Replacing Airbox

[Iyse]

Soon I will replace the airbox with an induction kit, not primarily to get any performance, but to achieve that deeper sound coming from the bonnet that I've always wanted to match my beautiful (and sometime obnoxious) exhaust sound. What induction kits can fit on to a W202 and how difficult is it to install? I know I've got to watch out for MAS failure, but I read here and there that the MAS fails over time anyway, so I'm going to take the plunge soon and get one in there.

I noticed Koolvin has a custom made bay for the cone. Would I have to make one of these myself or is it able to be purchased? Any help on induction kit choices, installation and safety would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[jgevers]

Hi,

I would not fit an 'induction kit' to your car if I were you. Besides the problems that occur with the Air Mass sensor, the main reason is that the inlet air temperature will rise because of the engine now getting hot air from under the bonnet instead of cool air from outside. The pipe you point towards the induction kit makes virtually no difference in this.

The high inlet air temperature will lose you power in 2 ways. 1st: Hot air is less dense than cold air, so basic physics should tell you that there will be less energy from combustion with less dense air. 2nd: When the inlet air temperature rises, information from the inlet air temperature sensor will make the ECU retard the ignition resulting in lower power figures and higher fuel consumption.

The extra air an induction kit provides is negligable. The OE airboxes are designed to make use of the natural inlet pulses. This increases the inlet airflow.

In my opinion these 'boy racer' products do more harm than good. When did you last see a professional race or rally car without a proper airbox? Exactly!

regards,

Job

 

[Spinal]

Just my two pence worth, but as I've think I have already mentioned, the merc's air filter provides quite minor resistance. At most you might want to change the filter itself with a cotton fibre filter (watch out tho, these need regular cleaning and oiling); but the merc air system is actually quite goot for performance. If its just sound you want, then you might consider a bigger pipe going to the airbox....
Spinal

 

[guydewdney]

cut the bottom off the airbox?

 

[Spinal]

cut the bottom off the airbox?

That would take the worse of both worlds. I would render the pipe leading to the cold air front intake useless (sucking HOT eninge air) while at the same time projecting all the noise towards the metal under the bottom of the box. I.e. no more sound, but alot less performance...
Spinal