After dyno testing a variety of intakes, we have realized that the K20A in the FD2 actually works very well with an intake with a relatively short pipe. Something that uses the factory rubber tubing actually works pretty well too.
However, heat soak is always an issue with the filter situated in the engine bay. We had to combat that head on, or else power gains would be compromised. So, what better way to do that than to route cool air from outside the car to the air filter.
On separate occasions, we tested with different air ducts. The first one was the M&M intake duct, which is situated behind the left bumper air dam. It is also interesting to note that recently, Toda Racing has also launched an air duct that has an uncannily similar design.
Here is a picture that had the M&M air duct installed.
It sits behind the factory brake air duct, and connects up to the airbox via a snorkle that forms part of the original resonator system.
Driving impression was that it definitely works better than without any ducting.
Now, we had another one that we wanted to test. This time round, it is from Backyard Special
Initial observation of the product was that it was of a lesser quality compared to the M&M, which had a nice FRP gel coated finish. In fact, the piece i had where the 2 separate fibreglass pieces butts were met, besides having the normal faint line, it had a crack! But I guess, functionality wise, it will work just as well (regardless of fibreglass finish).
This air duct gets the cool air from the large front air dam and gets routed towards the airbox in a more direct path. It also has a larger catchment surface area and should be more efficient.
Here are some pictures of the installed product
Front view
Side view
Installed with crash bar back in place
My observations on it were that it’s catchment area is a little too big. Such that it actually covers a small part of the A/C condenser and radiator. Yes, I want cool air, but I am unwilling to sacrifice any cooling efficiency. It also hides the ambient air temp sensor (right behind bumper) from a direct stream of air.
I will be improvising on the design to incorporate some of my observations and test it out on the car again to see how it works. Do come back and check it out soon.