doesn't form a seal of any kind with a rubber ring that goes around the opening.

To do this mod, you'll need a socket wrench, 10mm socket and extension, as well as the $3 water-proof wrapping tape from your local hardware store or WalMart.

Step 1: Remove the entire upper and lower portion of the air box. The lower portion is held down by two 10mm bolts on a bracket, and rubber piece that sticks into the fender. The portion of the resonator that sticks into the air box will be clearly visible:

Step 2: Take the 'rubbery' wrapping tape and wrap it around the 1 inch tip of the resonator.

Step 3: Test fit the bottom portion of the airbox with the wrapped end of the resonator. Check for a tight, snug, air-tight fit! (if still loose, put more wrap around the resonator until the fit is snug)

Step 4: Re-assemble the air box. You're all done!!!!

P.S. I took my car for a drive afterwards. Nothing felt much different but above 90+mph on the interstate I did notice a much "stronger" intake induction noise than before. I have modified my intake resonator so that only the top 6 inches remain and I've cut it so that the opening is flush with the front of the car.

I'm not sure if it I'm getting a true ram-air effect at high speeds, but this mod will definitely help keep 160+ degree engine bay heat out of my intake.