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Dyno Science: "CAI" Box vs Open Cone Intake

SlowNA06

SlowNA06

New member
Location: Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
Elevation: ~450 ft
Dyno: Axcelerated Motorsports Dynojet 248H High Inertia Chassis Dynamometer
Vehicle: 2004 Grand Prix GTP Competition Group, 93 Octane Gas
Modifications:

  • ZZP 3" Stainless Catted Downpipe
  • ZZP Stainless Powerlog
  • 9" Oiled Intake Cone Filter
  • 3.4" Supercharger Pulley
  • 180* Thermostat
  • Autolite 104 Spark Plugs
  • 10.4mm Taylor 409 Pro Race Spiro-Wound Spark Plug Wires
  • Overkill Tune
Test #1:

  • Thrasher "Cold Air Intake" Box
  • 2 "Runs"
  • 10:04 AM
  • 83.56* F
  • 29.66 inHg
  • 25% Humidity
  • HP: 222.50 @ 5,000 rpm
  • Max HP: 223.81
  • Torque: 260.60 @ 3,400 rpm
  • Max Torque: 261.18


Test #2:
  • "Open Cone" / "Hot Air Intake" (Box Removed)
  • 2 "Runs"
  • 2:23 PM
  • 92.48* F
  • 29.61 inHg
  • 9% Humidity
  • HP: 223.98 @ 4,900 rpm
  • Max HP: 224.66
  • Torque: 263.44 @ 3,500 rpm
  • Max Torque: 264.46


Side-By-Side Comparison:


Close-up of HP/Tq Intersection:


This was by no means a perfect test, mostly given the changes in ambient air temperature (a difference of 8.92* F), but it's better than nothing. I am led to believe that given the same ambient air temperature, the difference in power would have been slightly greater, as the open cone test was run under hotter ambient temperature. I think it is also worth pointing out that the open cone also allowed more supercharger "whine" to escape and seemed to draw the attention of more fairgoers.
 
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there was only one run made each? just wondering since given that you'd have left the trasher box on, would the numbers have still come out differently? who knows..

but at least this shows an open cone wont LOSE any power over a 'cold' air intake.
 


A very good comparison to say the least. Will you see the HP differences on the track? Probably not, but it's good to know that the numbers are there to prove you don't have to spend an assload of money on intake systems.

I'll probably stick with what I've got, just for the simple fact I already have it, no other reason not to I suppose.
 
Thanks for taking the time to do this test! I have one quesiton, did the open cone set up had the filter connected directly to the TB or did it hasd some type of tubbing in between?
 
YES...good thing we've been preaching it Nick...goes to show it finally made beter numbers even if it is small...now we just gotta get Brian to go open cone...and keep his filter clean from all the crap in his fenderwell.
 


this should be done on a 97-03 car as well since we dont have an external MAF to lengthen the intake. the cone being directly on the throttle body i would assume would give an even greater margin of gain as well as being significantly louder than stock.
 
I'd dyno mine...except the mod list would kinda kill it...I'd like to see the gains on a stock or barely modded car
 
If someone wants to lend a fenderwell intake, I'd be happy to try that as well. This test in no way actually disproves the function of those.
 


Here's the thing, the hood was open right? Well not sure if anyone has scanned their car on a 90* day, the intake temps sky rocket in the 150's to 190's. What does this mean besides slow? Well you guys running stock computers, or computers done by the vendors still have a spark table that PULLS timing as the intake temps go up. On top of that, it will pull/add timing as the car runs richer or leaner. With a tuner the open cone is hands down the best way to go when you get rid of those useless tables GM put in the computer, without a tuner a fenderwell or a "ice box" intake is the best route for all around consistency. Obviously it will perform well when the hood is open, or cooled off at the track, but what about when you're driving around for an hour and decide to get on it? You will be welcomed with a handful of slow, that's what.
 
Reptile said:
Will you see the HP differences on the track? I'll probably stick with what I've got, just for the simple fact I already have it, no other reason not to I suppose.
Click to expand...

This exactly. I've had several intakes and have yet to feel the 1 hp difference.

The Thrasher setup I have now is a lot quieter at idle...which I appreciate.
 
nice test thank you. I agree that this test does not accurately compare the two.

1. Look at the a/f ratio between the two, huge difference.
2. The HAI will have significant heat soak compared to the air box. A/F ratio and spark timing aside, the cooler air will make more power.
 
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